Three residents of the Town of Arcola are vying for two vacant councillor’s seats in a by-election to be held on Oct. 20. All three of these candidates provided the Observer with some background and their reasons for running.
Delanie Kendall: “I, Delaine Kendall, am running for council in Arcola. I have two children with one living in Alameda and one in Midale. I have eight grandchildren. I moved from Estevan to Arcola in 2014 and purchased a home here with my husband Rick and our black lab.
“I work as a marriage commissioner, serving Arcola and surrounding area. I am also busy with various volunteer work. Being elected to town council, I feel that I can help out this community and come up with a solution to our water issues. I would love to get out and meet with the public’s concerns and work together with other town council members.
“Being around Arcola, there are more concerns in the air that residents are talking about but one thing at a time.”
Turner hopes that people will exercise their right to go out and vote.
Sheila Sim: “I moved to Arcola from Regina with my two children to take the administrator position with the Town of Arcola. I worked in that position for 11 years. I moved from there to take the branch manager position at Plainsview Credit Union, Arcola branch, where I spent four years. My next career move was to JJ Trucking Ltd., Arcola, and is where I am currently employed.
A year and a half after I left my position as town administrator, I ran for town council and was successful in getting a seat at the council table for 12 years. If elected I am looking forward to working with the rest of council on several key issues including the delivery of safe and affordable water for the community, dealing with aging infrastructure including streets and water and sewer lines.
“I have also been active with the Moose Mountain Health Care Corp. (operating as Arcola Family Health Clinic) which helps to ensure our community has access to basic health care. I believe it is important that the town (through town council) stays cognizant of the SHA’s plan for health care in our area.
“Finally, I would like to help find innovative ways to have community growth by facilitating new businesses, expansion of existing businesses and new home/improvement construction. And of course, there is always the dog issues that come to the council table.”
Stirling Van Gall: “I’d like to introduce myself as many of you don’t know who I am. My name is Stirling, you may have seen me working around the Arcola Pharmacy.
“I’ll keep this short and to the point, since I live a fairly simple life. I’ve had many different jobs and owned a couple of businesses. My passion is being creative and I enjoy taking on new projects such as restoration and renovations. I’ve recently helped transform the pharmacy in Arcola and I am working on the old pharmacy at 107 Main St.
“I am honest and often blunt. I don’t have a problem speaking the truth and voicing my opinion. I work hard and although I don’t necessarily have extra time for town business, I’ve been recruited by various Arcola residents to run for council. If elected, I will allocate the necessary time required and continue to work in an assiduous and diligent manner.”
The Town of Arcola advanced polling date is Oct. 12 from 4-7 p.m. The election date is Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. On both days voting takes place at the Town of Arcola office.
