Falher seeks to add two councillors this fall

Richard Froese
Smoky River Express

f Falher municipal council is getting larger in the next general election this October. At its regular meeting Jan. 2, Town of Falher council gave first reading to bylaw 07-01 to increase council to six councillors from the current number of four. A bylaw changing the number of councillors under section 143 of the Alberta Muncipal Government Act must be passed at least 180 days (six months) before the general election in October 15. Council has struggled occasionally to function with four councillors and a mayor. “I find it difficult with the small numbers around the table,” says Mayor Margaret Tardif. “If we have one or two members missing, it’s difficult to serve effectively and make decisions.” A full council will better serve the community, says the mayor. “It gives residents opportunity to have more views and opinions,” says Mayor Tardif. Council is encouraging more people to get involved in community leadership. They want to fill a council with six councillors and a mayor. Since the last election in 2004, council has served with one mayor and four councillors. The bylaw states that council believes the current number of councillors is insufficient to properly represent the electorate and to fulfill all legislative responsibilities of council. Given first reading, the bylaw must be advertised in a local community newspaper to inform residents. 2004 Election Besides electing a mayor, voters cast ballots for four councilors – down from six – after Alberta municipal affairs minister Guy Boutilier reduced the number since just five nominations were received by the deadline which stretched to the full extension. “The minister passed a ministerial order which reduces the size of council to five members for this election,” says town administrator Gerard Nicolet. If insufficient nominations to fill all vacancies are not received, the municipal administrator shall immediately notify the minister of municipal affairs who may recommend a change in the status of the local jurisdiction (municipality) or any other action the minister considers necessary, states the Local Authorities Elections Act. “We notified the minister and it’s the minister’s decision,” says Nicolet. “Council can decide at a later date by bylaw to increase the number of seats, although it would only become effective at the following general election – under the Act.” With one vacancy, the minister had two main options that could include the five nominations appointed by acclamation and a by-election called at a later date, or to downsize council. “The minister has authority to downsize from a council of seven to five,” says Nicolet. The minister could have also downgraded the Town of Falher to a village with a permanent reduced council of one mayor and four councilors.