Land, technology, and bringing the focus back on historical downtown Broadway Avenue. 

Those are the three main platforms for Gary Smith, who is running for mayor of Blackfalds in the upcoming municipal election.

Smith says his experience in the technology industry will help Blackfalds stay current in the digital age.

“Technology is number one. I’ve been in technology for 27 years. We are in a world that is changing so fast, and it’s not just affecting the individual citizens, it’s affecting municipalities, and it’s a digital transformation. So that’s my main platform is that we really have to start adapting in Blackfalds, to the new reality, the digital transformation, and the future that is in front of us.” 

Smith talks about how he would handle Blackfalds exceptional growth rate, as it was the fastest growing municipality for the past few years. 

“It’s been fast, and I’m going to be honest, I think that’s a bit of a problem… they (current Council) have done a great job… but in Japanese management thought, it’s ‘stop, think, and act’. I believe that that’s sort of the approach we need to take, because we have grown so fast, we really need to take a look at where we are going.”  

Smith has been involved and worked with major political parties since he was 18, and at one point had ambitions to become Prime Minister. 

He currently works in the technology industry, for Graycon IT out of Red Deer while living in Blackfalds.