Homework for new candidates

Sharon McLeay  

Times Contributor     

 

For those who think campaigning for the municipal election is just about hanging signs and shaking hands, think again. The extensive information session held on Sept. 5, at the Town of Strathmore revealed there is a wealth of information that those considering office should take into consideration.

“Some people think that it is just the first and third Wednesday per month that they have to attend. That’s not it,” said Dwight Stanford, chief administrative officer (CAO). “There are also good selections of committees they need to serve on.”

Not to mention all the subsidiary materials that need to be reviewed, like the Municipal Government Act, which is a hefty tome in itself. 

Department heads and administrative staff outlined a comprehensive overview of areas of knowledge, roles and responsibilities that councillors or mayoral successors would encounter. Facts about what issues were developing for the coming term were presented. One example was the approximate $2.5 million deficit faced yearly to run recreational and civic centres in Strathmore. 

The need for new residents to lift the burden of committed costs for residential water and utility commitments was also mentioned.  The retention of an on-staff development and planning officer was mentioned as an area that needed to be reinforced.

Staff also went over some of the essential election material needed to file their nomination papers and run their campaigns. Each of the department heads outlined their staff roles and responsibilities as well.

There were a handful of men interested in the possibility of running for office, some with over 30 years residency in the town. 

“I found the evening very informative,” said Allan Auger. 

Most of the other participants were still deciding if they would run or were keeping their options open before they chose which position they were considering.

Both Bob Sobol and Pat Fule, current council members, were also on hand for a refresher course. 

Sobal said sometimes people come in thinking they can change the way things are done in the Town’s different departments. He has learned that is not the case and the Town staff are very capable. He found them very helpful throughout his term in office.

“I think one important thing is to trust the support staff to do their jobs. We are not here to bang the nails or oil the wheels.”

There were no potential woman candidates that attended the meeting. 

The election will be held October 21, with voting at the Civic Centre. Advanced polls will be held at the town office, Oct. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nomination papers with the $250 fee, have to be filed on Sept. 23 from 8:30 am.-noon. No late entries are allowed. There will be candidate forums held at the Civic Centre on Oct. 3 and Oct. 9.