Incumbents defeated in three divisions in M.D. election

NEW IN TOWN: Jennifer Crowson during the M.D. forum in Taber before the Oct. 16 election. Crowson would go on to win the Division 5 seat in the M.D. of Taber council chambers.

By Greg Price and Cole Parkinson

Vauxhall Advance

There has been a major shake up for the Municipal District of Taber council as five of the seven divisions will have new faces at the helm.

Three of the fresh faces were by election as Tamara Miyanaga defeated incumbent Ben Elfring 134 to 60 votes with one vote spoiled for Division 4 (Northeast Taber).

“It was good to meet everyone in the division, but I found it difficult that it has to be a popularity contest when Ben (Elfring) worked hard for the division. I found that a bit grueling, but I know I wanted to serve the M.D., so it’s the process,” said Miyanaga who was able to share the moment with plenty of friends and family.

With community involvement already under her belt, including the Taber Food Bank since its inception 15 years ago, Vincent de Paul for 19 years, the Taber Hospital Board, school parent council, Southern Alberta Summer Games, victim services, Communities in Bloom and being a Taber Citizen of the Year back in 2010, Miyanaga is now ready to meet her next challenge in community involvement in municipal politics.

“For me, it’s going to be another level of government that I can access and have a voice that can make even more of a difference. I’ve mostly been involved in social activism and now this will actually be advancing our M.D. and making sure our residents are taken care of in the best interest of the people who live in our M.D.,” said Miyanaga.

Miyanaga had nothing but praise for her opponent in Elfring as she hinted his wisdom can be leaned on even in defeat.

“I appreciate the work he has done and I look forward to continuing to work with him. Just because someone is not at the table doesn’t mean you can’t work together for the benefit of the M.D.,” said Miyanaga.

There were two other seats that had to be decided by election as Division 2 (Southeast of Taber) saw John Turcato defeat incumbent Tom Machacek 142 votes to 77.

In Division 5 (Hamlet of Hays and Area), Jennifer Crowson beat incumbent Bob Wallace 135-95.

Crowson says that the last few hours before the final verdict was announced was a tad stressful.

“For the prior 24 hours I was pretty calm and collected but for the past hour I was very anxious, excited and the adrenaline was pumping. After finding out, of course, there was excitement for the future,” said Crowson.

The work will begin next week as M.D. council gets back into the swing of things post election and Crowson is happy to be able to represent her division.

“The thing that I’m looking forward to the most is representing the residents of the M.D. I’m excited moving forward that we’re going to do an amazing job and we have a great staff in place to help us continue making good decisions for the residents of the M.D. I had no agenda going into the M.D. of Taber, I just want to represent the people and be their voice. I encourage people to get in touch with me. I’m hoping to be able to be in touch with people throughout the year in different ways.”

“I know I am going to represent them the best that I can.”

With five new councillors taking seats in the M.D. chambers, she says she can’t wait to see what the new group is capable of when they mesh with the two previous members.

“I would say excitement moving forward, comfort definitely it’s going to be a great group of people moving forward. I’m excited to work with the current councillors that are there from the previous council as well because I’m excited to hear their input and knowledge that they will share with us along the way.”

Other newcomers to Municipal District of Taber council chambers are Murray Reynolds for Division 6 (Hamlet of Enchant and Area) and Leavitt Howg for Division 7 (Vauxhall Area) who both got in by acclamation, replacing Duff Dunsmore and Dwight Tolton respectively who did not seek re-election.

Incumbents for Division I (Southwest of Taber) Merrill Harris, and Division 3 (Hamlet of Grassy Lake and Area) Brian Brewin, return by acclamation.