New councillor sworn in; council gets organized

By Rob Vogt
Claresholm’s town council held its organizational meeting last week, as a new councillor was sworn in, and representatives were assigned to various internal and external boards and committees.
At the meeting, held on Oct. 26, Coun. Perry Pelletier was sworn in, after winning a byelection on Oct. 19.
Karine Keys, who was the chief returning officer, for the byelection, then gave her chief returning officer’s report.
The voter turnout was estimated at 21 per cent.
“For the byelection of one councillor, I think that’s pretty exceptional,” Keys said.
The byelection was held at the Claresholm Agriplex, because the provincial referendum vote was being held at the Claresholm Community Centre.
“The agriplex was really good,” Keys said, adding the town was very grateful to the Willow Creek Agricultural Society for allowing them to use their space and appreciated it very much.
Perry Pelletier received 487 votes while Diana Ross received 142 votes.
“We’d like to say thank you to Diana for putting her name forward,” Keys said.
This time around, the election was conducted entirely by town staff, so that left Erin Thompson to operate the front desk at the town office.
“She did a wonderful job,” Keys said.
“I think that overall it went pretty smoothly,” Keys added.
Abe Tinney, the town’s chief administrative officer, commended Keys on her efforts.
“We’re very grateful,” he said.
The following appointments were also made:
External boards and committees
• Alberta SouthWest regional alliance – Mayor Brad Schlossberger; Coun. Kieth Carlson as alternate;
• Calgary Region Airshed Zone – Cynthia Wannamaker, member at large;
• Chinook Arch Regional Library System – Schlossberger, appointed by Claresholm Public Library Board;
• Chinook Intermunicipal Subdivision and Development Appeal Board – Coun. Rod Kettles; with Daryl Sutter as member-at-large;
• Claresholm and District Chamber of Commerce – Coun. David Knox;
• Claresholm and District Transportation Society board – Pellletier; with Coun. Seth Wagner as alternate;
• Claresholm Animal Rescue Society (CAReS) – Coun. Kandice Meister;