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Sturgeon County Coun. Susan Evans resigns

Byelection due within 90 days
0307 EvansResigns
COUNCILLOR NO MORE – Susan Evans, pictured, resigned as Sturgeon County's Div. 2 councillor June 27. Council will debate when to hold a by-election to replace her on July 9.

Susan Evans has stepped down as Sturgeon County’s councillor for Division 2 in what one council member calls “a great loss” for the county.

County council held a special meeting Friday to accept a report from CAO Reegan McCullough on the resignation of Div. 2 Coun. Susan Evans.

In an interview, McCullough said Evans provided him with written notice of her resignation on June 27.

“She just gave her formal resignation. There were no reasons (given).”

Mayor Alanna Hnatiw said in an interview that all of council was surprised by this development, and that Evans had not shared any reasons for her decision with her or anyone she had spoken with.

“I definitely valued her work ethic and her commitment to her role on council,” Hnatiw said.

The Gazette was unable to reach Evans for comment despite repeated attempts.

First elected in 2013, Evans is a longtime Cardiff resident who served on 16 county and regional boards and committees dealing with everything from waste management to libraries. She was also part of the Sturgeon County-City of St. Albert annexation negotiation committee and the county’s intermunicipal affairs committees with Morinville and St. Albert.

In council, an emotional Coun. Karen Shaw said Evans was highly respected throughout the region and recognized for her dedication to county residents.

“This is a great loss for Sturgeon County. Her experience, work ethic, (promotion of) good governance, and integrity will be difficult to replace,” she said.

“It has been an honour working with her.”

Council heard that the Municipal Government Act requires Sturgeon County to hold a byelection to replace Evans within the next 90 days, which means by Sept. 25. (Council could have left the seat vacant if there were a civic election scheduled within 18 months, but the next one is more than two years away.)

McCullough said he would bring a report to council on July 9 on possible dates for the by-election, the cost of which would have to be covered by the county’s election reserve.

Hnatiw said she would serve as Division 2’s interim representative until the byelection was held. Evans’s alternates would take on her positions with area committees until council picked permanent replacements on July 9.


Kevin Ma

About the Author: Kevin Ma

Kevin Ma joined the St. Albert Gazette in 2006. He writes about Sturgeon County, education, the environment, agriculture, science and aboriginal affairs. He also contributes features, photographs and video.
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