After taking a month to consider his options, current Mayor of Bonnyville Ernie Isley has officially announced his intent to run for a third term in office in next month's municipal elections.
Although stating back in 2010 that this current term would be his last and reaffirming that statement with a retirement speech earlier this year, Isley said a number of pressing issues have led to him changing his mind.
“After careful consideration, I have decided that my name will be on the ballot for one more term as Mayor of Bonnyville,” Isley said.
He said he made his decision for a number of different reasons, highlighting the regional water line issue and the struggle to keep the North East Regional Pathology Lab at the Bonnyville Health Centre as key components behind his change of heart.
“I believe currently we have the right representatives on the Regional Water Line committee and things are moving in the right direction, but I am concerned that a change of personnel could have a delaying impact,” Isley said. “With regards to the pathology situation, we are currently, along with the local doctors, the MD and the MLA, in the midst of a battle to keep the North East Regional Lab in Bonnyville. This is one of the only things the MLA and I have agreed on and I would hate to miss the battle.”
He said he was also encouraged by recent developments concerning the possibility of receiving special infrastructure support from the province, while stating he wanted to see development projects of Eastgate and North Point through to completion.
“After two years, I finally managed to get discussions going on the special infrastructure support issue at the Deputy Premier level,” Isley said. “If we were successful in getting the same special infrastructure grants as our neighbours in Cold Lake, it could have an impact of as much as $7 million annually on our budget.”
Isley added, “I thank the residents of Bonnyville for giving me the opportunity to serve as mayor for the last number of years and respectfully request your support on October 21.”
