There will be a mayoral race in Rimbey this year and seven candidates will vie to fill four councillor positions.
Rick Pankiw will go up against incumbent Sheldon Ibbotson for the mayor’s chair.
Pankiw ran for mayor in the last election against Ibbotson and incumbent Dale Barr, garnering 348 votes. Ibbotson won the election with 631 votes and Dale Barr trailed with 223.
Pankiw is ready to try again.
“I believe I can make a difference and together with everybody’s input can put together a vision that will benefit everyone involved.”
Pankiw is married to Sue and the couple has three children. He has lived in Rimbey for 20 years.
Matt Jaycox, a Rimbey businessman who works out of his home office for Telus, has thrown his name into the hat for council.
“My primary purpose is to serve the community and if possible to heal the division we have here. I have no axe to grind.”
Jaycox is married to Ruth Ann and the couple has two adult children.
Einer Olsen, a journeyman carpenter and longtime resident of Rimbey, is also letting his name stand. “I think we need a change and I feel I can bring some new energy to council.”
Olsen is married to Jocelyn and the couple has a six-month old daughter.
Karen Conover, a Rimbey businesswoman, filed nomination papers just before noon Monday. She was unavailable for comment.
Dave Karroll, who has several years’ experience as a councillor has announced his intentions to run.
For several months Karroll has publicly expressed his growing dissatisfaction with the present council and stated there is a need for change.
“I understand the needs of young families as my son and grandson also call Rimbey home. I have a plan for economic recovery, restoring confidence in our business community and marketing our community to the rest of the province. Rimbey is a great place to grow a business, raise a family and retire in a safe and viable environment.”
Karroll, Olsen, Jaycox and Conover will run against incumbents Jack Webb, Paul Payson and Gayle Rondeel.
Candidates have until Tuesday at noon to withdraw from the election and until that time the race will remain unofficial.
Rimbey residents may vote in the municipal election Oct. 21 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. at the Rimbey Community Centre.
Advance polls will be held on Wed., Oct. 9 in the Kinsmen Room at the community centre and on Sat., Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Parkland Manor/Seniors Lodge.