Rolly Ashdown was acclaimed to the position of reeve of Rocky View County at the municipality’s annual organizational meeting, Oct. 25.
“It’s an honour to continue in this role,” he said. “We can start implementing the goals we started last year, and I am really excited about that.”
First elected in October 2010, Ashdown says serving as reeve this past year has been a privilege as he has gotten to know a number of residents.
Ashdown said once he learned the proper procedures, he had no difficulty fitting into his new role and hopes to accomplish more of the goals – as set out in council’s three-year strategic plan – this year.
Four priorities were outlined in that strategic plan including better communication, improved roads and infrastructure, better land-use planning and financial stability.
Councillor Rick Butler, who was re-elected by his peers, beating out Councillor Earl Solberg, said he hopes council will continue to focus on those priorities.
“I am excited,” said Butler. “It has been a steep learning curve this first year… but we have got a lot started. We have a great momentum going.”
Butler, former executive director of the Calgary Regional Partnership, who was also first elected in October 2010, said he is looking forward to continuing making changes.
“It has been a true honour to serve the people of the County as Deputy Reeve and I am deeply moved by the confidence my councillors have shown me,” said Butler.
“The opportunity to continue to serve in this role is a great responsibility and a pleasure.
“I have confidence in the abilities of my fellow councillors and administration as we continue progressive work with the diverse communities and people of Rocky View.”
During the annual organizational meeting, councillors and members of the public were appointed to various boards and committees. See sidebar to the right.
Rocky View County council held its annual organizational meeting in council chambers, Oct. 25. A number of committees were chosen, here is this year’s line-up:
• Agricultural Services Board: Councillors Greg Boehlke, Lois Habberfield and Kim Magnuson (chair) were re-appointed.
• Development Appeal Committee: Previous representatives include Councillors Margaret Bahcheli, Boehlke and Earl Solberg. This year, Bahcheli, Solberg and Rick Butler will represent council.
• Emergency Management Committee: Councillor Butler (chair) and Reeve Rolly Ashdown were re-appointed.
• Family and Community Support Services Board: Previous representatives were councillors Butler and Al Sacuta. This year, Sacuta and Magnuson will represent council.
• Infrastructure and Operations Committee: Councillors Sacuta (chair), Paul McLean, Magnuson, Boehlke, and Ashdown were re-appointed.
• Policy Review Committee: Councillors Habberfield, Bahcheli and Boehlke will continue their three-year appointment.
• Policy Review Committee: Councillors Bahcheli, Solberg, Butler, Habberfield (chair) and Ashdown were re-appointed.
• Subdivision Appeal Committee: Seven members-at-large were chosen from 13 applicants. Duane Berezowski, Omkar Channan, Jim Dunn, Sarah Leete, Gaynor Hoyne, John McMurray and Gloria Wilkinson will serve in this capacity.
• Airdrie Intermunicipal Committee: Councillors Habberfield and Boehlke were re-appointed.
• Beiseker Intermunicipal Committee: Councillors Solberg and Boehlke were re-appointed.
• Calgary Intermunicipal Committee: Councillors Ashdown, Butler, Habberfield and Sacuta were appointed. Last year’s chair was Councillor Bahcheli.
• Chestermere Intermunicipal Committee: Councillors Solberg and Ashdown were re-appointed.
• Cochrane Intermunicipal Committee: Councillors McLean, Butler and Magnuson were re-appointed.
• Crossfield Intermunicipal Committee: Councillors Habberfield and Boehlke were re-appointed.
• Irricana Intermunicipal Committee: Councillors Solberg and Boehlke were re-appointed.
• MD of Foothills Intermunicipal Committee: Councillors Butler and Ashdown were re-appointed.
• Wheatland County Intermunicipal Committee: Councillors Solberg, Boehlke and Ashdown were re-appointed.
