In less than a month, Saskatchewan residents interested in serving in an elected municipal office will have had to have their nominations submitted.
Nominating day across the province is September 21, and the balloting day, required where more persons are nominated than positions available, will be October 26.
At Kamsack there will be at least four new faces on town council after this election because the mayor and three councillors have already indicated they will not be seeking re-election.
Mayor Rod Gardner, who has served on council for a total of seven years, told council at its regular meeting on August 15 that he would not be seeking a second four-year term as mayor.
“It’s time to let someone else, who is fresher and with younger blood, serve,” Gardner said, adding that his time on council, as a councillor and then as the mayor, has been a “really rewarding experience.”
“With such a good group of councillors around the table, it made the job really easy,” Gardner said, commenting on council as having been comprised of people from varied backgrounds who had different opinions.
“Everyone had been elected with the right reason; they had the good of the community in mind,” he said. “I expect that those who will be seeking re-election will continue in the same direction.
“I have no regrets regarding my time as mayor, but it’s time to close that chapter and have someone else take over,” he said, expressing “a big thank-you to the voters for having allowed me to serve them for the last seven years.”
When polled last week, all six councillors had made up their minds regarding their intentions. Two councillors have decided to seek re-election; two have decided not to seek re-election and one is interested in the mayor’s chair.
Councillor Nancy Brunt, who is completing her first four-year term on council, said she “probably will” be seeking the mayor’s chair.
Serving on council has been interesting, Brunt said. “You learn where your tax dollars go and about the limitations regarding what a council can do.
“I’ve had a really good council to work with. We discussed things but never fought.
“But there’s lots yet to be done,” she said, explaining that she found it rewarding to be a part of the community and work to make it better.
“Serving on council is not as difficult as some think it is,” she said as a way of encouraging others to consider serving. “If you run, you’d enjoy learning more about the community and how it operates.”
Planning to seek re-election to council are councillors Claire Bishop and Maria Nahnybida.
“I think I have another four years in me,” Bishop said, explaining that she feels a council needs some continuity so that councillors serve in a rotation, rather than being completely new after an election.
“I really enjoyed these last four years; it’s been a great learning experience understanding the way the town is managed,” Nahnybida said. “It’s a good feeling being involved in the decision making of the community.”
Deciding not to seek re-election are councillors Rick Aikman, Sandy Nykolaishen and Joe Kozakewich.
“I’m getting up in age and Kamsack needs (someone younger),” said Aikman, who is completing his first four-year term on council. “There are some good people out there and it’s time for younger people to step up.
“I had decided to serve because I had wanted to see what it is all about; how the town operates and what is done with our money,” he said, adding that although some strides were made particularly with regards to the new medical clinic and the establishing of Rob Ritchie’s businesses, he had hoped to see further developments, including a “sprucing up” of the downtown area.
“There are some good young people in this town and I would urge them to consider seeking election because it is worthwhile,” he said. “It’s time for a new generation.”
“I enjoyed working with the mayor and my other colleagues, and it’s been a great four years,” said Nykolaishen, who is also completing her first four-year term. “I just don’t have the time to seek another four years.
“It has been a privilege to serve on council,” she said, adding that it had been great working with the administration staff, mayor and councillors. “It has been a learning experience but I can’t commit to another four years.
“Maybe in the future, but not now,” she said.
“I thought about it a lot, I’m proud of what we’ve done, pleased to have contributed and to have worked with an excellent mayor and council, but I’ve decided to step back,” Kozakewich said.
“I would encourage anyone to consider seeking election,” he said. “It’s an incredible experience and a good learning opportunity. One receives a good understanding of how municipal government works and how municipalities interact with the other levels of government.
“I feel we developed a strong momentum that I hope continues,” he said. “The work is challenging but gratifying.
“I have nothing but praise for this council,” he said. “I’m very proud of it and all members of council should know they have been a part of a job well done.”
