Rocky View County (RVC) is mourning the loss of Division 8 Councillor Al Sacuta, who passed away on Aug. 23 after a battle with cancer. According to RVC Communications Manager Grant Kaiser, Sacuta was a strong voice on council for Bearspaw residents, as well as all residents of RVC.
“I think he changed the way this county works forever, with his insight, background, and experience,” said Reeve Margaret Bahcheli. “He really made an impact, and he did it in a way where he maintained the respect of everyone around him – both councillors and administration. It’s a testament to who he (was as) a person, and he will be missed.”
Sacuta was first elected to council in October 2010, and was re-elected for a second term in 2013. During his time with RVC, Sacuta served on a number of boards and committees, including the Family and Community Support Services Board, Urban Development Institute Committee, Bearspaw/Glendale Recreation District Board, Calgary Inter-municipal Committee, Transportation Levy Sub-Committee, and the former Infrastructure and Operations Committee, where he acted as chair.
“One thing I really respected about him is the dedication he put into the job,” Deputy Reeve Lois Habberfield said. “He never missed meetings and he attended grand openings whether they were in his area or not. He always carried his weight and was respectful of the taxpayers – he called them his customers, and you could always count on him to be there.”
Councillor Jerry Arshinoff worked closely with Sacuta on a number of projects, as he said the two frequently had “strong disagreements” with many of the other members of council. He said Sacuta decided “long before” running for council he was going to devote his time to advocating for residents of RVC.
“My views are, if anything, strengthened,” Arshinoff said. “I think (Sacuta) made me even more determined. It was an unbelievable stroke of good fortune that I could work with a guy like that – that anybody could. He was a genuinely nice person who was keen to help anybody, and was willing to work 24 hours a day to stand up for what he believed in, even when others tried to call him down.”
Sacuta’s determination and dedication to his position was an inspiration to everyone he worked with, Arshinoff said. His experience as an engineer was also a valuable asset, said Councillor Rolly Ashdown.
“What (Sacuta) brought to the table was a different perspective,” Ashdown said. “I didn’t always agree with his position, but he always had reasoning behind it and I respected that. He set the bar a little bit higher for developments, especially considering stormwater, drainage and such.”
Kaiser added, while RVC wants to be respectful to Sacuta’s memory and to his family, the Municipal Government Act requires the County to hold a bylection for the Division 8 seat within 90 days.
“County Administration will prepare a report for the Sept. 15 council meeting with recommendations for nomination deadlines and voting dates,” Kaiser said. “The final decision is up to council, but administration will likely recommend Nov. 18 for the byelection vote.”
Until that time, Habberfield said the rest of council will do its best for Division 8, as well as for all other RVC residents. Arshinoff said Sacuta’s vacant seat on council will be difficult to fill.
“He had never missed a council meeting, even when he was too sick,” Arshinoff said. “Even when he could hardly speak, he wanted to talk about the issues in this county and go over every detail. You don’t find people like that every day. Al Sacuta was the best councillor this municipality, or any municipality, could ask for.”
