Municipal Election Spotlight: Karen Forster
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| Karen wears a red sweater in front of a pine tree |
1. I am a Candidate for County Councillor in Division 1.
2. I come from a family who have dedicated their lives to agriculture and public Service. My Grandfather was a Saskatchewan farmer, and my cousins were dairy farmers. My father was a WW ll veteran as were my uncles during the Korean Conflicts. My father upon retirement began a career in local politics serving on the Alix, AB council and eventually as Mayor for over 6 years.
These examples of self sacrifice and public service instilled
in me the desire to
serve my local community. I moved to the Mirror, AB area and later Alix along with my parents in 1974. I then joined the Canadian military and moved throughout Canada holding various more senior positions in the Canadian Air Force, including many volunteer positions within those local communities. Upon retirement I began a teaching career in a rural community and in rural Germany. I retired from teaching to take up the role of fulltime nanny for my grandchildren.
I have a strong background in rural agrarian needs as well as the inner working of government administration having been a Director for an Information Technology Project that resulted in millions of dollars in taxpayer savings. I have now returned to the Buffalo Lake area and wish to continue my public service as a Candidate for Camrose County Council in Division 1.
3. As a full time Nanny to my Grandchildren, I enjoyed taking them to the library for,story time and then to as they got older, sign out books we could read together especially at bedtime and to play games on the computers.
4. My favourite books are true crime or mystery crime and suspense as well as biographies. I love reading and have been known to read well into the night and early morning not putting a book down until it is finished.
5. A library is an important community resource for all ages. As gateways to knowledge and culture, libraries play a fundamental role in our society. The resources and services they offer create opportunities for learning, support literacy and education, and help shape the new ideas and perspectives that are central to a creative and innovative society.
In addition to connecting people to information, libraries connect people to people. They are safe havens for kids when school is not in session, offering after school homework help, games and book clubs. Libraries offer computer classes, enabling older adults stay engaged in a digital world.
6. In terms of support for libraries in general
and what I can do for community libraries, I believe that it is my job to
listen to the library board requests. You know what is required for your
community library and my job is to assist you in making your vision a
reality.