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Olson withdraws from October byelection race

The worry of not being able to commit to the time needed for the position has prompted David Olson

The worry of not being able to commit to the time needed for the position has prompted David Olson to withdraw from the race to fill a vacancy on town council.

Olson, who had previously decided to let his name stand to run in the byelection coming up on Oct. 6, withdrew Tuesday.

Olsen said he had originally decided to let his name stand because he felt his time being employed in public works for Rimbey (more than a decade) would be an asset as a councillor. However, after talking to Rimbey CAO Lucien Cloutier about the time commitment needed, he decided to drop out.

“I work in the millwright union and am sometimes away for extended periods of time,” he said. “That wouldn’t be fair to the electors (to be on council).

Even though Olson has decided to stay away from municipal politics at this time, he said he may reconsider at a later date.

“Later in retirement I could dedicate the time and commitment,” he said.

Meanwhile Ben Nesbitt, a Rimbey firefighter and Brian Godlonton, the petroleum manager for Rimbey Co-op are vying for the position.

Nesbitt, who is employed by Platinum Communications, wants to see Rimbey attract new families to the community and Godlonton is concerned about the declining business community.

The byelection is to be held Oct. 6 at the Peter Lougheed Community Centre from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

An advanced vote has been tentatively scheduled for Oct. 4 at Parkland Manor and an institutional vote for extended care residents will be held at that facility on the same day.