There will be at least one race for a town council seat in October with current councillor Arvin Bull saying he will be bowing out at the end of his fourth term on council later this fall.
“I've been there long enough. It's time for other people to get involved, and I can enjoy doing some other things. It's a pretty interesting town … and it's, I think, quite rewarding to (serve),” he said.
Bull said for some older councillors, the change to a four-year term that will begin in October may be a deciding factor against going for another term or running at all. He said his decision not to seek a fifth term was made up before the change was announced by the provincial government.
Bull said the reward for him during his years on council was seeing the town grow and hopes that can continue.
“There's some unique things happening in Olds when you consider it relative to other towns and I think to see the town grow and plan for the future, that's a good thing,” he said.
Mayor Judy Dahl said she will definitely be running for a fourth term as mayor.
“For me, it's being able to succession plan for future councillors and educate them,” she said, noting that she would also want to stay on for a renewal of the councillor service plan that lays out the duties and responsibilities of councillors.
Although Dahl didn't support the provincial municipal affairs ministry's change to four-year terms, she said she is excited to see how the term extension will work for municipal councils.
Mary Jane Harper will also be seeking a second term on council. She said the first term is a learning experience, while the second and third terms give councillors more confidence in their roles and allow for better decision-making.
“One of the challenges that the Town of Olds will be facing along with other municipalities is the review of the Municipal Government Act. I'd really like to have some input into that,” she said.
Harper said she also wants to continue making Olds the best place it can be.
Debbie Bennett-Dubak hasn't made up her mind yet about going for a second term, but said she is leaning toward it.
“It still will be a family decision … but I still feel that we've done a decent job. I like bragging about our community,” she said.
Wade Bearchell hasn't fully committed to another term yet, but he said he is leaning toward it. Balancing work and family with council commitments would be deciding factors, he said.
“I really enjoy it and … given that it takes one term just to learn how things work, you're just starting to wrap your head around things after one term, I almost feel like it's important that you do do at least two terms … to do the role justice,” he said.
Likewise, Murray Ball hasn't made a firm decision at this point, but said he enjoys council work.
“I'm finding the work on council to be very stimulating and I think worthwhile. It's interesting to see the vibrancy of the community. It certainly has confirmed in my mind the decision I made 10 years ago to move to Olds,” he said.
Managing growth and keeping the quality of life town residents enjoy will continue to be big issues for council, Ball believes.
Harvey Walsh, like many other current councillors, is still mulling over his options.
“I am still seriously thinking about running, no final decision yet,” he said.
Municipal and school board elections will be taking place Oct. 21.
