I wonder who will step up to run for the positions of councillor and head of council in the five municipal areas where the Empire-Advance provides most of its coverage.
Over the years, Westman has had some stalwart leaders with tenacity and vision who have fought for issues concerning the wellbeing of our rural communities. These weren’t ‘yes’ men/women. They were thinkers and doers and collaborators who could spot a raw deal a mile away and weren’t afraid to say so, diplomatically, I’m sure.
And today’s municipally elected leaders continue in that role. They sometimes find themselves caught in the middle, trying to please and keep peace with citizens and ratepayers (usually one and the same), while scrutinizing new deals that larger government (usually the province) is handing down. And then there’s regulations to wrangle. It’s all part of the job. The Association of Manitoba Municipalities has come up with a lot of information for prospective candidates. Links are below.
Since I’ve been reporting on Westman action, the late Reeve Rick Plaisier said “no you’re not” to the province’s plan to close Kirkella traveller information centre. That was around seven years ago, and this year another local leader (not political) Kel Smith, is going to man that important border rest stop.
Former Mayor of Virden Bruce Dunning saw the start of a big, beautiful recreation facility whose time had come, yet there were many who questioned its size and expense; but the next mayor, Jeff McConnell countered many arguments and saw the project through.
For over a decade people in the RM of Wallace (now Wallace-Woodworth), Pipestone and even Maryfield have had wonderful water to drink, thanks to the vision and persistence of Reeve Vince Heaman who initiated the water project. Again, another big bucks development, but essential to the growth of the region.
Reeve of Prairie View Municipality Linda Clark oversaw what could have been a shaky amalgamation between Miniota and Birtle. She was able to see the way forward for the larger municipality. Miniota’s new firehall is just one of the great achievements of her tenure.
Although I’ve not often reported on the work of the council for the RM of Pipestone, Archie Macpherson has been readily available when this press called and his words always carry a sense of care and of wisdom.
Our current elected leaders have weathered a Covid storm They are to be commended. However, it’s time for new people in every municipality to consider the call to leadership.
To assist the registered and prospective candidates in the upcoming municipal elections, the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) has launched a new comprehensive Municipal Elections Resource Hub.
The Resource Hub includes a series of testimonial videos from current and former elected municipal officials that highlight key considerations along with tips and information for candidates.
There you will find Virden’s Former Mayor Jeff McConnell, Former AMM Vice-President and Mayor of Town of Rossburn Shirley Kalyniuk, Mayor Rick Chrest, City of Brandon and more.
For elections held on Oct. 26, 2022, candidate registration for Heads of Council officially opened on May 1, 2022, and registration for Councillors will commence on June 30, 2022. Don’t say you can’t if it’s in your heart to run.
Kam Blight, AMM President says, “We are hopeful that these newly created resources will help raise awareness of the roles and responsibilities of municipal governments and empower more Manitobans to run for municipal politics. As municipal leaders play a vital role in shaping community priorities, I encourage all candidates to refer to the AMM’s Municipal Elections Resource Hub to better understand the roles and responsibilities of local Council.”
For more information, visit: www.amm.mb.ca/issues/2022elections/
