Westlock County Div. 3 residents won’t be going to the polls after all.
Raymond Marquette will serve as Div. 3 councillor until the next municipal election in October 2017 as he was the only person to let his name stand on Nomination Day, Jan. 11.
Marquette was sworn into office during the county’s Jan. 12 meeting and takes over from former Coun. Jim Wiese who tendered his resignation on Tuesday, Dec. 8 following council’s agreement to sell the Tawatinaw Valley Skill Hill to DK Consulting for $2.2 million.
“I was a little shocked,” Marquette said of his acclamation.
Reeve Bud Massey thanked Marquette for deciding to run.
“Thank you very much for stepping forward,” Massey said after Marquette took the Oath of Office.
“When you get your first paycheque you will realize what you’ve done is volunteer your service for your friends and neighbours and we thank you for that.”
The county’s newest councillor said he hopes to be an effective member and wants to have a positive impact.
He said serving on council is his way of being more active in the community.
“If you have problems, you should run,” he said. “Step forward or don’t talk.”
Had he entered into an election, Marquette said he was prepared to campaign on making good decisions at the council table.
“To help with decisions and make wise decisions,” he said. “One person can’t do it all, but one person can maybe give insight on some decisions.”
