Leading the charge: Rudd weighs in on mayoral campaign

Posted on October 9, 2025 by Taber Times

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

 This year’s municipal election is entering the home stretch with Alf Rudd as the challenger to longtime mayor Andrew Prokop. On Oct. 20, the town’s residents will decide who will lead the charge for the next term.

 As September came to a close and the campaign began, Rudd had plenty to say about the town’s direction. He offered suggestions and ideas that reflected his leadership goals.

Given the opportunity to comment on the state of Taber’s municipal government, Rudd showed restraint. He avoided criticism and steered the question towards accountability and progress.

 “Municipal government is a prescribed function,” he said of the responsibilities and activities of a council as defined by the Municipal Government Act. “The Act ensures that Alberta communities meet a standard in managing local affairs to ensure transparency and accountability to the citizens. Council is a ‘management group’ with legal authority to collect taxes and provide services.”

 He served on council at the beginning of last term before stepping aside to work with Horizon Victim Services, a role he recently vacated to run his campaign. He said that during his time on council he noticed a tendency to get “stuck in a sort of maintenance mode.”

 He feels that the returning and future councillors can and should participate with more energy on the regional committees that they are a part of. He wants Taber to take a lead role in growth and development up and down the Canadian Premier Food Corridor, using its strong infrastructure and attractive business environment to leverage its advantages.

 He also made it clear that his value for transparency was “paramount in the operation of the community.”  However, he supports the requirement for using ‘closed sessions’ prudently in council business to protect the business and financial interests of individuals. He said those sessions are effective in building trust with those looking to do business in town.

 “The use of closed sessions, the discussions that take place there and resulting decisions emphasize the high value council places on confidentiality,” he said. Furthermore, he supports  the same rigours within the Town as an organization.

 “(It) builds trust and loyalty,” he said. “Individual matters of a personal nature need the protection of closed sessions.”

 On the opposite end of the spectrum, he knows that keeping the lines of public communication open can foster participation and a common consensus on issues. “I know that works and will support the administration in being open and frank,” he said.

 In terms of infrastructure, he’s aware of the feasibility studies and conceptual discussions initiated by the previous council, and he plans to see those through. On that list are a multi-use rec centre, an extension to the airport runway system, a rail spur, and a new full-size ice surface.

 “I expect that these will reach either fruition or at least a concrete, structured business plan including financial commitments to be in place,” he said. “The goal of all this is to enhance Taber’s business prospectus and attract investment.”

 Rudd’s history with the Taber police as a chief and officer, coupled with his leadership with Victim Services makes him uniquely qualified to speak on Taber’s social issues. He is naturally a strong proponent of a safe and secure community and said he will always support the town’s first responders.

 “In our society crime is largely driven by drugs. In my work with Victim Services and policing over the years, addictions and mental health are sadly a common theme. The results can be seen down at the courthouse every Tuesday,” he said.  “Amazingly though, in the face of such challenges, those affected have an underlying desire to escape that life.”

 He supports the Province’s investment in Recovery Alberta, new treatment centres, and compassionate legislation that supports families whose loved ones are suffering through addiction.

“It seems they mean business,” he said of the provincial government’s approach. “I look forward to seeing that coming on stream. I know that our police service and others in the social support community will be working hard to best affect individuals in striving for positive outcomes.”

 For those facing a housing crisis, Rudd sees the town’s existing tools as legitimately effective. He said, “We are fortunate to have the Taber and District Housing Foundation working hard in Taber to support not only our senior population but those needing a subsidy to properly house themselves and their families. This is the best approach I have seen in providing affordable housing to those needing help through difficult times.”

 “It’s time for a change and it’s time for action,” he said about his aspiration to be the central figure and steady hand guiding the town forward. More information is available at the Alf Rudd for Taber Mayor 2025 Facebook page, including video logs and platform values.