Coun. Rudd resigns, town by-election date pending

By Trevor Busch
Taber Times
editor@tabertimes.com

Coun. Alf Rudd has resigned from Taber town council to take on the new role of Victim Services Manager with the Taber Police Service.

Rudd, who also served previously as chief of the TPS, made his resignation during the June 26 meeting of council.

“I am profoundly grateful to the residents of Taber for allowing me the privilege of serving as one of their elected representatives since 2021,” said Rudd in a statement released by the Town. “The decision to resign has weighed heavily on me, but my unwavering dedication to advocating for victims of crime fuels my belief that I can continue to serve the community while providing an opportunity for someone else to step into the role I am leaving behind on Council. I know a by-election was not the result citizens expected, but I want to thank the residents of Taber for their trust and support over the past two years.”

The Municipal Government Act (MGA) Section 174 states “a councillor is disqualified from council if the councillor becomes an employee of the municipality.” As a result of his new position, Rudd was no longer eligible to sit on Council and made the decision to resign.  

Consequently, a by-election must be called to fill the vacancy left on Council as per Section 165 of the MGA. The by-election must take place within 120 days of the date of resignation. 

“On behalf of Council, I want to express my sincere appreciation to Councillor Alf Rudd for his dedicated service to the Town of Taber as a member of Council,” said Mayor Andrew Prokop in a statement. “We are grateful for his contributions and commitment to our community. We know Councillor Rudd’s decision to resign was a difficult one, and we respect and support him during this time. On behalf of the Town Council, I extend our heartfelt thanks and wish him all the best as he continues to serve the people of Taber, this time as a municipal employee.” 

Town Council will formally accept Councillor Rudd’s resignation into the municipal records and determine the date of the by-election at a future meeting of Council. Following that meeting, Nomination Day, Advanced Voting, and all other legislated election dates will be announced. 

“Town of Taber Administration is sad to see Councillor Rudd resign from his position on Council, but we look forward to welcoming him as part of our Administrative team,” said CAO Derrin Thibault in a statement. “He will be equally invaluable on our staff team as he was on Council. We know the public will have questions about next steps and a by-election, and we ask for their patience as we work through the strictures of the Municipal Government Act and the Local Authorities Election Act to get the details and dates ready. All details will be made public as quickly as possible, and we appreciate the public’s patience.” 

Those interested in being nominated for election will be able to access the candidate’s package and all nomination information at http://www.taber.ca/election. 

In a follow-up question, the Town indicated a by-election date is expected by mid-July pending council approval.