Nomination papers for rural municipality elections were due at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, and it appears there will be at least a few ballots required come Oct. 24.
In the RM of Moose Jaw, Reeve Darol Owens will win his seat by acclimation. However, in all odd-numbered councillor divisions there will be elections. Division 1 incumbent Coun. Jeff Crichton will vie for his seat against newcomer Ernie Penney, while Division 3 incumbent Coun. Brett Evans will face up against Shae Nichols. Division 5 incumbent Ralph Sturgeon will be running against Karyn Mossing.
The Times-Herald was unable to contact the RMs of Redburn, Baildon, Hillsborough or Dufferin after nomination papers were due late Wednesday afternoon. However, the RM of Pense is reporting all its odd-division councillors and the reeve would return to their positions for another term, having been the only ones who handed in papers, and thus winning by acclimation.
The RM of Caron will see Reeve Greg McKeown return to his position by acclimation, as is how Division 3 Coun. Kevin McLaren and Division 5 Coun. Dale McDowell will return to their positions.
There is one election for rural Caron voters, however, with two new candidates vying for the role of councillor in Division 1 — Garry Barber and Dan McLaren.
In the RM of Marquis, Reeve Kenneth Waldenberger won his seat by acclimation, as did incumbent Councillors Ron Waldenberger (Division 3) and Wade Forbes (Division 5).
However, Division 1 incumbent candidate Coun. Mark Anderson will compete for votes against Evan Chute.
Candidates for the 2012 election have until the end of today to withdraw their names from the running. The RM election unofficial results are posted on the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities website at www.sarm.ca.
For more information on the upcoming RM election, visit www.municipal.gov.sk.ca.
