Irricana Town council will welcome a new face following a byelection held Feb. 11 – with a turnout of 170 votes, resident Frank Friesen was named winner shortly after 8 p.m.
“I feel like Irricana definitely made a statement,” Friesen said. “They want somebody in there who is experienced in politics and certainly they want their voice heard. That’s what I’ve been campaigning on all along.”
Friesen, who previously served in municipal government roles in the village of Cereal, Alta. as both councillor and deputy mayor, said he was excited to get to work.
“I bring creative thinking, problem solving, openness and transparency (to council),” he said.
The seat on Town council was previously vacated by former Councillor Laura Thiessen, who stepped down for personal reasons on Nov. 23, 2015.
Friesen won the byelection with 91 votes. Mavis Hallman came in second with 67 votes, while Josh Buzzell placed third with 12.
“We need to re-establish trust in the council from the people. They need to know that we’re there for them,” Friesen said. “My promise to them is to work as hard as I can. Whatever decisions I make, I have to stand behind them.
“Whether it’s the right one or wrong one, I have to take into account what’s right for Irricana – not for me.”
- With files from Dustin Ruth
