Nominations have closed in the byelection race to fill the open seat on North Battleford city council.
A total of three candidates have filed their nomination papers at City Hall in time for the 4 p.m. deadline Wednesday.
Filing papers Tuesday was Kelli Saemann, a seven-year resident of North Battleford. Saemann is a licensed practical nurse in the operating room at Battlefords Union Hospital and also a shop steward for CUPE 5111. She studied commerce for two before going into nursing.
In speaking to the Regional Optimist, Saemann outlined why she is running.
"I'm a candidate in the race because I want young people to have a voice on council," said Saemann, 27.
"It's probably a good time to get involved in city council because I wanted to start learning what they're doing and where their projects are headed while I'm a young person."
Saemann also said she wanted to get young people "motivated in city planning" and also get them out to vote.
Filing papers Wednesday prior to the deadline was another candidate, Thomas Schwab. Manager of the Super 8 Motel in North Battleford, Schwab has run previously in civic elections, including a council run in 2012.
He has been an active volunteer for the Lions and other causes in the community.
Saemann and Schwab join former city councillor Ron Crush in the race. Crush, who served on council from 2009-12, filed his nomination papers early last week.
At press time, there was still a 24-hour period in which the nominated candidates can withdraw their names from the race.
If none of the candidates withdraw by Thursday afternoon, the candidacies become official and the names of Crush, Saemann and Schwab will appear on the ballot April 16.
Readers can look forward to more details on the candidates soon, as we plan to run an all-candidates profile page prior to the byelection.
