Randy Goulden of Yorkton was among 12 people to receive Diamond Jubilee medals through the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association Friday.
"The awards were presented to recognize elected officials and civil servants for their contributions to their community and to the Province. SUMA had the opportunity to nominate 12 individuals for the medal through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities," explained a release.
"Urban governments all across Saskatchewan have benefitted from the service of these 12 people," said SUMA President Allan Earle in the release. "We are proud to recognize them for the time and effort they put forth in service of their communities, and for SUMA."
"I am very surprised," said Goulden who is serving her fourth term on Yorkton City Council, and was re-elected to the SUMA Board in November. "I knew nothing about it until late last week," she told Yorkton This Week last Wednesday.
Goulden said it was her understanding SUMA was "looking at people who have contributed to the community and municipalities."
Goulden, who has received other recognition through the years, said the Diamond Award certainly stands out.
"I'm pretty overwhelmed from it," she said.
Goulden said the award did have her looking back at her involvement with municipal politics, and it has been a lengthy and active one. She said she has always viewed municipal involvement as important, and she has been willing to take on provincial, national and even international roles in support of that belief.
Through involvement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Goulden said she has been in one developing policy regarding the long gun registry, decimalizing marijuana, a look at the parole system in Canada, and trips abroad to look at municipal systems in other countries. She said it all helps give her "the broad knowledge" she can draw upon when sitting at the local Council table and making decisions to help Yorkton.
Also receiving the award were Sharon Armstrong, Fred Clipsham, Ken Engel, Barry Gunther, Al Heron, Russ Krywulak, Laurent Mougeot, Keith Schneider, Gordon Stomp, and Bobby Woods.
"I know all of them, and worked with most of them," noted Goulden.
Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield presented the medals Friday, Dec. 7, 2012 in Regina.
