In the town of Athabasca, voters will choose their mayor Oct. 18, as current councillor Roger Morrill challenges incumbent Colleen Powell.
Powell has completed one term as mayor after serving as a councillor for nine years.
“We’ve accomplished a fair bit this past term, and I think we will have a good team together. It’s going to be interesting,” Powell said.
Morrill was first elected to council last November, winning a byelection after former councillor Hugh O’Farrell resigned.
“I’m running for the mayor of Athabasca to give the voters a choice of a fiscally conservative candidate with a more business-like approach,” Morrill said.
“I’m not running for mayor because of any ambition or want of prestige, or to be the centre of attention. I’m a relatively private individual with strong family values.”
In the councillor race, incumbents Lionel Cherniwchan, Paula Evans, George Hawryluk and Christine Nelson will be joined on the ballot by former mayor Richard Verhaeghe; his brother, former councillor candidate Tim Verhaeghe; former councillor Joanne Peckham; and first-time candidate Erin Maston.
Cherniwchan, a former mayor of Athabasca, is running for a second consecutive term as councillor. He also served as councillor prior to his mayoral stint.
“I’ve got the experience to look after the budget and continue to provide the services to the community that they expect,” he said.
Hawryluk, seeking a third term as councillor, said he was seeking re-election “because I have some unfinished business I’d like to see accomplished.”
Nelson, seeking a second term, stated similar objectives.
“Well, there are so many interesting projects going on that I want to be a part of,” she said. “We have regional waste and water that I want to be involved in.”
Brothers Richard and Tim Verhaeghe are partners in their local law firm. Richard was mayor of Athabasca from 2004-2007, losing to Powell in the last municipal general election.
“We just think that there should be affordable living in town, not just affordable housing,” Richard said. “We need stronger relations with the federal and provincial government.”
“I wish to promote family values, and for this to be a community for everyone to live in and be comfortable in,” Tim added. He ran unsuccessfully for council six years ago.
Peckham, who served a partial term on council previously, identified herself as a candidate representing business.
“I’ve been a part of the business sector in Athabasca for the past 16 years, and I think that the businesses need someone in council that can represent them to the fullest,” she said.
Maston, known locally for her involvement with the FAST youth fitness training program, said she was running “so I can be an additional voice for the young families, and because I’m eager to give back to the community.”
Evans did not file her papers in person as she is currently out of the country and could not be reached for comment.
Incumbent councillor John Traynor is not seeking re-election.
