Once again local government and municipal elections in the Smoky River region is more of an acclamation. When the nomination period of two hours passed on Sept. 17, just two of the five local municipal councils had more than enough candidates to create elections. All local school trustees on three school authorities were also acclaimed – again. Election excitement is certainly alive and high in the Town of McLennan with the incumbent mayor facing a longtime community volunteer, while the six incumbent councillors are being challenged by four newcomers. The only other elections are being held in the Municipal District of Smoky River with voters in three of the six divisions going to the polls, as the incumbents each face one challenger. While no elections will be required in the Town of Falher, residents will have an experienced and full council of one mayor and four councillors. Both villages face a tough future. With five members on council in each municipality, the Village of Girouxville extended nomination day to fill all five seats, with four of the incumbents returning, and welcoming one new member. However, the Village of Donnelly faces a serious challenge. This year, most of the veteran members initially decided not to return, putting the small community in a tight bind. Thank you to everyone who filed nominations to serve their communities in this important way. Why do we have five municipalities and councils in a region that could adequately, efficiently and cost-effectively be served by one regional council? Just look at Donnelly and Girouxville which struggled to find councillors. How much longer realistically will these municipalities survive? Consider the Village of Nampa to the north which has contracted an independent company to study the benefits of dissolving and joining Northern Sunrise County. With a downturn in the energy industry and economy and declining population, it seems that it will be just years or months before these smaller villages like Donnelly and Girouxville realistically recognize they cannot survive on their own. The best government in the Smoky River region is one municipality with one regional government representing each current municipality. One council with seven people would certainly elections with quality candidates. School divisions were amalgamated over 10 years ago with much opposition and concern that have now disappeared with high-quality education for all students in all areas of the school division. A few years ago, the provincial government eliminated elected hospital boards. Now as a responsible provincial government, they should seriously consider amalgamating municipalities to provide for more-adequate government, services, and facilities, unless government make the wise decision to voluntarily amalgamate. Premiers and municipal affairs minister may publicly say they will not amalgamate municipalities, but whose not to say they can change their mind? Start planning now for amalgamation and work together, or remain separate municipalities, struggling to provide adequate services with declining population and economy and rising costs. United we stand, divided we fall.

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