With a deadline of Friday, Oct. 25, only a few nominations forms for the 2002 “Citizen of the Year” have been picked up at the front desk of the Civic Centre in the past week.
“We’re anticipating quite a few will come in,” said co-organizer Bill Gushulak, adding several dozen nominations came in last year.
Administrative assistant Loreen Holt said it’s difficult to know exactly how many forms have gone out, but she could confirm no nomination forms have been returned yet.
But given previous years’ experience, Gushulak—himself a former “Citizen of the Year”—said it’s not unusual for people to procrastinate when nominating someone.
“Fill it out as soon as you get it. If not, people tend to leave it on the backburner and are scrambling to turn it in at the last minute,” he stressed.
When filling the form out, Gushulak noted those nominating someone should substantiate their claims with clear and thorough examples as to why the nominee should be so honoured.
“There’s been very, very good nominations in the past and it’s tough to pick one. I expect it will be the same as last year,” he remarked.
Completed nomination forms must be returned to the Civic Centre by 4 p.m. on Oct. 25.
These then will be looked over and discussed by a selection committee comprised of Gushulak, Mark Kowalchuk (“Citizen of the Year” in 1994), Mayor Glenn Witherspoon, and a yet-to-be-chosen town councillor.
The winner will be honoured at the town’s annual appreciation banquet in November.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea for the community to recognize someone who may be in the background yet, at the same time, is instrumental in making Fort Frances a great community and a vibrant place to visit,” said Kowalchuk.
Last year’s “Citizen of the Year” was John McTaggart.
