BARNHART FOR BEAUMONT: CANDIDATE ENTERS MUNICIPAL ELECTION

BEAUMONT, AB September 24, 2013 Kathy Barnhart, a 24-year resident of Beaumont, today announced her candidacy for Town of Beaumont Councillor. I have spent my career in municipal government so I know how it works, explains Barnhart. This experience, has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of municipal budgets, programs and services, and effective governance. Barnhart says that her priorities include better two-way communication with residents, enhanced services for young families and youth, and sustainable growth. COMMUNICATION I see an opportunity for the Town to improve its communication and consultation with residents, says Barnhart. I would use more electronic media, host more citizen advisory panels and increase involvement in budget planning. SERVICES FOR YOUNG FAMILIES AND YOUTH Barnhart recognizes that Beaumont has a very young population and the hightest average household income in the Edmonton capital region. There are a lot of two parent working families in Beaumont, says Barnhart. Children and youth need after school and weekend activities close to home that do not involve a ride into Leduc or Edmonton. Barnhart says she will encourage more facilities and safe activities in neighbourhood parks sponsored by volunteer groups and local businesses. I am a strong supporter of quality, affordable child care, declares Barnhart. I will work with the newly-formed Child Care Advisory Board to develop a sustainable child care plan in partnership with schools, the Province and other child care providers. SUSTAINABLE GROWTH Acknowledging that the population of Beaumont has almost doubled since 2007, she wants to work toward a new regional deal with the Province and County of Leduc to ensure revenue from Nisku and the Edmonton International Airport is shared fairly and proportionately. While annexation to the north and west is currently being pursued, Barnhart firmly believes that local communities, like Beaumont, should be allowed to prioritize its own amenities and infrastructure. ABOUT KATHY BARNHART Born in New York City, Kathy, her husband Ron and their two children moved to Canada in the 1970s, and to Alberta in 1979. Kathy holds a Masters degree in Education Administration, Bachelors degrees in Liberal Arts and Early Childhood Education. In February of this year, Kathy founded a small business, Kathy Barnhart Consulting Inc., and is sharing her knowledge and expertise in leadership and management in sustainable human service organizations. She spent more than two decades with the City of Edmonton, holding progressively senior positions before retiring as branch manager. Kathy is

currently on the executive of the Institute of Public Administration in Canada (IPAC) and is a member of the Rotary Club. -30For more information or interviews, contact: Kathy Barnhart 780-721-5504 kathybarnhart@telus.net tweet: @kathy_barnhart Facebook: Elect Kathy Barnhart