Most of Lumby council hopes to stick around if voters agree.
Mayor Kevin Acton has filed papers for a third term while incumbent councillors Randall Ostafichuk, Nick Hodge and Lori Mindnich will run again Nov. 15. Coun. Jo Anne Fisher has decided to retire.
“There are still many things on the books I want to finish up and there is new federal money Lumby can capitalize on to improve infrastructure,” said Acton, who is a massage therapist.
For Acton, it is necessary for the village to develop long-term plans and financial strategies to ensure roads, water and sewer lines are maintained.
“My mandate has been to make sure we have the one-third funds available when (senior government) grants come forward,” he said.
Another ongoing focus for the village is economic development.
“That’s a challenge for any community but we have some ideas to move ahead with,” said Acton, adding that there’s a need for new jobs and families.
“We want stable development in our industrial park.”
Hodge, who is an accountant, wants a second term on council.
“I have enjoyed participating in the democratic process, working together to resolve local issues and address concerns,” he said.
“I have gained a great deal of respect for the staff at the village office, who are professional and committed to maintaining Lumby as a great place to raise a family.”
Hodge says he supports a long-term plan to improve the sewer and storm water systems.
“I will also advocate for small projects, such as the cenotaph upgrade, the Esso bulk plant park and the park entrance at the museum that can inexpensively transform our community,” he said.
Also pursuing a second term is Ostafichuk, who is manager of Tutor Tech Computers.
“I love being involved in the community and I love helping guide the community,” he said.
“It’s fantastic how council is working together to get things accomplished.”
A goal for Ostafichuk is beautifying Lumby and promoting a healthy lifestyle among residents.
“There’s smoking cessation or anti-idling,” he said.
Ostafichuk is also concerned about the state of the village’s infrastructure.
“We’re heading in the right direction,” he said of increasing financial reserves and developing a master water plan.
Mindnich is looking for a third term on council.
“I enjoy volunteering for my community,” said the office manager at the Royal Canadian Legion.
Among council’s accomplishments, according to Mindnich, are a liquid waste management plan and a water plan.
“We’re still putting reserves away because there’s a lot of work to still do. Infrastructure is a huge issue,” she said.
Fisher is leaving council after one term.
“I just want more family time,” she said.
“It was an amazing three years. There was a lot of learning and working with the community was a great experience. I really enjoyed getting to know my community at that level.”
