In the midst of a municipal election, a new town manager has started work at the Town of Westlock.
Newly hired chief administrative officer Dean Krause began work on Sept. 16.
“Right now it’s just about learning the town and the issues,” Krause said. “It’s the first week, so I’m just learning about all of the issues that are facing the department.
“The other one is to work with town council and with administration to make Westlock the best community we possibly can.”
Krause insisted the municipal election would not influence or hinder his responsibilities.
“I’m the town manager and that’s my role,” he said. “It’s the same role with new or old council.”
Previously, Krause worked in High Level for the last 18 years. He was the director of developmental service for 11 years, then was hired to act as the town’s manager for the last seven years.
He is a certified planning technician, certified safety codes officer and a certified local government manager.
“I’ve been through here quite a few times,” said Krause. “My family is living in St. Albert, so I’ve been through the area a number of times. It’s a very close knit community that has a lot of potential.”
