Ford back on Alberton council

FORT FRANCES—It wasn’t an easy decision for Alberton council to make, but former councillor Mike Ford eventually was appointed to fill the vacancy left by the recent resignation of Coun. Yves DeGagne.
Ford, who unsuccessfully ran for reeve in November’s municipal election, and resident Chane Rissman were the two applicants vying for the seat, which was discussed at a special meeting last Wednesday night.
“They’re both good candidates,” Alberton Reeve Mike Hammond remarked. “Either one would be a good decision.”
Council agreed last month to fill the vacancy through appointment instead of a by-election, which would cost thousands of dollars and take several months to follow the proper protocol.
But it was a difficult decision for them to make.
After choosing to vote by secret ballot, both Ford and Rissman earned two votes, resulting in a tie.
Uncertain what to do next, Reeve Hammond asked the councillors if they had any questions for the applicants, who were in attendance.
“I know them both and know what they are capable of,” noted Coun. Doug Mitchell.
“I think they’re both capable to do the job,” echoed Coun. Peter Spuzak.
Reeve Hammond asked the applicants if they had anything they wanted to add.
“I just think it’s wonderful that we have this dilemma—that we have two people putting their names forward instead of no one,” said Rissman.
And council agreed.
Reeve Hammond also inquired into each candidate’s background with volunteer work.
Rissman noted he volunteers as the bingo director and Nevada co-ordinator for the Muskie Touchdown Booster Club and also has held positions in his church.
But since the closure of the Fort Frances Bingo Hall, there’s been no bingos for the club and he recently finished his term with his church position.
“So now I have the time and availability to give back to the community,” Rissman remarked.
Ford said he’s helped out with both the local gymnastic and figure skating clubs and, when he was a councillor, sat on the committee of adjustment.
“It was a great challenge,” he said, referring to the committee. “We got a lot accomplished and it needs to still go forth.”
Coun. Mitchell suggested if the group couldn’t agree on an appointee, they could call for a by-election.
“But that’s expensive, so I would like to try to resolve it,” said Coun. Barb Cournoyer.
They then tried a second and third vote, but the outcome was the same as the first, so a decision was made to discuss the issue in-camera (behind closed doors).
About an hour later, the meeting was re-opened to the public again and council voted for the fourth time.
This time, Ford earned three votes to Rissman’s one.
“I’m really excited to get back into it after my four-month hiatus,” Ford enthused, chuckling how it felt like he had been on an extended vacation.
“I wish I had gone somewhere warm, though,” he laughed.
Ford also stressed he’s really happy he got a second chance.
“Now it’s just a matter of getting up to speed,” he explained, revealing the think stack of papers he will need to get through over the Easter weekend.
“I’m still in the race—just way behind.”
Ford will take his oath of office at the beginning of Alberton council’s regular meeting scheduled for April 11 at the municipal office.