Sorensen ready for another term on town council

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

 Taber Town Councillor Joanne Sorensen is ready for the challenge of a second term and has officially declared as a candidate in the upcoming municipal election.

 “There is still more I feel I can contribute to the town as a returning councillor,” she said. “As a Taber resident, I proudly share the ‘Taber Spirit.’  I have grown up, raised my family, worked and operated a local business, and volunteered for various organizations for over 52 years now.”

 Sorensen wants to continue the work of advocating for local businesses and the community as a whole. She believes in the continuing growth and potential for more in town. She also sees the value of maintaining a strong work/life balance in the community.

 “Taber residents work hard but also play hard,” she said. “We need to continue to invest in and grow our town’s recreational facilities.”

 During the third week of August, council committed $135,000 to a feasibility study for a new dry sport recreation facility, and Sorensen was one of the five councillors who voted in favour of it. She also advocated for the Taber 120 celebration and hosting this year’s Southern Alberta Summer Games.

 Sorensen highlighted a few of the initiatives she supported during her first term to help foster growth in town. “I supported the Town of Taber’s participation in the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program which allowed businesses to fill their employment vacancies,” she said. “I also supported the investment incentive and residential incentive tax bylaw which helps our community grow our future tax base.”

 More challenges lay ahead, and Sorensen is ready to address those during the next term. “The balancing of our budget is always a concern of mine,” she said. “With the continuing challenges of decreased provincial funding and not wanting to increase property taxes and burden our local taxpayers, there must be thoughtful discussion and a long-term plan in moving forward to address the concerns of the taxpayers and the needs of the community.”