Pipestone Flyer
During its recent Fall Convention, the Association of Alberta Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC) elected a new president. Throughout this well organized, lively and informative three-day convention, many interesting speakers were heard, critical rural issues were discussed and resolutions were voted on, while two elected officials ‘campaigned” to earn the votes necessary for their election as new president of this powerful organization.
Over the past 4 years, the AAMDC membership - counties and municipalities of Alberta – had enjoyed the honest, dynamic and caring presidency of Bob Barss, who was also an AAMDC director for nine years. This Wainwright Reeve had earned the respect and loyalty of his AMMDC members. After three days of convention where two contenders ‘schmoozed’ their colleagues , the members’ votes got counted and at the Wednesday night banquet, the announcement was made.
The AAMDC presidency, a high profile position in Alberta’s rural municipalities, was awarded to Al Kemmere, the reeve for Mountain View County. “Al has a strong background in agriculture with experience running a purebred dairy farm and holding several positions that deal in critical Alberta rural matters. Al and his wife Kathy raised their three children on their farm North of Olds.” The new president’s competition was Soren Odegard, a dynamic and dedicated councillor of the County of Three Hills.
On the final night, several days of informative talks and opinion-laden discussions came to halt allowing members to visit, enjoy a fine meal at the Shaw Convention Centre, and thoroughly appreciate the pleasant variety and dancing tunes of Brad & the Johner Boys. With roots deeply seated in country music, Brad Johner has developed a new genre, a mixture of country and rock classics supported by the instrumental and vocal talents of his three sons and another young friend.
The AAMDC membership has expressed confidence in Mr. Kemmere’s long-standing involvement in rural affairs, wisdom and devotion to Alberta’s rural wellbeing and prosperity to guide the AAMDC into the next few years’ challenges and healthy future. All the best, Al Kemmere, with your new role and added duties.