Councillor Lisa Constantini was elected as mayor in a 3-2 vote at Irricana Town council’s organizational meeting, Oct. 24.
Constantini, who will serve the town in the new capacity for the 2011-2012 term, replaces former mayor Josh Taylor, who was not nominated for the position this term.
“I am excited,” said Constantini, who has been on council since 2007.
“I don’t think it changes me in any way. It is business as usual.”
Councillors Larry Martin, Constantini and Andrew Carr were nominated for the position. Martin declined the nomination, saying he wanted more than one year of experience on council before running for mayor.
Carr was defeated by Constantini but will remain on as deputy mayor.
“I’m very honoured and happy to be serving my community for another year as deputy mayor,” said Carr. “I hope to encourage transparency and to work diligently to support the diverse needs of the community.”
Prior to 2009, Irricana residents directly elected a mayor and four councillors. However, after three consecutive mayors resigned mid-term, the rules were changed to allow councillors to choose someone from within their own ranks.
The position is filled each year during the October organizational meeting.
Constantini’s first order of business will be to offer a contract to Alvin Melton, the Town’s acting CAO. She will also work to implement recommendations made by Municipal Affairs staff currently investigating the Town.
“The way things have always been done, might not be the right way,” said Constantini. “If anything comes out of (the investigation), it will be good practices and learning about what should and shouldn’t be done.”
According to Constantini, who is a lab technician, taxes and water prices are the key concerns for residents.
Constantini said she intends to keep discussing the issue of the high price of water with the Province.
“We can still be a bee in the bonnet,” she said.
Attracting new business will be another area of focus for the mother of two.
“We can’t get rid of the (high) taxes until we get some businesses and commercial (development),” she said.
Council will also continue to look at the Town’s infrastructure to determine the best use of each building, she added.
Constantini, who has lived in the town for 11 years, admitted there is tension between some of the councillors, but said she is optimistic about the Town’s elected officials’ ability to work as a team.
“I am hoping maybe a different perspective on things (will improve the atmosphere),” she said, adding that more training on communicating may help.
“I feel that I am a pretty good leader,” said Constantini. “I am hoping I can represent the town appropriately.”
