Sundre's municipal election race is over and the dust has settled.
Incumbent mayor Terry Leslie was re-elected for another four-year term, and is joined by past council colleagues Cheri Funke and Paul Isaac, who will bring with them invaluable experience and insight. Earning the remaining seats at the table are newcomers Todd Dalke, Richard Warnock, Rob Wolfe and Charlene Preston, who will no doubt bring with them different perspectives and new ideas.
Returning officer Kathy Taylor said nearly 700 out of approximately 1,600 eligible voters cast ballots in the Oct. 16 election. Only three ballots were spoiled. That's a total voter turnout that represents roughly 43 per cent of Sundre's voting population ó quite likely a record in this municipality, which should be not only recognized but applauded as well.
However, without question, there remains plenty of room for improvement. More than half of Sundre's potential voters still did not get involved, which illustrates a significant level of indifference.
But considering past elections barely had more than a quarter to a third of eligible voters turn out ó dropping to a dismal 10 per cent or less during byelections ó that's a rather substantial increase. That improved level of voter engagement is certainly encouraging.
Kudos to everyone who took the time to get informed enough to make a decision on who they wanted sitting at the council table representing them. Yet while casting a ballot is arguably among the most crucial aspects of the democratic process, there is a lot more people can do.
Every member of council would undoubtedly encourage residents to share their thoughts, whether during a regular Monday night meeting at the municipal office or perhaps over a coffee or phone call.
Our newly elected leaders are not clairvoyant, nor can they read minds ó at least, not that I know of.
They will face some serious decisions in the coming years ó from the impending multi-million dollar wastewater treatment facility upgrade and further expanding tourism all the way to broadband Internet and other infrastructure as well as everything else in between.
Sundre's council will be best equipped to make plans with guiding input from the community, complemented by detailed information compiled by administrative staff.
So although the next election is not for another four years, that does not mean voters and residents should get complacent and wait until then to get involved again. After all, elections are not the only opportunity for people to have their voices heard.
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"So although the next election is not for another four years, that does not mean voters and residents should get complacent and wait until then to get involved again. After all, elections are not the only opportunity for people to have their voices heard."
