Joe McWilliams
Lakeside Leader

Campaigning can begin in earnest now for mayor and one vacant council seat in Slave Lake. The nomination window closed at noon on March 6, with four candidates having submitted their papers – two for each position.

Running for mayor are Francesca Ward and Ron Gariepy. Running for councillor are Michael Loroff and Ali Mouallem.

Ward is a business owner, the president of the Slave Lake & District Chamber of Commerce and until recently a town councillor. Gariepy is a semi-retired oilfield consultant.

Loroff is a managing director of a local paving and construction company. Mouallem is a partner in several family-owned businesses, a board member of the Chamber of Commerce and Community Futures and a former High Prairie School Division trustee.

Voting day is Monday, April 3, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 29 is an advance voting opportunity.