(Left) Gilmour Farley, (right) Brenda Stevens

Falher residents get ready to go back to the polling station. There will be a bi-election on July 7 to appoint a new councillor to Falher town council. Former town councillor Germaine Sasseville stepped down from the position last month to move to Vegreville. Thus, the necessity to appoint a new councillor arose. Deadline for applications was June 16 at 12 pm. The deadline saw two candidates apply for the position in Gilmour Farley and Brenda Stevens. "We are encouraging all eligible voters to come in on July 7," says town administrator Gerard Nicolet. "Anyone who is eligible should exercise their right to vote." In order to be eligible to vote residents must meet certain criteria. Voters must be 18 years old and a Canadian resident. They must also have been a resident of Alberta for six consecutive months prior to election day. Voters must also be a resident of the municipality on the day of election. Voting stations will be set up at the Falher Regional Recreation Complex on July 7 from 10 am to 8 pm. "In the last election we used 350 ballots," explains Nicolet. "We are hoping to have a similar or greater turnout for this bi-election." The two individuals running for town council, Gilmour Farley and Brenda Stevens, have been residing in the town for many years. Gilmour Farley was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He moved to Falher four years ago when he accepted a teaching position at Georges P. Vanier High School in Donnelly. This school year he was a high school Science and Math teacher. Next year he will be assuming a new role as Aisi Lead Learner. He explains that this is a position to support teachers in assessment and statistical analysis of test results. He explains that over the years he has been very interested in local politics. "I want to have a voice for the tax payers," says Farley. "It will also be nice to give back to the community." Farley explains that he's had a desire to become more involved with local politics but completing his Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Calgary prevented him from doing so. "It would be nice to add some youth to the council," says Farley explaining that his association with his students would make his focus more directed at children. "There are some things in our community that are lacking for youth. It would be nice to see more extracurricular activities in the Falher area." One idea Farley thought would be appropriate for the community was adding a youth centre to the community. Farley adds that improving relationships among surrounding communities would be beneficial for the growth of Falher and the other towns. "We need to build a climate of support before we grow as a town," says Farley. "It would be nice if council would get on board for things in other communities." Brenda Stevens was born in Edmonton and raised in St. Albert. She moved to Falher 18 years ago in 1990 to seek employment in the area. Although her move was initially to better her employment, Stevens explains that she quickly made many lifelong friends and acquaintances. She currently is employed by the Express as an Advertisement Designer. "I moved from a city and was used to people keeping to themselves," says Stevens. "But after living here for a short while I fell in love with the people because they were very friendly and always waved and talked to me." Stevens explains that having her children, 27 year old daughter and 14 year old son, grow up in the community she has grown an even fonder appreciation for the town. "A smaller community offers a lot for growing relations among friends," she explains. "Many times your friends become more like family because of the close bonds you can acquire." Stevens has taken many courses towards a diploma in business adminstration. She explains that the majority of her employment has dealth with management, finances and people. "I've had a lot of challenges to overcome in my life," explains Stevens. "If I can make any difference to the community that has helped me over the years I will be overjoyed." Stevens explains that she has had a strong interest in politics for the majority of her life. "I want to see the town for future generations," she explains. "Falher is a great town, and I think that the more you bring to town the more choices are available and it gives people the chance to prosper." Stevens says that she is excited to see new families move into the community. "I can understand why these young families want to raise their children here," she says. "We have to continue to bring new, exciting things to town to promote the growth and success of our community."