RMWB Council Photo
FORT MCMURRAY, AB. — Several familiar names will be absent from the ballot when voters in Wood Buffalo head to the polls Oct. 20.
Ward 1 councillor Keith McGrath, first elected in 2010 and serving three terms, has chosen not to run for re-election. His decision surprised both candidates and political observers.
Shafiq Dogar, who won a seat in 2021 after many attempts, was set to run again in Ward 1 but dropped out at the last minute. Ken Ball, a first-term councillor, resigned before the summer break after helping move the Northside Twin Arenas project forward. Their departures leave three open seats in Ward 1. Incumbents Lance Bussier, Allan Grandison and Funky Banjoko are seeking new terms.
In Ward 4, Coun. Sheila Lavallee, elected in a byelection last year following the death of longtime councillor Jane Stroud, will not return. Two candidates have entered the race for that seat.
Ward 2 Coun. Loretta Waquan has also decided not to run again, leaving one of the two seats representing Fort McKay, Fort Chipewyan and Fort Fitzgerald vacant.
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