The deadline to submit nomination papers came and went at 4 p.m. Sept. 19, and with the dust settled, it seems Battleford is in for an interesting election in October.
At press time, Chris Odishaw, Bill Halewich, Cameron Duncan, and Garth Walls will not seek reelection. Though she did not made a formal announcement, Donna Lavin did not submit nomination papers and will not run for reelection.
Only one currently serving councillor is seeking to return to her council seat, making a large change in council's composition inevitable. Susan McLean-Tady is currently the only councillor running for reelection. McLean-Tady has served on council for three years. Councillor Derek Mahon is running for reelection, but is instead seeking the mayor's chair.
Running for council are some familiar faces. Gordon Yarde served on council for 21 years and was most recently elected in 2003, and David George for 12, being most recently elected in 2006. But the rest of the faces are new. Amber Nelson, Albert Blais, Ames Leslie, Christopher Bajak, Doug Laing and Shelley Boutin-Gervais have all thrown their hats into the ring.
As in North Battleford, where Ian Hamilton will have no challengers, Derek Mahon is running unopposed.
As the Regional Optimist goes to press, candidates are still able to drop out of the election for any reason, so the list of candidates may not be final. But one thing is certain. By acclamation, Derek Mahon will be Battleford's next mayor.
