The incoming mayor of Killarney-Turtle Mountain looks forward to working with her new council.
Janice Smith is a two term councillor and following the September 20th nomination deadline was the only person to submit papers to run for mayor of that municipality.
Smith considered a run for the mayor’s job about 18 months ago when a by-election was called after Rick Pauls stepped down. However she decided the timing wasn’t right.
That changed this time around. “You know I had several people encourage me to run that included family friends and community members who thought I should run because I’d do a good job.”
“We have some projects I’d like to see completed. Moving forward health care and worker retention is a big priority. I also want to concentrate on maintenance in the municipality. The rural roads and in town things like sidewalks and streets need a lot of attention.”
Smith says you have to maintain your infrastructure to keep the municipality going strong.
Only five people filed nomination papers for the six council positions and Janice Smith says that was disappointing to see.
“I know it can be scary putting your name out there especially during these times of social media but the job can also be very rewarding. We like to work as a team and the onus isn’t on any one individual.”
Here’s the list of candidates filing papers for a council seat and all won by acclamation:
Councillors Greg Ericson, Jane Ireland, Joan Kemp, Gary King, Rick Pauls,
LUD of Ninga Committee Members Tony Beard, Ed Epp, Richard Pugh
“I look forward to having former Mayor Rick Pauls on council because he brings a wealth of experience from his time on council and he’s also up to speed on what’s happening in the business community” said Janice Smith.
The new council will be sworn in after October 26th and members will then decide how to fill the lone vacant seat at the council table.