Altona's new Mayor, Harv Schroeder, and the Municipality of Rhineland's returning Reeve, Don Wiebe, had the opportunity to address the crowd at Thursday night's all candidates forum. Both were invited to speak at the Altona and District Cahmber of Commerce organized event.
Schroeder was acclaimed after no other candidates came forward to replace former Mayor Al Friesen who did not seek re-election.
"I've been a town councilor for the last four years, and I have the honour and the privilege of being your next Mayor through acclimation," noted Schroeder. "I would also like to thank Al Friesen for his last eight years of service to our community, and the leadership he has given at the Council table. Thank you to each of these candidates for putting their names forward, and I wish them all the best in tonight's forum."
Seeking election to Altona town council are eight people for six seats. They are Perry Batchelor, Dan Kehler, Craig Smiley, incumbent Donna Rosling-Wolters, Lyle Dunsmore, Cheryl Dueck, incumbent Jordan Siemens and Tammy Braun.
The Municipality of Rhineland's Reeve Don Wiebe also spoke Thursday. Wiebe was acclaimed to another term after no other candidates came forward to challenge the incumbent.
"If I look at what's on the horizon, there's (the) watershed district, things that deal with economic development, provincial drains and our drainage system that's in constant need of maintenance and enhancement," noted Wiebe. "Also, we're working with our communities, our three L.U.D.s (Gretna, Rosenfeld and Plum Coulee) in the Municipality of Rhineland. Each of them has aspirations and unique needs, and they all come across our council table."
Wiebe stressed finding additional sources of potable water for the region are crucial.
"One of the most critical things, for the next few years, is to increase that supply and give that some sustainability and predictability," he noted while adding the situation has got to the point where future economic development is contingent on finding more supply.
There will be elections in Ward 2 and Ward 3 in Rhineland. In Ward 2 Hank Froese and incumbents Archie Heinrichs and June Letkeman are vying for two council seats. In Ward 3 Debra Enns and incumbents John Dueck and Jake Heppner are running for two council seats. Braun Braun and Brad Wiebe have been acclaimed in Ward 1.