The race for one of six ward one council seats for Wood Buffalo is adding another option.

Michelle Landsiedel announced her intention to run over the weekend joining 17 others on the ballot.

The long time oilsands employee has been in the region since 2006 and believes her relatability will be one of her strengths.

“We have that shared experience, you know? I’ve done the shift work, the nights, the long stretches; I understand the challenges that come with things like childcare, transportation, access to services, recreation and culture when you make your living on site.” said Landsiedel.

If elected, she says her ultimate goal will be to keep people in the region – saying she misses a lot of community members who have moved on from Fort McMurray.

“We need to focus our strategy at closing gaps in social wellbeing, supporting policy that benefits the economic goals of the region, and on improving community beautification and infrastructure in all our neighborhoods. Being here is a choice, one that I’m proud to have made; I’m ready to take more responsibility in encouraging others to make the same choice.”

Landsiedel adds she believes the lower townsite and social profit sector are critical areas that deserve focus.

The election is scheduled for October 18, 2021.