Residents of Special Area No. 4 – Subdivision 1 in Alberta are heading to a by-election on March 4th as they prepare to elect a new Advisory Council member.
Following the resignation of Graham Schetzsle in December 2023, who served as the council representative since 2017, three candidates have stepped forward to fill the vacant position. Jason D. Bishell, Gordon Long, and Trent Roth are vying for the opportunity to represent the interests of Special Areas No. 4 -Subdivision 1 on the Advisory Council.
Advance voting will be available on February 29th, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Veteran Community Hall, offering residents the convenience of casting their ballots ahead of the official election day.
On March 4th, 2024, voting will resume at the Veteran Community Hall, once again from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Residents are reminded to bring valid identification containing their name and address, such as a driver's license, tax assessment notice, utility bill, or insurance policy.
The Special Areas Advisory Council plays a crucial role in local governance, ensuring effective representation and addressing the needs of the entire municipality. The incoming council member will inherit responsibilities ranging from advocating for community interests to collaborating with regional boards and committees.
Special Areas, is situated in the southeast part of Alberta, and operates under a distinctive form of local government established in response to the severe economic challenges of the 1930s depression. Governed by the Special Areas Act, the Special Areas Board was formed to address the pressing needs of the region during that tumultuous period. This unique entity, designated as an agency of the Government of Alberta, oversees the provision of rural municipal government services and manages public lands for the residents of Special Areas 2, 3, and 4.