Kyle to vote for new town mayor on Wednesday

The search for a mayor in the town of Kyle is nearly over.

The community, 72 kilometres north of Swift Current, will hold its mayoral byelection on Wednesday after no candidates stepped forward during the municipal election in November.

Most recent Deputy Mayor Dennis Hall and candidate John Amy are running for the position to govern the town of approximately 400.

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“Our voters in Kyle can come down to the town office between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM to vote,” said Amber Dashney, the Chief Administrative Officer of Kyle. “They need to bring their ID with them. We’ll be open all day, and then after 8:00 PM, I will be counting the votes.”

Dashney expects to have the ballots counted at least an hour after the voting is complete.

The community has been without a mayor since George Williams resigned ahead of the November election.

Gordon Barnhart, former President of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), said in a previous interview with 980 CJME that it’s not uncommon to have no one step forward for council or mayoral nominations.

He said it can be hard for small communities to find enough people willing and able to run for mayor or for council.

“It is really a dedication to your community where you feel that you can make a difference,” Barnhart said.

While towns and villages have smaller populations to choose from, Barnhart said people’s time and confidence may be factors that prevent people from running for a seat.

Kyle will swear-in the winner on February 12.

This election will create the need for still another byelection as Hall had to resign his council seat in order to run for mayor.