Much has been printed in respect to our MLA over the past weeks, which has prompted me to add my perspective.
Twenty-two years ago, my family and I relocated to Elk Point. We quickly became acquainted with the “man about town,” Ray Danyluk. Ray was the assistant coach on our boys’ hockey team, he managed their minor ball team, he coached a girls’ high school basketball team, and he worked as a fund raiser for the Ukrainian Dance Club. Later he became leader of the 4-H Beef Club and was a member of Rural Crime Watch. Ray did all this, and more, while operating a large labor intensive mixed cattle and grain farm. I was impressed then, and continue to be impressed with Ray’s capacity for hard work and the passion and dedication he consistently demonstrates for his community.
Years later, Ray was motivated to run for municipal office. As a dedicated parent he did his part to ensure that young families benefited from the best a small rural Alberta community could offer. He became elected as a county councilor and a school trustee. Ray’s extraordinary work ethic and dedication accompanied him into the political environment and he soon aspired to the position of County reeve and chair of the school board.
The experience Ray acquired in municipal governance formed the foundation for his future achievements as an elected member of Alberta’s Legislature. He has since evolved into one of the strongest and most influential politicians in Alberta, with a particular focus on rural issues. During Ray’s tenure in four different ministerial portfolios, he has brought much to our constituency in the way of programs and infrastructure. We are envied by many. In my opinion, however, the Municipal Sustainability Initiative, which Ray crafted while minister of Municipal Affairs, is by far the most significant. That initiative for all intents and purposes has equalized the funding formula for all Alberta communities, rural and urban. That funding initiative provides revenue to municipalities that would otherwise be raised through our property taxes.
Ray continues to live and farm, together with his children, on property that was first settled by his grandparents. Next to his family, there is probably nothing more precious to him than his land. It is absolutely unconscionable that some would have you believe that Ray would support legislation that would in any way compromise his rights to that property.
Barry Kutryk
Beauvallon
