Standard calls for by-election

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

Two candidate hopefuls are knocking on doors and meeting with the Village of Standard’s community, vying for a spot on town council – a seat soon to be vacated by Councillor Ron Corbiell who’s relocating to Strathmore.
Elizabeth Nystrom and Brandon Duffala hit the campaign trail last week after submitting their nomination papers on March 7. With only one more week left before the 390 Standard residents cast their votes, each candidate is putting their best foot forward to impress the village with their strongest attributes.
“There’s only been three other female councillors… that’s not something that’s heard of in our village,” said Nystrom. “It’s important for people to get involved, especially in little villages. There’s always the same people getting involved so when you have someone that’s new, that’s fresh, with the kind of ambition to go and do something, you need that.”
The 32-year-old British Columbia woman, who attended Olds College to study economical sciences, has lived in the area for 12 years, and relocated to Standard nearly two years ago. Already being a member on Standard’s Beautification Committee, Park Planning Committee, and the library board, Nystrom accepted the challenge and tossed her hat into the ring. The administration assistant is aware of recent crime activity in the area, the regional water project, and the ongoing challenges with the Wheatland Crossing school. Much like her opponent, Nystrom plans to attract more individuals to the community and work towards continual improvement.
Former commercial pilot Brandon Duffala, who is also originally from British Columbia, also has a knack for community involvement, having volunteered many hours over the past five years he’s been residing in the village. If elected into council, the 47-year-old said he’s eager to learn from the experienced councillors in helping to support and promote the village’s future.
“I want to get a better understanding of the inner workings and what’s going on before I start putting in two cents s far as changes, and I think you really need to know why things are the way they are before you can help support and promote improvement,” Duffala said. “I see it’s difficult for these small communities, but we have a good base here. The council members, they seem like they’re there forever, so they have a lot of history and background to contribute, and so it’s really a feather in their cap. I see town councils as the beating hearts of our small communities, and I can’t think of a better way to play an important role in the betterment of society.
Duffala also helped design and build the float for the Standard Library for the Sports Day Parade, which received first place, and coordinates a visit from Santa for the children at the library Christmas party.
Nystrom and Duffala will continue to meet with the community and press on with their campaign efforts over the next week.
“I think it’s going to be a good election and I wish my running mate all the best,” said Nystrom. “It’s going to be me or him so either way it’s going to be great for our community.”
The Village of Standard town councillor election is taking place on April 4 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the Village of Standard office. Residents can contact the candidates at elizabethnystrom1@gmail.com or bduffala@gmail.com.