The Town of Davidson has put out a call for nominations for a town councillor position a mere five months after the last municipal election.
Doug Gilchrist, who won a seat around the council table in the Oct. 24 election with a total of 218 votes, resigned as a Davidson councillor last Tuesday in a letter to council citing “unforeseen circumstances.” His resignation is effective immediately.
“When I first put my name forward there was more time in my day,” said Gilchrist. “It was something I could have handled and something I was interested in. I still am interested in the way the town runs. Its just sometimes life happens and you just all of a sudden don’t have time anymore.”
Starting today, nomination papers can be picked up at Town Hall for the vacant councillor position. Nomination forms can then be handed in to the town until 4 p.m. March 13. If more than one person vies for the spot, a byelection will be held April 17.
To run for council, a candidate would have to live in Davidson for at least three months previous to the Election Day in April and in Saskatchewan for six months. Candidates must also be 18 years of age and a Canadian citizen. Five electors, who have the same qualifications as the candidate, but only have to own land in town instead of actually live here, must sign the nomination form.
Donna Bessey, Davidson community development coordinator, said “it was unfortunate to see him resign” as the town needs business people and younger people around the council table to help move the town forward. She said a resignation does affect council business, as now a person will come in with no previous knowledge of what the town has been working on over the past few months.
“Its nice to have a full slate there,” said Bessey. “When you run for council, whoever elected you basically expect you to be there. When you’ve got projects that are started and you’re moving on, then with somebody new coming on, there is always that downtime trying to bring them up to speed. It makes it a little harder.”
To read more please see the Feb. 25 print edition of The Davidson Leader.