The RM of Dauphin, in partnership with several other municipalities in the Parkland, is hosting a Regional Candidate Information session for anyone thinking about running for council this October.
Grady Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer for the RM of Dauphin, said council jobs are very different than what most people think.
"Some of the bigger topics are going to be roles and responsibilities for council members and heads of council, in a general aspect because we have 7 other municipalities participating as well, time commitment, responsibilities, the different levels of government and what their roles are...some of the bigger [misconceptions] are what the role of council actually is, and the line between council and administration is always a cloudy one, and council members aren't necessarily the boots on the ground for getting things done, it's more they're navigating the ship, that administration and staff," said Stephenson.
Though it's a complex job, Stephenson said his experiences as part of local governments have been very rewarding. He worked as the CAO of the Town of Carberry for 6 years, before joining the RM of Dauphin 10 months ago. He said it's been rewarding to see positive changes within the community up close. And if you're considering running for council this october? There's not a lot of limitations on who can run.
"Canadian citizen, 18 years of age or older on election day, resident of Manitoba, qualified voter, that's where it comes whether you live or own property in the municipality for at least 6 months prior to the election, not disqualified under the Municipal Act or any other Acts...municipal governments are both challenging and rewaring at the same time, and I think it's important that people coming into it understand that there needs to be a level of patience involved. Things can't always change overnight, and there's processes for different things, whether it's bylaws requiring public hearing or municipal board approval, things like that," said Stephenson.
The Regional Candidate Information Session takes place at the Countryfest Community Cinema on Monday, June 8th at 7:00 PM.
