Nearly an entire summer still lies ahead before the 2013 municipal elections, and some County of St. Paul councillors have yet to decide if they will be seeking re-election on council.
The 2013 municipal election will take place on Oct. 21, with advanced polls for the County of St. Paul taking place on Oct. 12.
Division 6 Coun. Alphonse Corbiere is looking to retirement after spending nine years on council, along with 18 years as a county employee doing roadwork.
“Up to now, if nobody is willing to sit on council (in Division 6), then I guess I might have to go. Otherwise I’m thinking of retiring,” says Corbiere. He adds that over the years he has seen a lot of progress take place in the county.
“The county has gone up a long ways,” says Corbiere, adding, there have been many improvements made through the years. Corbiere is thankful for the support he has received over the years but he is now hoping that someone else will offer his or her name as a candidate for councilor.
Reeve Steve Upham is just finishing up his first term on council, and hopes to be looking toward a second term in the position. He explains that when he chose to run as councilor, many of the key people who supported him wanted Upham to do at least two terms.
“My commitment out of the gate was for two terms,” says Upham, adding, “The first term was a learning experience.”
He says that in the past three years, the county has been moving to a more sustainable direction when it comes to finances.
“I think we’ve taken on some longer-term projects to move us in that direction,” says Upham, adding, he believes council must use its budget to plan long-term.
If elected for another term, Upham would like the county to continue to work toward ensuring it is providing the best value to its ratepayers.
Another councillor who is finishing up his first term on council is Division 2 Coun. Dwight Dach. He too is seeking re-election this fall.
“I am definitely going to run for another term,” says Dach, adding, he would like to keep working at sustaining the infrastructure that services the county ratepayers, which includes everything from emergency services to community services, such as senior lodges and libraries.
He adds that the county’s roads are undoubtedly a priority for him also.
“I feel roads are the most important to our daily way of life, but it is a challenge to build and keep them in good repair,” says Dach, pointing to a short construction season being challenge.
Dach agrees that his first term on council involved a learning curve, but feels fortunate to have been able to work alongside an experienced council, administration and public works staff.
“They definitely have their ratepayers interests at heart,” says Dach.
Yet to make a decision regarding the upcoming election is long-time Coun. Frank Sloan, who represents Division 5, the Ashmont and St. Vincent areas. Sloan has been a councillor for 17 years and says he will make a decision closer to the election.
Division 1 Coun. Glen Ockerman is yet to announce whether or not he will be running for another term.
“Right now, I have to talk to some ratepayers,” says Ockerman.
Division 4 Coun. Maxine Fodness and Division 3 Coun. Cliff Martin will both seek re-election in October.
“My goal is to stay focused, continue to work on fair policies, and be fiscally responsible to promote opportunity and growth in our county,” says Fodness.
Martin says he is very passionate about the work he does with the EMS board and wants to continue to provide the best service he can for the community. He is also interested in working toward finding a better solution in dealing with the county’s oiled roads.
“The window of opportunity is so weather dependent,” says Martin of the road construction season, adding, he believes the county has started moving in the right direction.
“It’s a balancing act,” he adds.
