The reeve of the RM of Sifton is in a holding pattern when it comes to his political future.
Cyril Druwe says he hasn’t decided if he’ll run again in this fall’s municipal elections, even though he’s only been reeve for a year and, with nearly 20 years’ experience on council, is well-positioned to retain the post.
His decision, he says, depends on who steps up to the plate.
Waiting
Druwe says he’s waiting to see who, if anyone, registers in the next few months to run for the top job.
If someone experienced in civic politics entered the contest, Druwe says he’d bow out.
“I’d step down if somebody else was running and they had some RM experience. It’s easier to be reeve if you start as a councillor. There’s just so much to learn.”
After almost two decades as councillor including six years as deputy reeve, Druwe was elected Reeve of Sifton in a June, 2017 by-election made necessary by the death of then-reeve Rick Plaisier.
Despite being elected by a landslide, Druwe has some ambivalence about the job of reeve.
For one thing, it takes him away from his seven grandchildren. And he finds it more demanding than his role as councillor.
“Working as a councillor was more personal because you get to know everyone in your ward. But as reeve, you need to know everything about the RM and everyone’s needs.”
If nobody else enters the race for the reeve’s job, Druwe says he will likely “go another four years.”
Registration to run for reeve or mayor opened May 1 and closes Sept. 18.
Registration to run for councillor opens June 30 and closes Sept. 18.
Municipal elections across Manitoba are Oct. 24.
Municipal update:
Virden: Mayor Jeff McConnell has said he won’t run again and so far nobody has registered to run for mayor.
RM of Wallace-Woodworth: Reeve Denis Carter has said he won’t run again. Sandy Heaman and Mark Humphries have registered to run for reeve.
RM of Pipestone: No candidates have registered yet for reeve including incumbent Archie McPherson.
