Decade of service ends

Sharon McLeay

Times Contributor  

 

Councillor Ken Sauve plans to step down from public office after close to a decade of service to Gleichen, Cluny and surrounding area and the ratepayers in Wheatland County.

Looking over his career Sauve said he had always been interested in politics.  His first nudge to seek office was when he was involved with improving surface rights for area landowners.  It was an issue that he carried into his first term. A desire to affect a positive change propelled him to garner support, with representatives from other municipalities under the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties. They reviewed the Surface Rights Act and submitted suggested actions for consideration to the Alberta Government.

“There were always other issues, you don’t stop and work on just one issue. There were a lot of them,” Sauve said. 

”One thing I was pretty proud of was the Marigold Library System. When I came to council, we worked to become part of the Marigold Library system. We also established all the rural address signs, which are really beneficial to EMS, ambulance and fire,” Sauve said about two of his career highlights.

His decision to step down was influenced by careful consideration to the requirements the commitment of another four years of service would mean. Public office demands many hours of service. He said he talked with his wife and they decided they would like to travel while they still have their health. He said he was also looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren and family.

Sauve has learned some lessons along the way and he has some sage advice for the up and coming candidates. 

“They have to run an election. When I started out, I knew if I wanted it I had to get out and talk to people. I called at every house and talked to about 80 per cent of the people. I learned that issues I thought were important were important, but everybody else had important issues too. I hope that whoever gets in there, as Councillor or Reeve, uses that to listen to everybody’s concerns and not be a single issue person,” said Sauve. 

He suggested that new candidates sit in on council meetings before running, as he found that very beneficial.

Sauve said he was always thankful for the community’s support throughout his terms of office.

“All residents, and especially the residents in my constituency that voted for me and supported me, I appreciate 100 per cent. I also want to put praise on the staff of Wheatland County. We are fortunate to have top end staff in this county. It is one of the most highly thought of Counties in the province and that is a lot to do with the staff. They were a pleasure to work with,” said Sauve.

The praise also comes back to Sauve with this comment from Reeve Glenn Koester.

“Ken represented not only the citizens of Division 2, but all of Wheatland County with fairness.  He always considered the potential impact of any decision on the future wellbeing of Wheatland County and its residents.  Kens insights and knowledge of Wheatland County helped make him an essential member of council. Ken is a team player with integrity and a good sense of humor and his input at council will be missed; Wheatland County is a better place thanks to Ken,” said Reeve Glenn Koester.

Koester wished Sauve good luck in all his future endeavors. 

Sauve is expecting his final motion and vote will be cast sometime in October.