Just about 10 years ago, then-reeve Larry Armfelt stepped down from the position, writing in a resignation letter, “I am to old, to stubborn and to stupid for the position of Reeve for Athabasca County. (sic)”
On Oct. 10 at county council’s organizational meeting, Coun. Larry Armfelt found himself taking on the title again, chosen by secret ballot over Coun. Warren Griffin.
Speaking to the Advocate Oct. 11 just after the first speech of his second round in the position, Armfelt explained how he ended up back there.
“I’ve gotten younger. I’ve gotten smarter. And I’ve mellowed,” he said.
“Really, it’s not emotional or anything. It was just simply a decision of council, and I accepted, with gratitude. Different times, different personalities.”
Armfelt, who has represented the Baptiste/Island Lake area since winning the election in 2007, follows Coun. Doris Splane as reeve. On Sept. 11, Splane announced she would be stepping down from the position she had held for past five years.
“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 had been reeve from October 2008 to March 2009, stepping down after two incidents involving members of county council.
“I’m the type of person — and everybody knows it — I always strive for improvement,” Armfelt said. “I never accept the status quo.”
“Oh yeah,” agreed Coun. Dennis Willcott, who was sitting nearby. “He does a good job as councillor, so he should do a good job as reeve. (The vote) is every year. And we’ll see after a year, see how it works. Anything could happen.”
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.”
