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Diversity needed

The worst kept secret in town is out. This week we learned that every sitting town councillor, as well as mayor Ralph Leriger, will be seeking re-election in the upcoming Oct. 16 municipal elections.

The worst kept secret in town is out.

This week we learned that every sitting town councillor, as well as mayor Ralph Leriger, will be seeking re-election in the upcoming Oct. 16 municipal elections.

When interviewed, the mayor and councillors presented a united front, praising each other for their teamwork and highlighting council’s diversity.

They are correct that the Town of Westlock council in particular is a good cross-section of the community. However, in the name of diversity there is one glaring omission from the ranks of local elected officials.

With the exception of the Village of Clyde’s Coun. Christa Clausing and the three local Pembina Hills Public Schools trustees, every single elected official in the region is a man.

Going out further, in the last municipal election 490 women were elected in 1,874 municipalities, making up just over a quarter of all elected officials.

It hasn’t always been this way. Westlock has a strong history of women in politics. Two women have held the position of mayor in the last 30 years, with Shirley Morie and the late Kathleen Vaughan both holding the title for a combined 13 years.

Further emphasizing Westlock’s strong tradition of electing women, former Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock MLA Maureen Kubinec served as a Westlock County councillor, held seats on various school boards, including Pembina Hills, for nearly two decades and capped her career with a stint as the provincial culture and tourism minister.

The Notley government has put a priority on encouraging women to run for public office. When the dust settles on the Oct. 16 election, the #ReadyforHer campaign will be two days short of a year old.

With former town councillor Wyatt Glebe having moved to St. Albert, residents are assured there will be at least one fresh face on the next council, even if all incumbents are re-elected.

Currently swimming in a sea of testosterone and facing major infrastructure and collaboration challenges, Westlock could benefit from the balance of perspective that women, could bring to the table.

Westlock is #ReadyforHer.

What about you?

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