💬 What’s more important: saving money or full representation? Didsbury's council is debating whether to hold a byelection that could cost up to $15,000! 🗳️💰
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Didsbury Council Weighs Options for Byelection: A Financial and Governance Balancing Act
The recent discussion in Didsbury’s town council about whether to hold a byelection to fill a vacant seat has opened up a critical dialogue about governance, budgetary considerations, and community representation. With a decision expected on November 12, council faces a dilemma that brings to light both the financial cost and the potential impact on local democracy.
A Leadership Void: The Resignation of Joyce McCoy
The departure of Councillor Joyce McCoy on September 23 has left Didsbury’s council one seat short. This resignation comes at a crucial time, as the next municipal election is scheduled for October 2025, giving the council nearly two years before a general election is held. McCoy's exit marks a turning point for the council, forcing them to weigh the pros and cons of holding a byelection or leaving the seat vacant until the next election cycle.
To Hold a Byelection or Not: What the Law Says
According to Section 162 of Alberta’s Municipal Government Act (MGA), the council is required to hold a byelection to fill the vacancy unless specific conditions are met. These include instances where there are six or more councillors and the vacancy occurs within 18 months of a general election, or when the vacancy happens within 12 months of the election and the remaining councillors still form a majority.
Given that the next general election isn't until October 2025, the Didsbury council has the legal flexibility to avoid holding a byelection. This option is further emphasized by Didsbury’s Chief Administrative Officer, Ethan Gorner, who noted that the council has the discretion to decide whether to proceed with the vote or leave the seat vacant.
The Financial Angle: $15,000 for a Byelection?
One of the main factors driving this debate is the cost. According to estimates provided by Gorner, holding a byelection could cost between $10,000 and $15,000. While this may seem like a small sum for larger municipalities, for a community like Didsbury, this could represent a significant expenditure. Election costs include hiring workers, securing election materials, advertising, and additional training and orientation for the incoming councillor. Gorner also mentioned that the town has a budget of $28,500 set aside for the 2025 municipal general election, which highlights just how substantial a chunk of the election budget a byelection could consume.
These financial considerations make the byelection a contentious issue. On one hand, there's a desire to maintain robust democratic representation by filling the seat quickly. On the other hand, the community has to weigh whether spending $15,000 on a byelection makes sense, especially when the council could function without one more councillor for now.
Why Representation Matters
Despite the financial concerns, filling McCoy’s vacant seat brings into question the principle of representation. Leaving the position vacant means the town could potentially be underserved, and the remaining councillors may bear the burden of additional responsibilities. A full council allows for broader perspectives, more effective representation of different community interests, and ensures that important decisions are debated from multiple angles.
In small communities like Didsbury, where each councillor plays a vital role in reflecting the needs and aspirations of their constituents, a vacancy could have more of a tangible impact. Not only could it slow down decision-making processes, but it could also lead to fewer voices speaking for the diverse population that makes up the town.
The Broader Implications for Local Politics
Didsbury’s decision also has broader implications for local governance across Alberta. Smaller municipalities often face similar challenges when it comes to balancing the cost of elections with the need for representation. As communities evolve, the question of how best to manage public resources while ensuring accountability and representation is likely to remain a central issue in town halls across the province.
For Didsbury, the choice on November 12 will signal the town’s priorities—whether it values immediate democratic representation or fiscal conservatism in the short term. This debate mirrors a larger conversation happening at all levels of government: how much is democracy worth, and can communities afford to leave any gaps in their leadership?
A Community Discussion Awaits
As Didsbury council approaches this pivotal decision, it’s crucial for residents to stay engaged. A $15,000 byelection may seem like a steep cost, but the price of not having full representation could be equally significant. What do you think? Is it worth the cost to hold a byelection, or should Didsbury wait until the next general election?
We invite you to share your thoughts and join the conversation! Head over to our Facebook or Twitter page and let us know your opinion.