Let the races begin.
Nomination day in the Village of Boyle saw six nominees for its five seats on council.
Coun. Colin Derko is running again after a little over a year on council.
“I’ve enjoyed working with the administration and with the council, and I think that it’s going to be a good four years,” he said. “I hope I can get in.”
He added that there is a lot of work he would like to see done in the community.
“I’d like to make sure that we utilize the three major highways coming through Boyle, and the pipelines and stuff that are in/around our area to bring in some industry,” he said. “I think we’ve got some industry that’s looking at coming this way, so I’d like to be part of trying to get them to come here.”
He also said that he wants to make sure that the village’s hospital and school stay viable.
Coun. Mike Antal said that he is running again after ten years on council in order to stay involved in the community.
“Just to continue supporting the village, and helping the different organizations,” he said. “And just being a part of the community where hopefully I can help.”
He also gave examples of what he would like to see happen in the community.
“Showcasing our community as a nice place to come raise a family. We have lots to offer,” he said. “Even through tough times people still tend to come to Boyle.”
Patrick Ferguson is another newcomer to politics running for a council seat in The Village of Boyle. He said he has been farming outside of Boyle for over 25 years, and living in the Village for four years now.
He said he is a big believer in supporting local businesses not only in the Village, but in the surrounding communities as well.
"I feel that we should cooperate with the municipal districts such as Athabasca and the County of Athabasca to actively promote the area."
He added that he believes in fiscal responsibility, and does not want to see any foolish spending with taxpayers' money.
New candidate Shelby Kiteley has lived in Boyle just over six years, and said that she chose to run because she wants to see the village grow along with her family.
“I would like to see things for the young families coming in – give them things to do year-round,” she said. “when you bring more people into town you bring more businesses, you bring more recreational opportunities, and things like that. I want to see everybody work together as a community to develop and grow.”
This is Kiteley’s first time running in an election, but she said she has been involved in a variety of community organizations. She added that she thinks people need to be more involved to see all the potential the village has to offer.
“Boyle is a great place with great people, and I think that we can do great things together,” she said.
Barbara Smith is another new candidate who echoed Kiteley’s views on Boyle’s potential, and the need for more families.
Smith has lived in Boyle just over three years now, after eighteen years living in Lac La Biche.
“It definitely needs a bigger draw for families,” she said. “I mean it’s a fantastic community, so more people should live here.”
She added that if elected she would like to work with local businesses as well as attract new ones, and look into different industry opportunities.
“Anything to make the town grow.”
Repeated attempts were made to contact Coun. Sam Assaf, but were unsuccessful.
