INNISFAIL – Lindsey Forget has decided to withdraw her nomination to run for Innisfail town council in the upcoming general municipal election.
The 34-year-old well known respected realtor confirmed her decision to withdraw from the election campaign to The Albertan on Aug. 19 She also publicly announced it on her Lindsey Forget for Town Council Facebook page, and was confirmed by Erica Vickers, the town’s returning officer for the Oct. 18 municipal election.
“After many long and thoughtful conversations, I have decided to officially withdraw myself from the upcoming 2021 municipal election. As much as I would love to continue running for the upcoming term, the season is just not right,” said Forget in her Facebook message.
“I can promise that I will still find ways to be involved in the community and use my voice towards the changes I believe the people of the town would like to see. Good luck to all the candidates running. I look forward joining you four years from now.”
Forget, who has lived in the Innisfail and area her entire life, publicly announced her decision to run last March.
She said at the time a key reason for her running was to bring the voices of Innisfail to civic meetings and let them be heard. Forget is also a strong advocate for businesses, as well as for Innisfail to have a marquee venue, such as a multiplex, for citizens to embrace the benefits of health, comfort and a sense of a vibrant community.
Meanwhile, the town is hosting a pre-election information session for candidates and the public at 6 p.m. on Sept. 9. The session will highlight the duties and responsibilities of elected municipal officials.
“Right now, we are trying to encourage people to register. We want to get a sense of how many people in the community intend to participate,” said Ken Kowalchuk, the town’s communications director.
He said the event will likely be held in council chambers but could be moved to the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre if there is an “overwhelming response”.
As for what the session will offer, attendees will learn more about:
• council decision-making processes
• council meetings, protocols, and agenda content
• where money comes from and where it goes
• roles of governance, management and service delivery
• what local governments provide
• communication and engagement
• work-life balance and time commitments
• history of local government
• governance versus administration
The deadline for candidate nominations for the upcoming municipal general election on Oct. 18 is Nomination Day on Sept. 20, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and noon.
For citizens wanting to register for the Sept. 9 event and to find out more about candidate nominations they are invited to visit www.innisfail.ca/election2021
