Incumbent Mayors: Running, not running and undecided.

On October 16, 2017 Alberta goes to the polls in the municipal elections. That may seem a long ways off with a week being defined as, “a long time in politics.” However, with Hinton Mayor, Rob Mackin, already releasing a statement that he is not going to run for mayor this time we thought we would ask the question of the incumbent Mayors in our distribution area. Working from the west, Jasper Mayor, Richard Ireland said, “I have not yet made that decision.”

In Edson Mayor, Greg Pasychny said, “To be honest I haven’t made my mind up yet. My plan was to make a decision in August.”

In Yellowhead County, Mayor Gerald Soroka, said, “I am giving it serious consideration as many residents are encouraging and supporting me to seek re-election. As such I will be giving this matter serious consideration and will make my formal announcement closer to nomination day.”

Whitecourt Mayor,Maryann Chichak said, “Yes I am running again in October.”

At the time of writing we received no response from Mayerthorpe Mayor, Kate Patrick and Lac St. Anne County Mayor, Bill Hegy. In Woodland County, Mayor, Jim Rennie said, “In our County, we have a Mayor selected by council after the election. So, no individual can run for Mayor, but anyone can run for Council.

I intend to run again for Council. If feel I personally have helped over many years be part of a team that has built strong partnerships with our neighbours. I also feel I have strong skills in problem solving, and really enjoy seeing a difficult situation find a solution.

I also feel with the turmoil we are seeing in provincial politics that now more than ever is a time to have strong municipalities, and the chance to help lead our community in that way is very important.”

Nomination Day is Monday, September 18, 2017. There is plenty of time to decide the question of to run or not to run.