In an open letter to the residents and electors of Cremona, the minister of municipal affairs, Doug Griffiths, encouraged those interested in running for council to do so.
“It is vital that your community focus on electing a five-member council in October that will set the direction of the village of the next several years and build for your future,” the letter read.
Following the recent resignations of Mayor Leslie Abrams, councillor Melinda Whittle and soon after, interim CAO Terry Lofstrom, Griffiths was forced to appoint an interim official administrator — Darryl Joyce — to assume powers and duties of Cremona’s defunct council.
Councillor Karel Beckman is the lone remaining council member.
“Joyce’s appointment as official administrator is expected to be effective until May 17, 2013,” the letter indicated, “by which time I expect to appoint a contracted official administrator until council quorum is restored.”
With municipal elections being set for Oct. 21, Griffiths’ letter stated that a by-election would not be necessary to replace the vacant seats on the village’s council, essentially extending the time allowed to fill the empty council seats.
Griffiths also said that Cremona’s decision to approve a motion increasing the number of councillors from two to four (five in total including mayor) would be effective in the coming election.
“I encourage those of you who are interested and willing to serve your community in this capacity to run for election in October,” Griffiths wrote.
The viability study that is presently being conducted on the Village of Cremona will continue.
Cremona residents wishing to speak with Joyce are asked to leave a message with staff at the village office at 205 1st Street East or call 403-637-3762.
