It is what it is…

 

By Marc Chayer

The local elections are in the books and, with that, we have some new faces on both councils. On the town side of things, I was happy to see Tom Pickard and Ray Hilts get elected. I know these gentlemen and I have to say they are both heavyweights in their own way. Hilts brings with him a wealth of experience in the forestry sector and is one of the smartest people I know while Pickard adds to the mix with a background in policing mixed with experience in youth not-for-profit organizations and business. In both men we see experience we needed on council.

The other addition was Matt Connel who, I think, surprised a lot of people. At the candidate’s forum, Matt was open and honest and maybe even a bit naive, but it clicked with voters. His presence on council will certainly add a youthful voice to the body and a fresh look to some of the issues they will face together. Will Matt be any good? All I can say to that is this country was started by amateurs and, having worked with Matt in the past, what he lacks in experience, he will make up with heart and intelligence.

On the county side, the election literally boiled down to single votes in two divisions. Dale Kluin was re-elected by a single vote while he was joined by newcomer John Burrows who won his seat by two votes. While these results were close, what really surprised me was the low voter turnout for this election. In Division 2, easily one of the most populated areas with a large economic base, we saw a total of 206 votes! Like, for real?

I am willing to bet that the county office gets more than 206 complaints each year from that division on any number of items but when it came time to vote, people stayed home. On the plus side of things, I would think that any of those who did not vote will refrain from making any complaints for the next few years, eh?

Overall, the elections were well-run, and we had a field of candidates to pick from. The big questions will now start to pile up on both councils and the mayors will be expected to lead the fight against the various threats to our community, especially the Caribou Range Plan. These councils will not only be working with federal and provincial partners, but will also be in office at the time of the next provincial election.

While we typically deal in the “what we need now” world, it would be well advised to both councils to pay special attention to the provincial scene.

The United Conservatives aim to form the next government in this province and, with them, we hope the economic engine gets a kick start. Along with a new government, we will see new policies and people and as we were all reminded, there are issues such as the hospital that still simmer just below the surface and voters will expect both councils to have the ear of the next government.

The future started last week, folks, and, by any measure, we all know this thing isn’t over yet.

It is what it is…