Whether actually running as a candidate for council or simply making sure to stay informed about the local issues, Sundre residents should get involved in the coming municipal election, the mayor said.
"Apathy will generate a caretaker government," Terry Leslie told the Round Up.
"It's really important for the community to make some decisions about what they feel are the issues," he said last week during a phone interview.
Anyone considering running for elected office should sooner rather than later get informed about some of the issues facing not only Sundre but the provincial and federal governments as well. After all, financial decisions made at higher levels of government ó especially reductions in cost expenditures ó can have an impact on municipalities, he said.
"All three levels of government are connected."
Sitting on a municipal council requires dedication and commitment to the community, but "it's incredibly rewarding work," he said.
Additionally, serving the municipality offers a unique opportunity to be involved in helping to make decisions that will affect the town for generations to come, he said.
"You get to touch the future."
Sundre's new top administrator Linda Nelson told the Round Up the municipality would be making available orientation packages that ó among other information including codes of ethics and conduct ó will outline the roles and responsibilities of elected officials for people who are thinking about running for a seat on council or even the position of mayor.
"Hopefully that's something we can start putting out within the coming months," said Nelson, adding the municipality has provided similar packages in past election cycles.
The election is set for Oct. 16, and while anyone who plans to run can declare his or her intent at any time, the provincewide nomination day is scheduled for Sept. 18, she said.
People who plan to throw their names in the proverbial hat must keep in mind that the Municipal Government Act, which outlines elected officials' expectations and responsibilities, governs councils, she said.
Candidates should also be well prepared to speak about their platforms as well as what they consider to be important in the community and what vision they might have for the future. Gleaning some feedback from the sitting council members is also advisable, she said.
"They should talk to the current councillors, find out about their experiences."
Additionally, the administrator said she would welcome any questions regarding regulations or legislated roles and responsibilities. Otherwise, a candidate must be at least 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen as well as a Sundre resident to run for the local council.
The mayor also encourages potential candidates to attend council meetings and workshops.
"Become aware of some of the details surrounding some of the discussions that are taking place," said Leslie.
Among some of the big projects currently on the table that any would-be councillor should become very familiar with is the municipality's pursuit of broadband high-speed Internet infrastructure. The Main Avenue pilot project that has been developed through a collaborative effort with Alberta Transportation will also be a major issue in the next term, which for the first time will last four years. Then, there are also crucial longer-term plans such as recreational facilities as well as the wastewater treatment plant, he said.
"Will we have a stand-alone arena, or will groups come together for a multi-use facility? There are lots of opportunities and ideas to really plan for the next 50 years of development and growth in the community."
As technologies continue to progress, the way things were done in the past is not necessarily what may or could continue to occur in the future, he said.
"There are lots of ideas and opportunities out there."
But it's important to remember that not one single member of council is in a position to make a decision alone, he said.
"One of the blessings we have in this country is the ability to have a discussion," the mayor said, adding that, "the political process is a great opportunity to have different ideas presented to strike a consensus."
Serving as an elected member of council also requires a willingness to learn and understand all of the angles of any particular issue before prematurely coming to a conclusion, he said.
"You seek first to understand, then to be understood," said the mayor, quoting Stephen Covey, author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.
The election is not for several months yet, but time flies past so voters and anyone thinking about running for council should start thinking about the process.
"Get prepared to ask really tough questions," he said.
"Anybody can say, ëI'm going to reduce taxes.' But how are you going to do that? If anybody tells you they have a magic solution, run in the opposite direction."
