A retired Rimbey RCMP officer has thrown his hat into the ring of municipal politics.
Bill Coulthard, often referred to as Officer Bill even though he retired several years ago, has decided to allow his name to stand for municipal office.
“I have no agenda,” he said, “but I’m excited about it. I know so many people in town. I’ve been here a long time.”
Coulthard began his duties as an RCMP officer in Rimbey in 1984 and remained a member of the detachment here until 2010. During that time, the constable also served as acting sergeant and acting corporal.
Serving the community as an RCMP officer was a satisfying and rewarding career for Coulthard.
“I need to have a purpose,” he said. “And I really enjoy helping people the best I can.”
Coulthard believes the present council has done a good job and has no ax to grind about their efforts to run the town as efficiently as possible.
However, if elected, he would like to be involved in doing his part to ensure the transition for the seniors to the lodge is made as quickly and seamlessly as possible. He also considers the future of Parkland Manor of utmost importance.
“I don’t want to see that building stand empty,” he said.
Coulthard, if on council, would work towards bringing in another RCMP officer to help combat the high crime rate in Rimbey.
Crossing lights across Hwy. 20 by the Nazarene Church is also a priority for the candidate.
“I worry about the kids crossing the street in that area,” he said.
Coulthard and his wife Roni own Arcangel Consulting, an oilfield security company. They have one adult daughter who is a physiotherapist in Ponoka.