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SPUR chair clarifies

Dear editor: Thank you for noticing the increased presence of Sustainability Partners Uniting Resources (SPUR) on Twitter last week.

Dear editor:

Thank you for noticing the increased presence of Sustainability Partners Uniting Resources (SPUR) on Twitter last week.

As you pointed out, we’re a volunteer driven non-profit tasked with keeping the Cochrane Sustainability Plan both on track and relevant to this diverse and rapidly growing community.

We wanted to take a few moments to address some of the speculation around the increase in our social media presence, as well as provide some commentary on the recent election. First, and somewhat unfortunately for those looking for a better angle, the dramatic increase in Twitter activity is a direct result of SPUR hiring our first employee in a very part-time (10hrs/week) communications and engagement role. She’s obviously doing her job very effectively! Her name is Sharon MacDonald and folks can read more about her and her role on our website (cochranesustainability.ca).

With regards to the recent election results, the only disappointment and cause for concern for us was how low voter turnout was. Of course, we didn’t have the 18 per cent turnout that Airdrie did, but is that where we’re headed as the community grows? We certainly hope not, and will be directing some energy towards helping grow that number over the next four years. Truth be told, all of the recently elected members of town council are avid supporters of the Cochrane Sustainability Plan, whether they realize it yet or not. All of them spoke eloquently during the election about hanging onto our “small town feel.” All of them highlighted the tax imbalance, a need for more community spaces, increasing infrastructure challenges, retaining important heritage and other vital aspects of this community, all of which are reflected in the vision and objectives of the Cochrane Sustainability Plan. We may not always agree on how to get where we’re going, but it’s safe to say that how Cochrane residents answered those four questions in 2008 are still top-of-mind today, particularly the responses to the question, “What do you value about Cochrane?”

For more information, and to find out how you can get involved, please check out our website (cochranesustainability.ca), ‘like’ us on Facebook (search ‘Cochrane Sustainability’) and, yes, follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/cochranesustain). Sharon will be reconnecting with current champions and citizens of sustainability, and keeping you all well informed!

Jeff Couillard, chair, SPUR

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