In our last two issues, including this one, we have published stories on what the intentions of the incumbents on both town and county council along with the school board are.
In the coming weeks we also plan to feature profiles on all the candidates as we find out about them.
However, Leslie Penny is concerned that we won’t have very many profiles to publish as there might not be enough councillor candidates to hold an actual election or possibly to fill the slate. That is why she has decided not to seek the mayor’s chair, as she first told the Leader last week, but seek re-election as councillor.
We don’t believe that was necessary and that there will be more than enough to fill all the slates.
Using the last election as a guide, there were seven candidates for town councillors, two for mayor, 10 for County of Barrhead council, with three divisions sporting elections and 10 candidates for the three Barrhead trustee seats.
Admittedly not overwhelming numbers, but enough to ensure democracy takes place.
Hopefully for this municipal election there will be even more people that decide to throw their hats in the proverbial ring because democracy is at its best when there is a wide variety of demographics and points of view represented.
And while being a politician at any level might not have the prestige it once did, it is a worthy pursuit. There is nothing nobler than a person, whether by choosing to help their fellow citizens, whether through volunteerism or by serving as an elected official.
To be eligible to run, one must be a Canadian citizen, be at least 18 years old and have lived in Alberta for a minimum of six consecutive months immediately preceding nomination day.
The next term for both councillors and trustees is an important one. Town and county councillors will have to deal with the ramifications of an arbitrated recreation agreement and changes to the Municipal Government Act. Pembina Public Schools trustees on the other hand continue to struggle with the issue of declining student populations and therefore less funding, while at the same time ensuring its students are prepared for the ever changing world economy.
So if serving your fellow citizens through elected office is something you have ever considered — the clock is ticking. The nomination deadline is Sept. 18 and the election for both council and school board trustee is October 16.
