Long-time Lacombe County Reeve Paula Law and two other veteran councillors are leaving municipal politics.
Law announced on Tuesday that she would not seek re-election in 2021. She has represented the county’s Division 4 of Lacombe County for 11 years, the last eight as reeve.
“I feel honoured and privileged to serve as Division 4 councillor and reeve for Lacombe County, and this decision was not an easy one to make,” said Law in a statement.
“From my fellow councillors to the staff at Lacombe County – this has been one of the best experiences of my life, but I feel that it is my time to move on and let someone with new ideas, thoughts and energies guide Lacombe County in the years to come,” she says.
“This was not a decision that I take lightly. I have always tried to work hard, to do the best I can, but most of all, to do what was right. And I sincerely hope I have achieved those goals.”
Law was first elected to council in 2010 and was appointed deputy reeve in 2011. In 2013, she was appointed reeve and was re-elected every year since by council. During her time on council, Law sat on numerous committees and boards, including chairperson of the Ag Service Board, vice-share for the Lacombe Foundation, and past chair of Lacombe Regional Tourism.
Two other long-serving councillors, Ken Wigmore (Division 5) and Keith Stephenson (Division 6) will also not run again in the Oct. 18 municipal elections. Wigmore was first elected in 2004 and was reeve from 2007 to 2010. Stephenson was elected in 2007.
Law encourages interested Lacombe County residents to consider running for council this year.
“It is the perfect time for new visionaries to join the Lacombe County council and to make a true difference to their community,” she said.
If you are interested in running for municipal office and want to learn more, visit www.lacombecounty.com. Interested persons have until noon on the Sept. 20 Nomination Day to file their papers with Lacombe County.