I look forward to sharing my thoughts and ideas with you as the election unfolds for Strathcona County Council in 2017. I will be seeking a seat as Councilor in Ward 4. We live in interesting times in Alberta and in Strathcona County. The changing winds in the economy challenge us to think differently, requiring us to plan strategically for the future in order to ensure that Strathcona County rema
ins a strong and vibrant community. If elected, my goal is ensure that Strathcona County has a clear vision, that it is governed by a strong sense of purpose and values focused on enriching the lives of the great people who live here. I look forward to the possibility of serving the people of Strathcona County and using my leadership skills to shape a positive, cohesive council in 2017. When people ask who I am, I begin by describing my family as they are indeed the most important part of my life. My wife Marla and I have been married for over 33 years. Together we have raised four amazing children: Paul, Lara, Risa and Patrick and we are now blessed with three beautiful grandchildren who bring incredible joy to us. For the past 33 years, I have also been an educator. Graduating from the University of Saskatchewan with a BA in English as well as a Bachelor of Education degree, I later completed a Post Graduate Diploma and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration. Over the years I have held a variety of positions in Education including teacher, teacher-librarian, assistant principal and principal. For the past three years I have worked as senior manager with Alberta Education accrediting Alberta’s international schools around the world. I have had a rich and rewarding career that has included 11 years as a Principal with Elk Island Catholic Schools. I have served as Principal at Jean Vanier in Sherwood Park and John Paul II Catholic High School in Fort Saskatchewan. My greatest joy as a principal has come from the thousands of students whose lives have touched me and who have shaped the leader that I am today. In 2013 I was honoured to receive the Alberta Distinguished Leadership Award from the Council of School Leadership of the Alberta Teachers’ Association for my work as a principal. Having raised four children, I also know the importance of giving back to our community. As the saying goes, it takes a whole village to raise a child. My volunteer work has included serving on the board of the Strathcona Youth Justice Committee, coaching basketball, managing a variety of school teams, leading choirs and directing drama productions and driving the school bus! I have served on the finance council and parish council, and spent two years as Chair of the Diocesan Pastoral Council for the Diocese of Prince Albert. Since my days as an elected member of the University of Saskatchewan Student’s Union, I have dreamed about one day entering politics. The time has come to take that step forward and seek election in Strathcona County. This is my home and I am ready to serve our community. I offer my service to you, the people of Ward 4. On October 16, 2017 I hope that you will come out to vote and mark your ballot with BILL TONITA for Councilor. Leadership is about influence and service. Leadership is about character and trust. Leadership is about relationships and power. Leadership is about dependency and accountability. W. C. Wright (2000)
“It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers.”
L. O. Pellicer (1999)
