After six years serving as a member with the Drumheller town council, Andrew Berdahl, has made the decision not to run for next elections in October.
“The commitment is considerable,” said Berdahl who has served two three-year terms as an elected official.
“I think if one is going to do it properly, then they need to be emotionally prepared to commit to all that’s involved.”
Berdahl initially assumed the role because he felt a change could be made and he could make an impact on the community.
“I think most people put their name forward because they want to make a positive difference, they want to make life better in the community,” he said.
“I never really thought I would ever run, it’s not something I grew up thinking I would do.”
But when election time came around in 2007, he decided to “give it a shot.”
“If somebody is motivated in good faith, they tend to be a better candidate,” said Berdahl.
While he has enjoyed his time spent as a council member, Berdahl said the position has made a significant impact on his life in a variety of ways.
“It’s just 38 more things to think about.”
He affirms that in order to be a strong candidate for town council, one must have respect, the ability to communicate, and have an element of vision.
“One needs to have a vision of what it is they want to create in order to make it happen, and the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships,” said Berdahl.
“Being a councillor is essentially a leadership position.”
Coming into the position as a middle class working dad, Berdahl believes the role has effectively engaged him to become actively involved with organizations most people are not typically involved in.
“Our community has a good many people who are capable of being good leaders and who are already doing it in many cases,” he said.
“Most of the work a council member does is about fundamental personal skills, how to reflect, how to be open minded, how to listen to people, and how to communicate and ask questions.”
Although Berdahl has been with council for six years, he believes there is merit to the idea of passing on the torch to another candidate.
“Democracy thrives on diversity and so, having a variety of different people who cycle through these positions is the sign of a healthy democracy.”
Despite his decision not to run for next elections, Berdahl’s actions are made with the best intentions.
“It can be very difficult for an individual to retain their freshness and their focus, and I think there is merit to the idea of going away for a little while, living your life and then coming back perhaps at another point.”
While the role of being a councillor isn’t all that glamorous, Berdahl said the approximately $14,000 a year salary does help to take some of the sting out of such a demanding position.
“The remuneration helps keep some balance,” he said.
According to Berdahl, the position of councillor can pose a substantial amount of stress on one’s life, on and off the job.
“It adds another element to your relationships,” he said. “You wear each decision.”
He may be done serving town council after this term, but Berdahl affirms he will remain politically active in his future endeavours.
“If anything, it’s clearer to me now on all the ways one can be involved in leading their community.”
