Councillor backed

Mountain View County councillors have voted to support fellow councillor Al Kemmere's bid for a second term as president of the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC).

The move came by way of motion at the recent regularly scheduled council meeting.

The AAMDC represents 69 rural municipalities, including Mountain View and Red Deer counties.

Kemmere is now completing his first two-year team as president of the association, which lobbies the provincial government on behalf of its member municipalities.

Kemmere is the Mountain View County councillor for Division 7. The AAMDC president for 2017-2018 will be elected by association members at the upcoming annual general meeting.

The president must be a sitting municipal councillor.

Although Kemmere had announced his intention to seek a second term a couple weeks ago, during the October 12 council meeting he asked his fellow councillors for official permission to do so.

“I'm asking for your support by motion,” said Kemmere.

Councillor Duncan Milne put forward the motion of support.

Reeve Bruce Beattie said, “We need to recognize that it is a loss to us as a council because we lose a very, very competent councillor who at times (cannot attend council business due to AAMDC obligations).

“All councillors step in and are glad to step in to assist because you do a very good job representing Alberta and all our municipalities at that position. I think are very proud to have you there, recognizing that we do miss you when you are unable to attend here.”

Following the approval of the supporting motion, Kemmere said, “This would not be a position that I could do properly without knowing that I don't have to look over my back when I am gone.

“I know council has my back and that means a lot. If I was constantly having to worry about that, I wouldn't be able to do the job. Thank you for the support in the last two years.”

The president of the association is its principal spokesperson.