Sherry Martin Enters Vermilion Council Race

Sherry Martin. Photo submitted

Vermilion resident Sherry Martin has announced her candidacy for town council in the upcoming municipal election on October 20. With her children now grown and on their own, and having recently semi-retired, Martin said the timing feels right to step into the role.

“My kids are grown up and on their own and I have semi-retired so I feel I can offer the time to learn the role and be available to council,” she explained.

For Martin, the foundation of effective municipal leadership is listening to the voices of residents and ensuring their concerns are carried forward. “Listen to the concerns of the residents of Vermilion and provide that information to council in a timely manner,” she said, emphasizing what she sees as the most important responsibility of a councillor.

Looking ahead, Martin envisions a stronger local economy supported by more retail options. “More retail in Vermilion to keep people shopping local,” she said when asked about her five-year vision for the community.

If elected, Martin hopes to maintain Vermilion as a safe and welcoming place for families while also ensuring that local green spaces are properly cared for. “Continue to keep Vermilion a safe place to live and raise a family and maintain the provincial park grass and other green areas in town. By maintaining the grass in the park, this would greatly reduce the fire risk and damage that we have seen in the past few years in other towns in Alberta,” she said.

Martin identified the affordable housing shortage as one of Vermilion’s most pressing challenges. She noted that she would support council efforts to create more residential lots to ease the pressure on housing availability.

When it comes to guiding principles at the council table, Martin described her approach simply: “Common sense that will benefit Vermilion and also address what the people of Vermilion are concerned about.” She also stressed that personal beliefs should not play a role in decision-making, adding, “Personally I don’t believe that personal beliefs should be involved with council decisions.”

Her decision-making process, she said, will focus on practicality. “If it is affordable and makes sense,” she explained. She also hopes to be approachable to residents, whether by email or informal conversations in the community. “I always have time to stop and chat with them in public,” she said.

Transparency, Martin believes, is key to good governance. She suggested council could better communicate with residents through multiple channels, including the Town of Vermilion website, the Vermilion Voice, inserts in town bills, and social media.

She also values teamwork on council, highlighting the importance of open-mindedness and cooperation. “Cooperate, think with an open mind, deal with issues in a timely manner and finalize the issue,” she said. In times of disagreement, she added, her approach is to “listen, think, and offer a solution to problem.”

Martin spoke with pride about Vermilion’s strengths, including its hospital, Lakeland College, the dedication of local business owners, and the annual fair. “There is so much to be proud of!” she said. “Every year they break records with the attendance. With that said, I would like to see the fair extended to 4 or 5 days in length.”

Ultimately, Martin said she will measure her success as a councillor by the confidence residents place in her. “If people are asking me to run again,” she said, “then I will know I have done my job.”