New Deputy Reeve chosen / By-Election set for July 7
May 13, 2014 – A by-election has been called for Monday, July 7 after Athabasca County Council accepted a resignation from David Yurdiga, Councillor for Division 7 (Grassland) at its Regular Council Meeting.
The long-serving Councillor was recently chosen as a candidate in the upcoming federal by-election for the Athabasca-Fort McMurray riding. The resignation will allow him to focus his attention on seeking a seat as a Member of Parliament in Ottawa in the upcoming federal by-election.
Yurdiga attended today’s Council meeting to bid farewell to fellow Councillors and County Staff. Reflecting on his time as a municipal politician he said, “One of the most difficult things I’ve had to do was press send on my resignation email.”
Reeve Doris Splane thanked Yurdiga for his years of service to the municipality. “We wish you all the best as you set your sights on new challenges at the federal level,” said Splane.
First elected to Athabasca County Council in 2007 Yurdiga was soon nominated as Deputy Reeve in 2008. He then served as Reeve from 2009 to 2013. In October 2013 Yurdiga was once again nominated as Deputy Reeve of Athabasca County and served in this capacity until his resignation which was effective as of May 11, 2014.
New Deputy Reeve
Following a nomination process among Councillors and a secret ballot vote, Councillor Christi Bilsky was chosen as Deputy Reeve. She took the Oath of Office following the vote officially becoming the County’s new Deputy Reeve.
Bilsky was first elected in October 2010 and was re-elected in October 2013 to represent Division 4. Since that time she has been active on numerous committees and commissions and continues her involvement in the community and County.
County Council held a short re-organizational meeting to appoint currently serving Council members to committees, commissions and regional boards until a new Division 7 Councillor is elected.
By-Election Date
Residents of the Grassland region in Division 7 will be called to the polls on Monday, July 7 to elect a County Councillor. Only residents in Division 7 (Grassland) will be eligible to vote in the by-election.
Advance Poll locations, dates and times will be announced as facilities are confirmed and details of the by-election are determined.
