Powell chosen

When considering what kind of voice they wanted on Athabasca Town Council, local voters decided they wanted an experienced one.

That’s why they voted Colleen Powell on to council in last week’s by-election.

Or, more accurately, voted her ‘back’ on to council. She has, of course, been there before, as both a councillor and the mayor of this town.

No one can dispute Powell’s experience in municipal politics. She hits the ground running as a councillor who already has a thorough understanding of the workings of Athabasca’s ‘halls of power’. She knows how to make her voice (and that of the voters) heard throughout those halls.

That readiness may have been her ultimate edge in the election.

It’s worth noting that Barbara Bell, who entered the campaign with no previous political experience, came tantalizingly close to unseating Powell as the people’s choice. Of the 516 votes recorded, Powell received 206. Bell was right behind, nabbing 189 ballots.

Given the uncertainty surrounding Bell’s current legal battle with the Town, it’s intriguing that so many voters made her their pick for council. That could be seen as voters siding with Bell in that conflict, or simply a sign that they believed her capable of setting aside such issues and working for the good of the town.

Regardless, Powell now regains her seat at the council table, though it was far from a runaway victory.