Village of Clyde residents told their elected officials they wanted the community to remain incorporated.
So council didn’t even go to a plebiscite to determine the fate of the community and have instead chosen to follow a set of Municipal Affairs guidelines that should ensure the village’s long-term viability.
Sounds good to us. But a new challenge looms as councillors must now tackle an issue that’s been plaguing them for some time — finding their replacements.
The fact is that if Clyde is to remain a municipality they’ll need new councillors just as badly as a balanced budget, or a long-term infrastructure plan.
Admittedly the village — and any other incorporated municipality of its size — faces an uphill battle to find suitable candidates.
Five councillors represent roughly one per cent of the community’s overall population of about 500 and given that not everyone is eligible to run, there’s even less talent than that to draw from.
Compare that with the Town of Westlock, which maintains a council of seven. With a population of 5,000, the task is considerably easier, although even in past years the slate of candidates has been slim. And even in Westlock County there have been many times when only one person has run in a division.
Nonetheless, the village has been able to maintain itself for over 100 years so there’s no reason to think that five new people can’t be recruited.
And it’s not to say people in Clyde aren’t doing their share. Volunteers make sure the community hall is still standing, the agricultural grounds are manicured and events like Summer Solstice continue to run.
Many have stepped up and take a seat at the council table over the years, including the men and women currently guiding the village.
Understandably, we’re living in a day and age where most jobs require more than just a nine-to-five commitment.
But people can’t be expected to serve forever and with some councillors, including long-time mayor Doug Nyal eyeing retirement, it’s time for a new crop.
Residents said no to dissolution. Now it’s up to them to make sure they take the next step and join council in October 2017.
