A local registered psychiatric nurse has her sights set on a St. Albert city council seat.Charlene Jelinski (Berard), who has been working as a nurse for the last six years, works in geriatric mental health and wants to help bring her advocacy abilities to city hall. "My job is to advocate for a very vulnerable population," Jelinski said. The mother of two first got interested in city politics several years ago when the city proposed an air quality monitoring station to be placed directly in front of her house in a park space. Jelinski led a successful appeal to get the station moved to a different location. "That is when I actually realized I could make a difference and have a say in the community," Jelinski said. Jelinski is passionate about preserving park space and doesn't want to see parks rezoned for the use of developers. The 33-year-old, who was born and raised in the city, is an executive member of the United Nurses of Alberta. She is serving her second term in the elected position. The Lacombe Park resident has a passion for animals and helped start up the St. Albert division of the Alberta Lost Pet Locator Rescue Society Pet Food Bank. She also volunteers with and supports numerous different animal rescues. Jelinski is interested in exploring the idea of a having a dedicated animal control officer who is focused only on the animal bylaws. Jelinski said that she is also interested in creating more affordable housing in the city so that young families and seniors on fixed incomes are able to stay in St. Albert. "Make it more feasible for a wide diversity of people to live in St. Albert," Jelinksi said. Jelinski will be running for one of six seats on city council. Other candidates who are also running are Sandyne Beach-McCutcheon, Al Bohachyk, Wes Brodhead, Craig Cameron, Jacy Eberlein, Jacquie Hansen, Natalie Joly, Ken MacKay, Ufuoma Odebala-Fregene, Hannes Rudolph, Bob Russell, Jaye Walter and Barry Zukewich. Current councillors Cathy Heron and Cam MacKay have launched campaigns to run for mayor. Nomination day is Sept. 18 and the election will be held on Oct. 16.
