Can you write a resume that tells me what qualifications you possess to fill the job?
This is not the first person to ask me about qualifications, from a resume perspective. When I first started seeing questions like this I thought "Well, it is true, that this is much like applying for a job, just not in a traditional sense". However, a resume is only a snapshot of what an applicant can show to a potential employer, to catch the employer's attention. Personally, I do much better in an interview and so the importance of the resume was to always get that interview. The reality is though, and particularly in the case of voting someone into a position like city council, it is not what I can say about myself but more about what other's say about me that is a true indicator of my character and the quality of skills I possess.
With that being said, I am relatively new to Medicine Hat, but within the 2 years I have been here, I have had to opportunity to show my skills, personality and value to the Medicine Hat Community. Based on feedback from those I work with and have interacted with, from me speaking out at the Leadership Breakfast last fall, to my work and contributions with the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Voice, and my time operating YogaRevolution, I feel confident in my abilities to work effectively on City Council; but don't take my word for it, talk to those who do know me, or let me know if you want to sit down and chat (I love meeting new people and am always up for a good conversation).
So, although this might be a bit redundant, but because I am fairly new to the city, I have updated my "resume" to reflect my "application" so to speak for city council. I hope this gives you a little bit more insight into my background and experience. I am relatively new to Medicine Hat, so I am not as well known as some of the other candidates. I do hope, however, that people see that I truly am passionate about this city, and that I am willing and wanting to utilize my skills and experience to help make a difference. I have acquired and developed many transferable skills and gained a variety of experiences throughout my teaching career that are applicable to the role of city councillor. My recent endeavors, switching from the teaching profession to becoming an entrepreneur, has given me the opportunity to engage more deeply with the business community (particularly through the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce), which has sparked my ever growing interest and desire to grow and learn how I can be a positive contributor to this city.
Please let me know if you have any further questions or if you would like to discuss anything in person (email is a valuable tool and so are resumes, but my in person interactions is what I enjoy the most).
Click to View Resume Michael Reid 2025
Why did you choose to run for council?
My decision to run for council has been an evolving process. When my spouse and I first decided to make a significant change in our lives by leaving our teaching jobs of 20 years in Red Deer to open our own business, an infrared heated yoga studio, we had looked at many places we could possibly move to. After weighing the pros and cons of each place, Medicine Hat came out on the top of our list. One of our most significant reasons included that we could be closer to family, as Vanessa was born and raised here, and it is where the majority of her family lives. We also considered moving closer to my adult children, but they are located in 4 different cities throughout the province of B.C. which was not realistic for us.
Furthermore, family wasn’t the only reason for us to pack up everything, quit our jobs and sell our house to start up somewhere new (we had many places on our short list). In the end, we felt that Medicine Hat is a beautiful city, full of potential for growth, it is a great place to live, invest in our dreams & goals of owning and operating a self-made business. Of course, we also receive the benefits of living close to family.
I have an attitude of wanting to dive in completely, as part of this new stage in our lives. I don’t like doing things with mediocrity. I (we) have started by establishing our business in the beautiful Downtown and I am very fortunate to be in one of Downtown’s historic buildings, full of character and charm.
Along the way, I have learned of some of the struggles that go along with starting up a small business in Medicine Hat, and experiencing some of the struggles the Downtown area faces. Instead of just complaining, blaming, or accepting, I wanted to learn more and see if I can use my skills and passion to be part of a solution. I joined the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce to involve myself, not just to learn about how I can be more involved in my downtown community but also the city as a whole.
This journey has taken me even further by being involved on some of the committees through the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, which includes the Health and Wellness Committee and what was formerly the Downtown Collective. Through my work and collaboration with other like-minded business owners of the downtown, I have helped re-organize the Downtown Collective to form the Downtown Voice. It has been on these committees that I have learned a great deal of the history of this city; particularly, from a business perspective. By engaging with residents and business owners that have a longer history than myself, my passion for this community has expanded. I am appreciative of the opportunity to work and collaborate with these individuals, who have allowed me to share my perspectives and experiences from living in Red Deer, and other places.
Together, this platform has allowed us to be a driving force in making positive change to our Downtown through unity and vibrancy. My work with the Health and Wellness committee has provided me the opportunity to connect with people and business owners beyond Downtown and throughout the entire city. Being invited to and sitting in on special meetings where I have been able to share my experiences and challenges of being a small business owner (especially starting up), has also given me the opportunity to see how many of my struggles are shared alike with other business owners and developers.
I feel that running for city council is the next step for me to continue this journey to see Medicine Hat thrive and prosper. Although my experience so far has mostly come from being a Downtown business owner, I fully believe that the city as a whole is made up of smaller parts. When those smaller parts thrive and work together, the city as a whole benefits. So my vision, although Downtown is important to me, includes the entire city; the needs of each area, growth, security and sustainability. I am fully invested in this city and would like the opportunity to bring my leadership skills, my passion, drive and well-rounded perspectives to support the citizens of this hidden-gem.
“What is your political affiliation? Liberal, NDP, Conservative?”
This is a question I have been frequently asked. So much so, as instead of just responding individually, I will post my latest response here:
This seems to be important to some residents and especially in our times of political dis-ease but I feel provincial and federal political affiliation has no place in municipal governance. Outside of advocating for the city in issues that are affected by current provincial and federal governments, it should be limited to just that. As a councillor it is their job to be unbiased, speaking on behalf of all members of the community. I understand that councillors are people too, and that the ongoings of provincial and federal government affect all people and municipalities, but part of the job as council is to put our personal bias aside, represent all people and work for what is best for the city as a whole as we are not there to push a political agenda of any party. This includes staying focused on what are the responsibilities of municipal government, the priorities of the city (which are the voices of people regardless of their political affiliations). I encourage people to not look at labels of Conservative, Liberal or NDP, but look at what those candidates are prioritizing and in how they plan to handle the challenges of being on council. In most cases, those characteristics that align with ones' personal preference of political affiliation will resonate more than with others. Let our actions, priorities and character be what guides you in your decision. Therefore, when looking at me (or any candidate) for city council, without using a label, make a decision whether you feel that my priorities, methods and views align with what you want to see in council.