Richard Froese
Local government elections are over and elected candidates on municipal councils and school division boards will be taking public office in the coming days.
Thanks to all the candidates who filed nominations in the recent election to offer their skills, and passions for local service.
When electors have an opportunity to vote – rather than have someone take the seat by acclamation – it’s good for democracy.
It is time to move forward into the future for a new four-year term!
After mayors, reeves, councillors, school board chairs and trustees have been sworn in and been appointed to committees and regional boards, they are responsible to serve and make decisions in the best interest of their community – not just for their own personal benefit.
Not everyone will agree on every issue and it’s always healthy to hear views and opinions from all angles.
Municipal councils will get fully immersed as they take a deep dive into the financial base in the coming weeks when they deliberate on the numbers and approve interim operating and capital budgets for 2026.
Many councils spend more time in determining the interim budget than adopting the final budget in the spring.
Discussing the interim budget is also an ideal time to start to consider priorities and strategic planning for the coming year and the full term of office.
In past years, councils and school boards have scheduled special meetings dedicated to discuss priorities and strategic planning.
Economic development, crime and community safety, recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals and services are common priorities – particularly in northern and rural communities.
It is paramount councils and school boards engage with citizens to know their priorities and concerns in the community. Most municipalities already do with easy access to online surveys.
Residents and property owners always want to let their local elected officials know their views on various issues to make the community a better place to live for everyone.
Residents always want councils and school boards to keep communications open. Keep all lines of communication accessible, not just by computers. Service is not that great in some parts of the rural and remote regions in northern Alberta.
Councils and school boards may consider holding quarterly community – public in-person – engagement sessions to allow citizens to offer ideas and discuss issues and concerns.
During any election campaign, voters and citizens in many communities call for their elected officials – including councils and school boards – to be accountable, open, honest and transparent in local government business – and make the most effective decisions and action for the best of the community. When that doesn’t happen, it can create endless problems and friction in the community.
People want to trust their elected officials and make life better for everyone.
Mayors, reeves, councillors, school board chairs and trustees, people elected you to represent them and respond to their issues and concerns and priorities.
Nothing can be worse in local government than when elected officials ignore their constituents – especially in their own community.