With the Calgary Stampede in full swing, local politicians are taking the opportunity to be out in the community.

Highwood MLA RJ Sigurdson and Okotoks Town Councillor Tanya Thorn were present at Jason Kenney's pancake breakfast last week.

Sigurdson said he was excited by the turnout.

"I love how the Stampede brings out that community spirit, and really showcases not just Calgary, but our entire province," said Sigurdson.

He says events like the Stampede gives politicians an opportunity to hear from the public about what is important to Highwood residents.

"A lot of the events that we go to, we hear back from a lot of stakeholders," Sigurdson said. "I'd like to think we're a government that's really engaged in listening right now."

Coun. Thorn says the Stampede provides an informal environment to meet with officials from other strains of government.

"The Stampede has always been a great opportunity to connect with government," said Thorn. "They come out, they attend lots of the events... It's a little more relaxed environment to have some of those strategic one on one conversations in a more informal environment."

She says since the provincial government was elected recently, this is an opportunity to build relationships and get to know the newly elected ministers.

"It operates just like a business in a lot of ways. Business gets done with people you know," Thorn said. "Stampede is a great opportunity to get out and get to know your elected officials at all levels."

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