It may have been an almost record-setting in its brevity, but there was some serious news emerging from Tuesday's town council meeting.
The agenda of the meeting was one of the thinnest on record, and council went through it in a few minutes. But afterwards, in the roundtable discussion, two major pieces of news emerged. After some prodding from current Mayor Chris Odishaw, who explained that it was "time to start thinking about running," Councillor Bill Halewich formally announced that he would not be seeking re-election in the fall.
Citing personal and health issues, Halewich thanked the residents of the town of Battleford for allowing him to serve the city for the past six years.
When pressed by the media, Councillor Derek Mahon also made the formal announcement that he would be running for mayor in the upcoming election. As Odishaw will not be seeking re-election, Mahon is currently the only person running for mayor of Battleford as the Regional Optimist goes to press.
Anyone interested in running for mayor or council is invited to pick up papers from Town Hall between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, until Sept. 19, when nominations close at 4 p.m. Because of a recent town council decision, candidates will not have to submit to a criminal record check, though their nomination forms will be posted publicly at the entrance to Town Hall.
Anyone interested in announcing their candidacy in the town elections is invited to contact the News-Optimist/Regional Optimist at 445-7261.
The town election is fast approaching. Polls will be open Oct. 24, and advance polls for election officials or anyone with limited mobility will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Alex Dillabough Centre.
