Details about the players in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo council byelection coming up soon are still somewhat murky, and many area residents are still not sure who is even running to replace Guy Boutillier, who stepped down from the council recently for personal reasons. Anyone who wants to be a candidate for the election which is scheduled for March 30 has to have their nomination papers filed on or before March 2, so there is still a chance that other contenders may come forward before the decision goes to the voters. According to Russel Thomas “I think it’s an incredibly important by-election because the person has the potential to really strengthen this council and help them get to the next level of their maturation. I certainly encourage people that if they’re passionate, if they really want to try and make a difference, go into the race with your whole heart and soul.”

So far there is no shortage of candidates for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo council byelection. Those who have shown interest or announced that they will definitely run for election include Abbas Abbas, Michael Durocher, Michael Jesso, Verna Murphy, Colleen Tatum, Gene Ouellette, and Veronica Doleman. With this many possibilities the voters may have a hard time making a decision at the end of March. It is refreshing to see so many people interested in local government and willing to step forward to make a difference. Maybe the newest addition to the council can improve things and help round out the resident concerns.