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Town council prepared to welcome new

With two vacancies on council in the Town of Stettler, newcomers are to be greatly welcomed to bring a fresh and new perspectives to community leadership.

With two vacancies on council in the Town of Stettler, newcomers are to be greatly welcomed to bring a fresh and new perspectives to community leadership.

If more than one candidate files nominations on Sept. 21 for either seat, a by-election would be held Oct. 19.

Successors to seats of the mayor and councilor will complete the current three-year term, which expires with the next general municipal election in October 2010.

Nomination packages are available at the town office from returning officer Greg Switenky, assistant chief administrative officer for the town.

“You need new blood on council to work with experienced members,” said Councillor Al Campbell, a veteran councilor and former school trustee.

“A good member of council is someone who is interested in community affairs and in what’s going on around town and a great supporter and ambassador of this wonderful community,” he said.

“Someone who is interested in local planning and development and has the time to serve makes a good and effective member of council,’ said Councillor Dave Dennis, serving since 2007.

“Town council requires the services people from all walks of life in the community, said Councilor Dave Garbutt, on council for two years.

“I believe that to be an effective member of council, a person needs to represent the residents of Stettler to the best of their ability.”

“They need to be willing to genuinely listen and respond to suggestions and concerns.

“Councilors need to be open, approachable, and understand that the best decision is not always the easy decision.”

With a short term for the seats, this is an opportune time for anyone keen on getting first-hand experience in local government said a former mayor.

“This is an excellent time for someone interested in serving on council because there is only one year left in the term,” said Keith Ryder, who served as mayor from 1995 to 2004 after serving as councilor from 1992 to 1995.

He notes that much of the major planning and budgets are already complete.

“It’s important that people take a vested interest in their community and this is a perfect time to work with council to better the community.”

“As a member of council, you can have a stronger voice into concerns and issues,” said Noreen Woolsey who served as councilor from 1986 to 1992.

Town of Stettler council, comprising the mayor and six councilors, regularly meets the first and third Tuesday night each month while members of council represent the town on various committees and boards, states an information sheet.

Nomination forms must be submitted Sept. 21 between 10 a.m. and 12 noon to an election official at Stettler Recreation Centre.

For more information, phone Switenky at 403-742-8305.