Tamara Miyanaga: Dedicated leadership and vision for MD of Taber

By Nerissa McNaughton
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Tamara Miyanaga is seeking re-election as Reeve for MD of Taber. She has been on council for eight years, with two of the years as Reeve.

“My interest in politics started early. I recognized if you want to see change, you must be at the table with sound ideas and willing to work,” says Miyanaga. “In high school and university, I held council positions. While raising my family, I was active with parent council and social causes. It was a natural progression to run at a municipal level so I could serve my neighbours and the region.”

She cites some highlights from her time as Reeve, noting, “There are many Council accomplishments, but what stands out is working with Vauxhall Council to get ambulance service to Vauxhall, and secondly paid on-call for our firefighters. Without firefighters willing to serve, and their families and workplaces understanding the importance of attending calls, our municipality would be at risk and face incredible costs.”

With her many years on council and her years as Reeve, she has a sound understanding of the pressing issues facing the municipality.

“The MD of Taber has 2,400 kilometres of roads. We need to find a way to address maintenance and rehabilitation,” she notes. “Additionally, the volume of vehicles and their weight is beyond the current maintenance plan. With Highway 3 twinning and the progress of the Canada Premier Food Corridor, it is important that we highlight the advantages of locating business in the municipality. We must be ready with utilities while developing hamlets, airport expansion, and recreation. We must optimize municipal assets and find alternate sources of funding so we can refine the budget to improve services, maintain taxes, and ensure the MD of Taber remains a great place to farm, operate a business and raise a family.”

Miyanaga would like to see voters turn out to help shape the future of the MD of Taber.

“I encourage people to vote. In Canada, we have the privilege of free speech and open elections. Take time to evaluate your candidates and select who will best serve the municipality.”

She adds with gratitude, “MD of Taber has a hardworking, conscientious council. I am grateful to have served with them and recognize that without their insight, we could not have accomplished the drainage projects, the Land Use Master Plan, traffic study, land management, and so much more. Thank you to every member of MD of Taber staff, who carried out Council’s direction. The greatest gratitude must go to the volunteers throughout the municipality, who create recreation opportunities and serve as firefighters.”

“I love and respect the people of the MD of Taber,” Miyanaga concludes. “The municipalities’ success is due to the innovative ideas of world class farmers, ranchers, and business owners, who will set everything aside to help those in need. They respect the land, optimize the privilege of irrigation, and recognize there are always areas to improve. I ask for Division 4 residents’ support, so I can continue to serve and advance the MD of Taber.”