A familiar face is back in the centre seat at Athabasca County, as councillors chose Coun. Larry Armfelt to become the new reeve at the Oct. 10 organizational meeting.
Armfelt follows Coun. Doris Splane as reeve, who stepped down from the position she had held for past five years.
He has represented the Baptiste/Island Lake area since winning the election in 2007 and has lived in the district for 38 years.
Armfelt was chosen by councillors for the position by secret ballot over Coun. Warren Griffin.
"It came as a bit of a surprise," Armfelt said after his election. "For the next year, I hope to spend ratepayer's money in the most prudent way possible and raise the profile of Athabasca County in the province."
"I just hope to do the best that I can," Armfelt added.
After the election, Griffin, who had served in the deputy reeve position since 2014, congratulated Armfelt on his win.
"I look forward to working with you in the future," Griffin said as he shook his hand.
Armfelt also held the reeve position from October 2008 to March 2009, stepping down after two incidents involving members of county council. Outside of council, Armfelt raises horses and has been involved with the Athabasca Lions Club.
Johnson to serve as deputy reeve
Athabasca County has also picked a new deputy reeve.
First-term Coun. Travais Johnson, who represents the Grassland area, was also picked by secret ballot over the other candidate, once again Griffin.
Johnson said it came as a little bit of a shock.
"I have not quite thought about exactly what I am going to do for the year yet," Johnson said. "I am still kind of taking it all in."
He added that he will do the job to the best of his ability.
"I think we are going to concentrate on our roads for next year," Johnson said. "That will be our biggest project that is coming up this year."
Read the Athabasca Advocate next week for more.
