It was announced at Monday night’s regular meeting of council that three members of the current council would not be running for reelection.
At the meeting, Council took a few minutes to go around the table to say if they are running or not.
Most councillors, and the mayor, have chosen to seek reelection. However, after much deliberation three councillors have decided to step away from the table.
Councillors Scott Kinley, Stuart Carde and Sandra Hallgren have chosen not to run for another term.
Coun. Hallgren said she had every belief in Mayor Posti and her fellow councillors how have chosen to go on with the election.
“I believe in them and what they can do,” Hallgren said.
Hallgren said the decision to run was a difficult one, and she went back and forth a few times.
At one point she was completely sure she wanted to run again, Hallgren said.
“I was 100 per cent sure I was going to run and then I was 100 per cent undecided,” explained Hallgren. “Now I know that I’m not going to run again, I just don’t have it in me this time.”
Hallgren isn’t alone in her decision, Coun. Kinley, who also acts as deputy mayor, has also chosen not to let his name stand.
He said he felt comfortable leaving council knowing it was in good hands.
“This council is in such good hands, with such a good administration, I feel very comfortable, though sadly, I will not be seeking reelection,” said Kinley.
Coun. Carde also announced he would not be running for reelection during the municipal election in October.
The remaining councillors, Colleen Ebden, Kevin See and Dwayne Meyers will all let their name stand in the upcoming election.
Mayor Posti also formally confirmed to her council she will be seeking reelection once again.
“I think it’s one of those things were I still have energy and want to see how far I can go,” Posti said.
Though no goals or platforms were discussed, Posti said she wanted to be in office for the town’s 100th birthday, which will be in 2021.
“I’ve joked that I’d like to see the 100th, but I really would,” she said.
With three councillors stepping away for the election that leaves room for at least three new faces around the table.
Hallgren hopes having a few councillors leave their positions will encourage others to step up.
“I’d really like to see some people put their name in for the election, see some new faces around the table,” she said.
Nominations for both council and mayor are open until Sept. 18. However if there isn’t enough candidates the process will stay open longer.
Darcy Webb, finance and administration supervisor for the Town of Eckville, explained the process will stay open until there are enough people for an actual election.
“If only three people put their name in for election, we will have to keep it open until there are a few more. There needs to be an actual election of officials,” said Webb.
Anyone hoping to run for mayor or council in the municipal election can find the proper forms at the Town Office.
The municipal election is Oct. 16.