A majority of Mountain View County councillors voted last week to recommend the province introduce four-year terms for municipal councils and school boards.The recommendation was made during Wednesday's policies and priorities committee meeting over the objections of former reeve and Div. 6 Coun. Paddy Munro and Div. 1 Coun. Kevin Good, who both argued against extending terms from three to four years.The debate – prompted by a Municipal Affairs survey on changes being considered for the Local Authorities and Elections Act – opened with deputy reeve Patricia McKean suggesting the county support four-year terms.“Not a chance,” Munro replied.“The problem with four is it's such a long period of time you're going to recruit politicians instead of concerned members of the public,” he said.“I think it should be two. With four you get problems.”“My sentiment exactly,” said Good, adding he was “totally opposed” to four years.“There's no one on Earth that could have talked me into four years.”Good said he was disheartened at conventions of the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties “to see how many career politicians there are who have lost their focus.”McKean said her reason for supporting four years was “because it takes time to learn what's happening.” The result of having inexperienced elected officials, she said, is that administration makes the key decisions.Div. 7 Coun. Al Kemmere concurred with McKean.“Municipal government is the quickest form of government out there, but it still takes time to learn,” Kemmere said. “I believe that four years … is my preferred approach.”The longer term, he said, gives councillors “the ability to deliver on your strengths and see if they come to fruition or not, and work for the people.”“Aren't you concerned about career politicians?” Good asked Kemmere. “You know the type better than I do.”“I could be considered one of those,” Kemmere admitted. “But I believe there is a role for everyone.”Div. 3 Coun. Duncan Milne and Div. 5 Coun. Bob Orr voted with McKean and Kemmere in favour of four-year terms while Munro and Good voted for three-year terms. Reeve Bruce Beattie was absent.P&P responded to a total of 36 questions in the Municipal Affairs survey, which also covered timing of elections, nominations, voter eligibility, residency requirements, campaign financing and ballot procedures.
