Pipestone Flyer
Since 1906 nineteen different individuals have served as Leduc’s Mayor. Some served for less than a year while others have served as many as seventeen years. Many of the mayors came from a business background, but lawyers, newspapermen, a medical doctor, and agricultural specialists also became mayors.
Clarence Wilberforce Gaetz became Leduc’ first Mayor in 1906 serving one term until 1910. His son Leo St. Clair Gaetz would win election in 1942 and became the only son to join his father as a Mayor. Leo would be Mayor when the Leduc #1 oil strike occurred. Albert Russell Ennis was the first Mayor to serve more than two terms serving for twelve years from 1928 to 1940.
In 1948 Fred Johns was first elected as Mayor until 1952 and then returned in 1954 and was Mayor until 1967 to become Leduc’s longest serving Mayor at seventeen years. In 1967 the very popular William Lede was elected and was Mayor until 1980 when he was killed in an industrial accident.
In 1983 Leduc became a city while Oscar Klak was Mayor. It was also during Mayor Klak’s term in office when the City of Leduc attempted to expand by introducing plans to absorb the International Airport and much of Nisku. The issue was resolved when the County and the City agreed to a joint sharing of revenue from taxes generated by the airport. Klak was Mayor from 1980 until 1989 when Maurice Fitzpatrick, an air traffic controller, replaced him in 1989.
MLA George Rogers served as Mayor from 1998 until 2004 when current Mayor Greg Krischke was elected. Should Mayor Greg Krischke be successful in his re-election bid he will join Albert Russell Ennis, William Lede, and Fred Johns as Leduc’s longest serving Mayors.
Election day is Monday, October 21, 2013 for the mayor, city councilor, and school trustee positions. Candidates wishing to run for any of these positions have until Monday, September 23rd to submit their nomination papers. Terms are now four years long instead of the three years of past years.
Election workers are still needed and if you are interested contact Returning Officer Eugene Miller at the City of Leduc or Phone: 780-980-7132 or Email: election@leduc.ca