Kody Tafiak, a local business owner, has entered the race for mayor of Drayton Valley in the upcoming municipal election.
Please provide a little background on yourself, including how long you’ve lived in the Drayton Valley area.
I’m proud to have called the Drayton Valley area home for more than 22 years. After graduating here, I built my career in the oil and gas industry—operating heavy equipment, working on drilling and service rigs, and spending five years in radiography. For the past four years, I’ve run my own business, leading and supervising water transfer projects. That experience has strengthened my skills in leadership, finances, and team management. Living and working in this community has given me a deep appreciation for both the opportunities we share and the challenges we face.
Why do you want to run for mayor?
I’m running for mayor because I care about people and the future of Drayton Valley. I’ve seen firsthand—through my own experiences, family, and friends—how issues like crime, addiction, and poverty impact us and our town.
What personal or professional experience do you have that you feel would make you a good mayor?
My personal experiences that would make me a strong mayor include being directly affected—through myself, family, and friends—by issues such as crime, substance abuse, and addiction. I can relate to these struggles and understand the frustration felt by many in Drayton Valley and the surrounding areas.
Professionally, I know it looks small, but over the past four years of running my own company, I’ve experienced tremendous personal growth. I’ve learned valuable skills in finances, team building, training, leadership, supervision and accountability. I believe this growth will directly translate into the qualities needed to serve effectively as mayor.
If elected, what would be your top priorities?
If elected, my priorities will be:
- Improving security by working with law enforcement and residents to develop practical plans that deter crime and protect families.
- Addressing homelessness by using current resources effectively, respecting individual rights, and lobbying for more provincial support to tackle this complex issue.
- Ensuring accountability by eliminating waste, speeding up road and infrastructure repairs, engaging the community at a deeper level and exploring new revenue streams to reduce our dependence on property taxes and provincial funding.
At the heart of my campaign is a simple goal: to bridge the gap between residents, elected officials, and essential services. I want a town government that listens, acts, and represents the people.
Where can people learn more about you and your priorities?
You can follow my campaign and engage with me on my Facebook page: Kody Trafiak For Drayton Valley Mayor.
Anything you’d like to add?
No matter who is elected, my hope is that the ideas shared by all candidates and residents are used to make Drayton Valley stronger. I’m deeply grateful for the support of my family, friends, and this amazing community.
Visit our Municipal Election page for more information on the upcoming Oct. 20 municipal election.
Trafiak is running alongside incumbent Mayor Nancy Dodds and Matthew MacDonald.
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