Albertans considering running for Council are being offered help from the province. From the end of August to early September the province is hosting five information sessions for potential candidates in the upcoming municipal elections. The biggest change for candidates is Council terms have been increased to four years.
Albertans will be heading to the polls this fall to vote on who will be the next municipal leaders.
To help potential candidates prepare for the election, Municipal Affairs has scheduled five workshops across the province. For those in the Drumheller area, the closest workshops will be held in Calgary on August 29 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Best Western Port O’ Call and Lethbridge on September 4 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the lower level of The Keg restaurant.
Those thinking of attending a session are asked to register through Alberta Leaders.
The biggest change affecting candidates during the upcoming election is a change from three year terms to four years.
To be eligible to run, potential candidates must be 18 years of age on nomination day (September 23), be a Canadian citizen, and have resided in the municipality for six consecutive months prior to nomination day.
An elected municipal official has a number of duties, outlined by the Municipal Government Act, including considering the welfare and interest of the municipality as a whole, bringing matters of interest to the municipality before Council, participate in developing and evaluating policies and programs, participate in Council and other meetings, obtain information about the operations or administration of the municipality, keep in confidence matters discussed in private at a Council meeting, and to perform any other duties imposed on Councillors by the province or Council.
The time commitment is considerable. Councillors must attend regular meetings, workshops, committee meetings, conferences, conventions, and other social events promoting the municipality. In addition ,Councillors must take time to read material, for example new bylaws, and speak with residents.
Nominations must be filed with the respective Returning Officer at the municipal office on September 23 between 10 a.m. and noon.
For more information on how to become an elected official, visit www.albertaleaders.ca.
