A dedicated volunteer, recently recognized provincially, has decided to throw her hat into the political ring.
Nancy Hartford, who has a cattle ranch with her husband Wayne west of Rimbey, will let her name stand as a candidate for a Ponoka County councillor in the upcoming fall election.
“I have been thinking about it for a couple of years,” she said.
Hartford, who was raised on a farm southwest of Medicine Hat, moved to the Rimbey area in 1990. She and her husband have 40 cow/calf pair operation.
Being raised in rural Alberta and continuing with that lifestyle has given her an understanding about the issues and concerns prevalent to people living in the country.
“I’m sure I’m concerned about the same issues other rural Albertans are,” she said. “Maintaining the roads in the summer and the winter and keeping taxes low. I also want to see responsible development in the county.”
Hartford, who considers herself a bean counter, has not been a player in municipal politics but is confident she is up for the challenge.
“It will be a learning curve but I am a fast learner,” she said.
In 2012, Hartford, who is chairman of the Rimbey FCSS and has served for more than 16 years as member on the board, received the Family and Community Support Services Award of Merit.
Peggy Makofka, executive director for Rimbey FCSS, said Hartford contributes in Rimbey and provincially through her volunteer efforts and is able to instill rural values through her leadership.
Hartford also volunteers for Central Alberta Raceway. She has been on the board for the junior B hockey team in Rimbey, served on the last West Hall Board, and been part of the Rimbey Booster Club for the Christian School.
She has one adult son, Paul, who also lives in Ponoka County.
Hartford’s family supports her decision to run for county council and she is confident she would enjoy the position.
“I think I would do a good job.”