With the processes of two elections wrapping up in the last two weeks, the local election process has been in the spotlight–but how much does the average reader know about the transformation from mild-mannered resident to municipal councillor?
The odyssey of a Lac La Biche County councillor starts with the nomination process.
Every candidate must fill out the prescribed form, which is signed by at least five electors who are eligible to vote, and who also live in the local jurisdiction at the time of signing.
Once nominated by these five electors, the candidate is required to sign a written acceptance indicating that they are eligible to be elected, and that they are prepared to accept the office if elected.
“Prior to nomination day … which takes place from 10 a.m. to noon four weeks before Election Day … the returning officer will accept nomination forms,” explained Melanie Kanarek senior manage Legislative Services as well as Returning Officer for this year’s municipal elections.
All forms must be submitted by hand, by the candidate themselves or by someone of their choosing—fax, email or mail submissions are not allowed. Candidates must also provide a $100 deposit, which will be returned to them on election, or if they receive half as many votes as the elected candidate. The written acceptance and the deposit are to ensure that only serious candidates apply.
New Ward 2 councillor Robert Richard was elected by acclamation—by noon on nomination day, no one else had come forward to challenge him for the seat—and thus Richard won the seat by default.
“Acclamations are not uncommon,” Kanarek said. “In the 2007 general election there were four councillors acclaimed.”
As for salary, elected officials in Lac La Biche County are paid a base salary and honorariums for meetings, but Ward 5 councillor MJ Siebold said no councillor ever took the position for the money.
“The annual salary for a member of council will depend on their attendance, committee appointments and meeting frequency,” Kanarek said.
The mayor’s base salary is $47,000, the deputy mayor’s is $32,000, and councillors receive $27,000. Meeting and event honorariums range from $125 for zero to four hours, up to $375 for eight hour plus commitments.
Siebold said that when she ran for council, the nomination package said councillors could expect to spend two to five days a month on county business—Siebold says she spends three to four days a week, and says that the part-time position is nearly a full-time commitment.
As for the job description laid out for county councillors, the Municipal Government Act requires councillors to keep the welfare and interests of the municipality as a whole and to bring to council’s attention anything that might promote or harm the interests of the municipality.
Councillors must participate in developing and evaluating policies and programs, attend council and council committee meetings. They are required to do their homework and keep abreast of information provided by administration, and to keep in confidence private matters discussed in council meetings.
Siebold said that she ran for Ward 5 because it seemed as though the region was losing faith with council.
“As a resident, I was seeing a lot of malcontent. You just didn’t hear anything good about the county. When I was campaigning I said I just had too many What-The-Hell moments. That’s why I ran. There are a lot of people out there who think they always have the answers. If you’re one of those people, make your opinion matter.”
As for what makes a good councillor, Siebold says that the ideal councillor will have a passion for the municipality, and want to do what’s right for the region as a whole.
“And honesty is huge. You’ll have a strong council if everyone treats one another with respect and honesty. No squabbling, but often agreeing to disagree. That’s the way a good democratic government works.”
