The town council race in Battleford appears to be set after the 4 p.m. Wednesday nomination filing deadline passed at Town Hall.
As of early Wednesday afternoon the council race was up to ten people with news that former longtime town councillor David George had entered the race. George left council in 2016 to run for mayor, losing to Ames Leslie.
The council race then moved up to 11 candidates with news that Ken Chartier had filed and joined the race. According to the profile posted with the town, he has been volunteer firefighter with The Battleford Fire Department for 22 years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant. I have also enjoyed being the department’s Fire Safety Officer.
"I would be honored to serve my community further as a member of the town council. My goal is to contribute towards the growth and development of Battleford," Chartier states. "As a town council member we must ensure that our town has policies that promote safety and prosperity of its citizens."
Already nominated are five incumbents Kevin Russell, Judy Pruden, Doug Laing, Gordon Yarde and Shelley Boutin-Gervais, as well as challengers Richard (Rick) Zarowny, Alexis Christensen, Mark Coleman and Cory Schaffer.
Three-term incumbent Susan McLean Tady previously announced she is not running for re-election.
The mayor's race will not be going to an election, with Ames Leslie winning his second term by acclamation.
While nominations are now closed, it is not yet certain if this will be the final field of candidates in the municipal election. There is a 24-hour window for all candidates to withdraw their names by Thursday at 4 p.m.; otherwise they will be on the municipal ballot on Nov. 9.
