The results are official: Anthony Heinrich has been elected as Brazeau County reeve.
The county reports that voter turnout for the Nov. 2 byelection was 21.2 per cent. Votes were cast as follows:
- Anthony Heinrich: 495 votes
- Pat Vos: 396 votes
- Christie Ann Callaghan: 201 votes
- Jason Lavigne: 199 votes
Heinrich commented on the win, “I’m really happy that the people gave me the honour of representing them as reeve, and I look forward to trying to make sure that I communicate well with them and bring council’s message to them, and look to bring a greater level of satisfaction perhaps than what they sometimes have expressed.”
He says this will be his 28th year serving on county council; he also served as reeve from 1999-2000, during his first term.
As just one voice at the table, Heinrich reminded, a big part of his role as reeve is to facilitate meetings and ensure everyone is heard.
“I just want to do the best I can to work collaboratively with my colleagues and bring the best governance we can for the citizens of Brazeau County,” he comments
That being said, with council’s collaboration, he hopes to turn their attention to long-term planning.
“What I would like to see is us perhaps provide a little more long-term planning and stable long-term planning so that we can give a better direction of where we’re going to our public, and also give direction for staff so they can prepare the tenders that need to go out to work projects,” he explains. He added that in his experience, issuing tenders earlier tends to result in lower quotes, leading to savings for the county.
While public works is likely the biggest dollar item in the county budget, Heinrich comments, recreation is another area that’s top of mind.
“We cost share with the Town of Drayton Valley and with Breton to help provide recreational opportunities for our citizens of Brazeau County, and so we need to work with them in ways that are collaborative and cooperative, but also something that is affordable within our means,” he says.
Heinrich will attend his first county council meeting as reeve on Nov. 17.
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