There's a new Reeve in town.

Foothills County Councillors held their organizational meeting on Wednesday, October 23 in Council Chambers. That meeting resulted in a new Reeve for Foothills County.

Former Reeve, Larry Spilak, represented the County for nine years, and says he didn't put his name in for nomination again, because it's just the right time for a change.

"It's been an absolute privilege. I've been Reeve for nine years of the 12 that I've been on council and really as much as I've enjoyed it, it just comes down to a point where there is a time where you should step aside and look for someone new," Spilak says. "There's always something different that one individual will miss and another will pick up, so yes I've stepped down and we've re-elected a new Reeve and a new Deputy Reeve as well."

Spilak originally nominated Division Two Councillor, Delilah Miller for the big chair, but in the end Council voted in Division four Councillor, Suzanne Oel who takes over as the new Reeve.

The County will remain under Oel's careful care and consideration, which Spilak says should be a good thing.

"She's been at many functions and in many organizations and she should be able to do a good job."

Stepping down from his position as Reeve doesn't mean we won't be seeing any more of Spilak. He's going to remain on Council as Councillor for Division 6.

He says this will give him more time to focus on his committees, boards and his own community, that voted him in 12 years ago.

The County continues to grow and with provincial budget challenges and Federal Government dynamics taking their toll, new Reeve Suzanne Oel says she has her work cut out for her.

"Being in tune with all of that and working at those different levels is all about learning how to position ourselves. This team is actually full of talent. Our fellow Councillors here and the rest of our staff are a pleasure to work with. I'm looking forward to their input," she says. "Doing this job is not about me, it's about us as a team and that's what I hope I can bring forward is that real team spirit and allocating that credit and praise to the hard working people involved in our effort."

Oel who says she's been on council for some time now, is prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.

"Im not a rookie, and I absolutely look forward to the opportunity to serve here and enjoy working with out residents and the rest of the Foothills County."

Division one Councillor, Rob Siewert was also voted by council to replace Delilah Miller as Deputy Reeve.

Miller will remain on Council though, as Division two's Councillor.

 

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