From the classroom to the council table?

Among those vying for a seat on council in October's municipal byelection is Westlock Elementary School principal Pierre Ouimet.

An eight-year resident of Westlock and long-time educator, Ouimet says he's up for the task of representing his adopted town in municipal government.

As for why Ouimet decided he would put his name forward, he said running for municipal council has been something he has long considered.

'I've always had an interest in municipal politics and maybe running for office," he said. 'I don't have a cause or anything like that, it's just something of interest for me.

'I think people can give back to their community in a myriad of ways. There are so many things you can do, and I see this as another way of giving back, or investing in my community."

Ouimet says what he would bring to the table, if elected, is leadership.

'I think if I'm successful in his I can contribute to just about any conversation there is out there," he said. 'I can bring leadership to town council, that's very clich é, but I can bring leadership that is collaborative and about building positive relationships."

Before living in Westlock Ouimet spent time in the nearby communities of St. Albert and Morinville where he had also contemplated running for council, but the timing never seemed to work out.

In addition to leading WES, Ouimet is the former principal and vice-principal of R.F. Staples School and can usually be found in the Spirit Centre in the summer coaching lacrosse.

Since arriving in Westlock in 2007 Ouimet said he also had thoughts of running for office, but said the 2007, 2010, and 2013 municipal elections didn't come at favourable times for him personally.

'I'm really looking forward to this opportunity," he said. 'It's a byelection and a shorter term.

'I will have to say part of the attraction this time, given my work life and my family life and stuff, if I'm successful a two-year term will be like dipping my toe in the water and seeing what it's really like."

Ouimet said at the moment he's not aware of any major issues on the horizon for council to address, but said he hopes to continue council's good work.

'Now that the Spirit Centre is up and going, I don't know if it's issue-free, but I don't really know if Westlock has a big topic or something that's broken that needs fixing," he said.

'I think it's a growing and vibrant community that has maybe stalled a little bit from time to time based on economics."

While Ouimet understands there's a lot of areas town council oversees, he would like to have a focus on families and children.

'I think my trajectory as an educator, and maybe even more so as a principal, would probably be around kids, youth and families," he said.

'And programs for them, be they recreational or support.

'I know towns are made of more than just that, but that might be a little bit of a bias on my end of things."