Bow Island’s mayor, Alan Hyland, has officially declared he will be running for re-election this fall.

“I have been involved in politics since the late 60s with the exception of five years, and it’s the 100th anniversary of the town coming up. When you’re involved in about half the life of the community, it’s nice to be around for that,” he said.

Thinking over the years he has held the position as mayor, Hyland said it’s good to take a look at some of the things council has accomplished.

“We try to make the best use of the money we’re given. It’s a constant battle to upgrade the streets, but if you look over the last 10  years you see how many projects are really done. We have accomplished a lot together. Through the years we have had a very good council. We get ideas and make rough plans so we are ready to access government programs when they come out through the good work of the staff and the priorities set by council,” he said.

Another important job council does along with the mayor is advocate for things that are important to the community.

“We have advocated for the hospital from day one. We have advocated for fairness in the drug policy. I took that issue to the mayors’ meeting and the FCSS convention as soon as Taria (Gouw, local pharmacist) told us about it. I told my contacts and they told theirs.

“That’s just two examples. It’s important to advocate for things that are important for the community. We also have been supporting the Medicine Hat Hospital because that is our regional hospital. We’ve been on that from day one as well. I’ve met two or three times with various ministers and with Alberta Health Services.”He added they have met with the MLA and representatives with AHS from Medicine Hat looking for more information about that hospital and the Bow Island facility while ensuring everyone understood the importance of the hospital to the people who live in the town and surrounding area. He added this was an easier task because the community pulled together and was vocal in its support on the same issue.

“I think that’s why we have been so successful. We pulled together with the public, and that helps us and it helps the next level as well. Then the MLA can say he’s got the public supporting an issue, he’s got the mayor and council supporting an issue - we’ve got to do something. You accomplish more working together than standing on a soapbox talking to people. Just talking doesn’t get results. Working together gets results.”His long experience in the political arena has also helped him to get results with questions and issues. He said it’s not only the people you know but the knowledge of how government works that helps.

“A knowledge of how government operates is as important as the people. Most often you are dealing with people who are trying to better the province and their area. You have to understand people and know they are doing the best they can.”Currently Hyland stays busy on several committees, a task that not only helps him work towards bettering the province but gives him access to further contacts.

“There are a lot of things we do here they don’t do in other places,” he said.

This includes being involved with FCSS as well as the Economic Development Alliance and the senior’s lodge. Highland is also involved with the Palliser Economic Partnership and is working with other groups as well trying to establish an economic development corridor on the east side of the province.

He added that cooperating with surrounding municipalities is also an important component to his job.

“Cooperation with the county is at an all time high right now. We are also cooperating with Taber with the water plant and we continue to do things with the EDA.”