CARSTAIRS - Newly-elected Carstairs councillor Shannon Wilcox says she is looking forward to working with her fellow council members over the next four years.
Elected on Oct. 16, Wilcox is the only newcomer on the council elected Oct. 16, joining five incumbent councillors and incumbent mayor Lance Colby.
"I have spoken to all the other councillors and the CAO and they have expressed a warm welcome and I am thrilled to work with such an experienced and well run team," said Wilcox.
Wilcox said she is hoping to see increased communication between council and residents over the four-year term.
"Though meetings are always open, I think encouraging more public participation will increase the public's understanding and council's understanding of public concerns," she said.
"I am interested in looking at bylaws and addressing some of the known issues residents have."
Being a new voice on council will help her bring a new voice and some new ideas to the mix, she said.
"I will ensure that young families will also be represented at council and a new perspective," she said. "I think it's an exciting time for Carstairs and I think it is imperative that the council reflects the whole community - and we are now seeing that."
The new Carstairs council is made up of Wilcox, returning councillors Bob Green, Marty Ratz, Al Gil, Dean Allan and Rick Blair as well as mayor Colby.
Colby said he is happy to be working with a largely familiar council.
Incumbents being voted in is an indication that residents are happy with the direction of council, he said.
"I think people are pleased with the way the town is going and the progressive way we look to the future," said Colby.
"I think everyone recognizes the good planning and fiscal responsibility (and that) we've been able to improve the town without increasing taxes to any great level."
Colby said there are a number of issues that council needs to address over the new term including a new school, snow removal, seniors housing and building codes.
"We want to try to get a new school for Carstairs," he said. "We're growing in such a fashion that the younger grades are having to move back to the old school. That's one of the main issues.
"Melissa Copley is the new (Chinook's Edge) trustee and that's part of her agenda and it'll be part of ours. We want to see how we can help move it forward."
Colby also mentioned the need for increased policing and a tri-services building for the future.
"There's quite a bit on our table that's coming up for the next four years," he said.
Past councillor Sandi Roberts did not seek re-election.
