RM of Mervin residents will have a chance to elect an RM council Nov. 3.
While Georgina Pilling (Division 1) and Alex McDonald (Division 3) are in by acclamation, William Bleakney (incumbent) and Wayne Mork are both running for the position of councillor in Division 5.
Voters will also be selecting a reeve, as Harold Kivimaa (incumbent) and Earl McKee are both running for the position.
All four candidates have experience on council. Earl McKee served as a councillor for 10 years and as reeve for eight.
"I was still interested in the R.M. and I enjoyed what I was doing," McKee says of his decision to run again.
Harold Kivimaa says he's also enjoyed his time on council. He's served as reeve for the RM of Mervin for two years, and also served as a councillor and reeve for the RM of Greenfield.
Wayne Mork says he enjoyed the four years he spent as a councillor, and now has more time to dedicate to council. William Bleakney, the incumbent councillor, has served for two years.
When I asked each candidate about the challenges the RM faces, at the top of everyone's list was road maintenance and construction. Kivimaa said it's important to be fair to every division in terms of gravel and road construction. Bleakney pointed out the wet weather this spring and summer made things difficult, especially for the section of the Spruce Lake Grid (796) that was under construction.
Zoning bylaws also come up at council meetings. McKee said it's important that bylaws are kept standard and consistent for all residents. He explained that concessions requested by residents need to be considered carefully, as any changes will affect many people.
All four candidates encouraged residents to give them a call if they have questions or want to discuss issues.
Ratepayers may vote from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents can vote for the reeve at Moosehead Hall or the RM office in Turtleford. Residents can vote for the Division 5 councillor only in Turtleford.
Advance polling is set for Oct. 29 at the RM office from 1 to 8 p.m.
