Some areas of the Foothills sought change, while others had change forced on them, and yet others expressed their satisfaction in their elected officials this municipal election.
Foothills County saw four acclamations and one incumbent voted in and a former councillor return, with only two new faces on council.
Turner Valley voted back in all of its incumbent councillors and Barry Crane went unchallenged in his bid to return as mayor.
However, other areas had huge changes in their mayors and council.
In Okotoks, space was made for the mayor’s seat with the passing of long-time mayor of Bill Robertson. Long-time councillor Tanya Thorn will take his place and be one of two experienced Okotoks politicians at the council table. Okotoks only had incumbent Ken Heemeryck running for council, making for an overwhelming race with 24 people running for six spots.
In Black Diamond, 10 people and four incumbents vied for council and the mayor’s race saw incumbent Ruth Goodwin voted out.
In the coming year, council from Turner Valley and Black Diamond could also be working on one of the biggest changes in the Town’s history, creating one town were once there were two.
It is these challenging races and issues that can bend the future of these Towns.
Both in Okotoks and Black Diamond some younger candidates were vote in, signifying a likely change in philosophy and direction on council.
New councillors will need time to acclimatize and then learn the ropes, bringing their hopes and dreams for their Towns in line with the policies and procedures inherent in government.
Former Turner Valley town administrator and newly elected Black Diamond town councillor Heather Thomson pointed out that municipal government is nothing like any other job. On council it takes more time to make change, she said.
But this election proved it can be made.
