Barbara Bell, who has waged a war of words with Athabasca town council and administration, and is currently suing the town and other parties, now wants to help run it.
Bell has declared her candidacy for the open position on town council, to be filled in a Feb. 6, 2012 byelection.
Bell has filed a lawsuit against the town and other parties regarding property she owns in Hees Estates. She said she would continue her legal action despite her plans to run for town council.
“The people vote me in, they know the problems on my property. I do not deny there is a lawsuit,” she said.
“I realize if I am elected, my job as a councillor will be very challenging considering the fact that I am involved in an ongoing lawsuit against the Town of Athabasca,” Bell said. “But if I am elected, I believe I can make a beneficial difference in our community.”
She said doesn’t see it as a conflict of interest to run for council, because nothing to do with her property will be dealt with in council, and if it is, she will not participate.
“I will not drop the lawsuit to run for council, and if I’m voted in I’m sure there will be a settlement or a court order, that I will get my damages from the town.”
As for pointed comments Bell has made regarding town council and administration, she says that will not affect her if elected.
“I am not running for me, I’m running as a voice of the people,” Bell said. “I am upset with the way things are done in council now.”
Bell acknowledged that if elected, she would be only one vote amongst seven.
“I feel like I am a lone soldier entering enemy territory,” Bell said. “I am not going to make any promises, except if I am elected I will be the voice of the people and town council will hear my voice.”
Bell wants citizens to know that she wants change.
“In my opinion, the trust and respect for our town officials have been seriously compromised with the rezoning of Hees Estates and Cornwall,” she said. “I firmly believe that trust and respect is earned and not just a given.”
Bell was born in Athabasca, and graduated from Edwin Parr Composite High School and later graduated from Grant MacEwan College. She moved back to Athabasca in 2009 after living in Wabasca for with her two sons.
Bell is the second person to unofficially declare their candidacy for the town council byelection. The official nomination day is Jan. 9, 2012.
