A resolution that takes direct aim at those running for municipal office who haven't paid their taxes got plenty of traction at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association convention in Saskatoon.
A Northwest community was behind the motion, one of several considered during Tuesday afternoon's resolution session.
The resolution was put forward by the Town of Cut Knife and supported by Mayor Gwen Kaye. It called for the province to change the Local Governments Election Act to require residents who owe money to have all their tax debts paid up before they are allowed to run for municipal office.
The resolution read as follows:
Whereas the collection of arrears maybe a concern in some communities; and whereas people elected to municipal councils in all communities should set the standard for the betterment of their community; and whereas elected representatives on municipal councils should be required to have all arrears of taxes paid before nomination to municipal councils; therefore be it resolved that the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association lobby the Ministry of Government Relations to change The Local Government Elections Act making it mandatory for residents to have all arrears they are responsible for, including any commercial arrears, paid before being allowed to be nominated for a municipal council.
Delegates voted in favour of Cut Knife's resolution during SUMA's resolution session Tuesday.
The result commits SUMA to lobby the province to make the changes in time for the next election.
