The campaigning for Okotoks town council will be hotly contested and residents will certainly (at least they should be) pay close attention.
However, the races in other jurisdictions should not be overlooked and hopefully people will step up to run for election to ensure issues are raised and discussed.
Nomination day is Sept. 23 and already there are openings within the Foothills School Division (FSD) and the MD of Foothills.
In the past interest in running for a position on the MD council or school trustee for FSD or Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools has been lukewarm.
This is not the time to be a wallflower.
It is clear there will be a number of people running for Okotoks council, but where we need some good community-minded people to step up is school boards as well as the MD, Turner Valley, Longview and Black Diamond councils.
These boards and councils are facing a critical juncture as they try to rebuild and recover after the June flood.
The school boards need strong candidates to come forward to ensure the main topics of flood recovery, space constraints, bargaining and funding are addressed during the campaign.
Trustees are often overlooked, but their importance in guiding and championing the local education system cannot be underestimated.
The current boards of trustees for both divisions have worked exceptionally well, but an election through acclamation does not allow new ideas or pressing issues to come to light.
If you are indeed interested in the future of education in our region this is your chance to step up and be heard.
The same can be said for councils for the rural municipalities who face issues such as water resources, growth, stimulating their economies and flood relief.
Councillors play an integral role in deciding the future of these communities — how they will grow, their priorities, their vision.
Nomination day is Monday, if you have a passion for your community, vibrant new ideas and a willingness to work as part of a team your school board/town/MD needs you.
