Reeve Brewin seeking re-election

After some long soul searching, current M.D. of Taber reeve and Division 3 councillor has decided he will be running again for his seat come the fall 2013 election in October.

“I has a weak moment there,” said Brewin with a chuckle who has already served the M.D. of many years on council, on his decision to throw his hat back into the political arena later this year in seeking re-election for another term.

Many things factored into Brewin’s decision to seek re-election for Division 3, but the biggest was Brewin wanting to see some of the largest M.D. projects on the go, come to fruition fully under his watch.

“The biggest thing is some of the projects we have going. One is the regional drainage, we’ve been working on that for two-and-a-half years almost and I’d like to see it through,” said Brewin. “It sounds like we may have some positive movement on that. You get some of these projects going, you get attached and you’d like to see them through. Maybe that never ends. As long as the ratepayers are happy, I’ll let my name stand for now.”

Brewin became an M.D. councillor back in 1999. Brewin has seen first hand how the M.D. has evolved in his 14 years of political service where the area has taken many positive strides.

“The M.D. has evolved. It’s becoming a larger and larger responsibility as we move forward. We are taking a more active role in issues that are popping up which is a good thing,” said Brewin. “I think in the lobbying side, we are taking a more proactive approach in lobbying government or organizations for issues that arise from time to time. Be it the Alberta Health Services or other groups. The issues are always there with bridges with resource road funding cuts etc.”

No matter the office for political service, there are always ebbs and flows to ones popularity in the voter’s eyes when both positive and controversial issues pop up on the landscape that a councillor serves on. Nevertheless, through good times and bad, Brewin has enjoyed his numerous years on M.D. council.

“I really enjoy the people. Just like any job, there are days you wonder why you keep going,” said Brewin. “But, we have a really good organization here with good staff and employees. It’s a positive group we work around and that helps you wanting to come in every single day.”

Not only has Brewin served as councillor and reeve this past term for the M.D. of Taber, Brewin sits on several committees like finance, public works, policy, park, agricultural service board, Highway 3 Regional Water Services Commission, subdivision and development appeal, local assessment review, composite assessment review, and joint health and safety. Couple that with new four-year terms implemented for public office in the province, it can weigh on an individual if they want to make that commitment.

“It definitely had me sitting down and questioning. I can see the upside to it to though,” said Brewin of four-year terms that can be seen  as cost savings reducing the number of elections, allows for a longer planning cycle for local government, gives new councillors a longer time to get comfortable in their roles to conduct their duties to go along with overall consistency. “But, it is a big commitment. I certainly had to sit down and have conversations with my wife and family, because it does take away from your family life. But, I appreciate working with the M.D. and staff and the ratepayers. If they want me back, I’d be willing to do it for another term.”

If there are any incumbent M.D. of Taber councillors or newcomers who want to declare their intentions for the upcoming 2013 fall election, please contact the Taber Times at 403-223-2266 for a feature story.