After serving as a councilor in Ponoka for the last four years, Kevin Ferguson has now acclaimed the position of Mayor of Ponoka. Ferguson first became involved in local politics after completing a 30-year career in teaching in the community which he says aided him in a smooth transition into local politics.

“When you come from teaching to working in municipal council, it's not the easiest transition, but it's still a fairly decent one because a lot of what you do as a teacher in terms of your motivation every day to get up and help the community. In this case, now you're not just helping kids, but now you're helping the greater part of the community,” explained Ferguson.

When he was first elected as a council member, he was inspired to work hard for Ponoka after seeing how many people supported him.

“Once you see the vote count and you realize, oh my goodness, all these people voted. Now you're really motivated to do the best possible job that you can,” he added.  

When election time came around, Ferguson decided to seek election for Mayor with the same desire to do his best for the town. Over the next four years, the Mayor says his focus will primarily be on the health of the community.

“When I look at say change for the Community, what I'm hoping for is to move forward like to make the community healthy and vibrant… I'm really looking to make sure that our community remains healthy and vibrant today, tomorrow, and even long after I'm gone,” he explained.  

Ferguson has lived in the community of Ponoka for the last 40 years only leaving to earn his degree in teaching. Not only did he grow up in the town but he also raised his own family in Ponoka as well. One of his favourite memories of the Town was getting married in it.

“Well, I would be remiss if I didn't tell you that 32 years ago I married my wife,” he joked.

Another good memory that stands out for him was having his two sons at the Ponoka Hospital.

Ferguson has a great love for his friends, family, neighbours and community of Ponoka. While others may consider moving after retirement, Ferguson considers the community a large part of his identity.

“This community is so entwined in the fabric of my life that I just couldn't see myself ever leaving and so that would be the favorite thing that I have about Ponoka is that it gives my life the security that I need,” said the Mayor.

Ferguson also looks forward to working with council and sees the same enthusiasm and love for the community in his council members.

“There's that connectivity there between all of us and from me, to the oldest councilors, and to our young rookie councilor, we all have this one passion and it's for our community. That's what makes it exciting when you you've got all these folks that that care so much about their community and they want to do good by it,” said Ferguson.