Does Terry Understand Rural Alberta...?

When considering who you will support for Division Three County Council, it is important that you have confidence that the person you vote for is capable of doing a good job, and part of that trust comes from knowing that your candidate understands the issues and culture of what it means to live in a rural environment. Some may believe that Terry does not have the right background to represent rural concerns, and while it is true that Terry does not make his living through farming or ranching, Terry grew up around farming and ranching in rural Alberta and he has a solid understanding of what it takes to be successful as a rural Albertan.

Early Beginnings

Terry was born in Stettler Alberta to a rural family who made their home on an acreage in the County of Paintearth near Castor, Alberta. Terry's Grandparents were farmers on a mixed operation with a focus on cattle and grain in the Hamlet of Fleet. In the early years, Terry's Grandpa had a small herd of milk cows, later turning to beef cattle and grain. Grandpa also made some income on the side as a Heavy Duty Mechanic fixing his own tractors as well as the neighbors. Terry loved spending time on the farm and has many happy memories of brandings with the cousins. Terry was raised on an acreage where his family had a small herd of cattle, and his Father was always busy training horses for outside clients with a new string of horses showing up every 30 days for training. When Terry was roughly 12 years old, he learned to Team Rope and he and his Dad would attend the Castor Team Roping Club twice a week to practice their roping skills. Although Terry never got deeply involved in rodeo, he enjoyed competing at a few local rodeos with his dad (never with too much success...).

Terry with his Father, Stan Boettcher during fall round-up

Adult Life

After completing High School, Terry knew he wanted to pursue a career as a Paramedic, so he could help people who were in need. Many of the Paramedic schools are located in the cities of Edmonton and Calgary, but Terry knew he wanted to stay in a rural setting as much as possible, so Terry was pleased to find a program that was available through his local EMS station in Castor. Following his training as a EMT-A, Terry was excited to find a job opening in the community of Two Hills, which was quite familiar (in size and feel) to where he grew up. Terry loved serving the community of Two Hills as a Paramedic and soon became involved in various aspects of community life including the Two Hills Fellowship Chapel, Longhorns Hockey, Whitney Lake Bible Camp, and many other volunteer community initiatives.

Terry with Daughter Maddie, and Wife Amy, riding at fall Take-out at Rannach Community Pasture in Two Hills County.

Current Day

Terry continues to hold a high value on his rural roots. He has come to appreciate the important aspects of living rural, which include a connection to the land, and a deep respect for where our food comes from and the hard work it takes to provide for the food security needs of Canadians, and the world. Over the years, Terry and his family have enjoyed the opportunity to help out on the Rannach Community Pasture, where he has had the chance to dust off his old roping skills and help treat sick cows and calves, move herds to fresh grass and water, pull bulls and help pull pairs at take-out time. Terry also has a deep appreciation for the opportunities that are available when you live out here, and he and his family take advantage of the many opportunities to enjoy the local treasures such as the Two Hills golf course, Lac Sante, North Saskatchewan River, Frozen Ponds, the Cougar Patch and quiet country roads. Terry has also taught his kids that Two Hills is a great place to be from. The kind of place that friends and neighbors have each others backs, and we have the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, in our own back-yards.

What does this all mean?

Terry understands what it is like to spend 8 hours in the saddle moving herds and processing cattle. He understands what it means to bring a frozen calf into the house for a warm bath in an effort to save it's life. He has felt the urgency to tarp the hay stack before a big rain. He knows the effort, energy and investment it takes to enjoy the bounty of a successful harvest, he understands the importance of getting the right amount of rain at the right time in order to ensure the crop will produce and provide. Terry feels the same love for the rural life that you do.

Terry firmly believes that his experience in life are the solid foundation he needs to understand the issues that are important to rural residents, and it is from this basic understanding that Terry will stand firm as your advocate in an effort to amplify your voice on the issues that matter most to you! You don't need a council member who makes their living on the farm, you need someone who can navigate the political system to bring results that ensure you have the best chances of success in whatever industry you have chosen to make your living. Regardless of what your background or profession are, Terry is excited to gain your support and stand up for you on your issues, because at the end of the day, your voice matters, and Terry understands that very well.