WESTLOCK - Westlock Mayor Ralph Leriger has stepped down to pursue new career opportunities and Coun. Jon Kramer will be running for the mayor's seat.
Leriger and Kramer both tendered their resignations Nov. 10, effective immediately and Westlock residents will head to the polls on Jan. 10, 2024.
Leriger who was first elected in 2013 is stepping down to pursue other career opportunities. Kramer was elected in 2021 and said he resigned his council seat so he could run for mayor.
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At Tuesday night's regular meeting. Nov. 14, councillors officially accepted the resignations and set the Mayoral and Councillor byelection date for Jan. 10, 2024.
"This is council's official notification that Mayor Leriger has submitted his resignation, as well, Coun. Jon Kramer has submitted his resignation," said CAO Simone Wiley.
"Under the Municipal Government Act (MGA) if your councillors resign and you're short prior to 18 months before the next general election, then you must hold a byelection. The next general election for Alberta (municipalities) is not until Oct. 20, 2025 so we are required to hold a byelection for the mayor's seat as well as councillor's seat."
Nomination day was also set for Wednesday, Dec. 13.
Coun. Murtaza Jamaly, who is the current deputy mayor, chaired the meeting Tuesday evening and while Leriger was not in attendance, Kramer sat in the gallery for the duration and listened as councillors thanked both of them for their time and dedication to council and to the community, giving the former mayor and councillor a standing ovation.
A press release from the Town of Westlock is expected late Wednesday morning, Nov. 15.
More details and reaction to the resignations to come.
