As of today, there is a new face around the Town council table.
Madelaine Wessel won the seat through acclamation. She was the only resident of this Town to put forth her name. She will fill the seat left vacant by former councillor Linda West, who resigned her post to free up time for her personal life. No one can fault a person whose family takes precedence.
While Wessel may be new to the current council, she comes with a well-stocked resume in terms of community involvement. In fact, she served three terms on Town council in the past, and it is this experience that will allow her to quickly make the transition back into the world of municipal politics.
It’s comforting to know that a person of this stature cares enough to get involved with her community. After all, there are many people who can complain about the way the Town is run, but when it gets down to it, they aren’t willing to put their name to paper in an effort to have their voice heard.
In a democratic society, of which we as Canadians are lucky to be a part, a person’s voice can go a long way in affecting change. And, if that voice represents a significant portion of the Town’s residents, it has that much more clout.
Therefore, it is a bit disappointing that no one else threw into the ring his or her name to fill the role of councillor. There are many people in this community who are more than capable of fulfilling the duties. But, today’s society doesn’t lend itself to allow people the time to attend the many meetings a councillor must attend. It’s a big commitment, and people are busier today with families and work than they ever were in the past.
It takes people willing to take criticism to be a councillor. Both County and Town councillors have likely had their fair share of encounters with irate residents. It’s all about how councillors react to those encounters that will determine whether they will be successful in their political endeavours.
There is no doubt that Wessel will make a significant contribution to Town council. She seems to be a business-minded woman, and running a Town is just like operating a business. Her involvement with the senate of the University of Alberta will only help the Town continue to operate in the best interest of all residents. There are very difficult decisions that have to be made around that table, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.
Town councillors all work well together, and Wessel’s acclamation will see the Town continue in that effort.
