Jeff Clemens

Multimedia Journalist

At the September 5, 2012 Strathmore town council there was a request put forward by Councillor Earl Best that he be granted a four month personal leave from his duties

on council.

Councillor Best has served on the Strathmore Town Council since 2004 and has been a member of many committees during his service.

The request for leave meant that council would need to discuss not only if they would grant the leave but also the terms of Best's leave.

Councillor Pat Fule was concerned that with a missing council member they could have issues with a tied vote which would cause the issues being voted on to be struck down. The rest of council did not express the same concerns and continued to discuss the monetary issues with granting the leave.

It was the opinion of most of the council, with the exception of Councillor John Rempel, that it would be necessary for Councillor Best to also give up his council cell phone.

"If he's not part of the decision making process," said Fule. "So why would he need to be part of the emails and contact?"

Councillor Best voluntarily gave up his council remuneration and it was passed that he be given his leave without the remuneration or his cell phone.

The only vote against came from Councillor Rempel who felt that the cell phone should remain with Councillor Best to allow him to remain informed.

As part of Councillor Best's leave it was voted that Councillor Fule would take the place of deputy mayor for the term of leave.

Rempel will be taking over the position of representation for the Wheatland housing committee, Councillor Bob Sobol will be taking over representation of the Community

Futures Wild Rose and Mayor Grajcyzk will be taking over the Happy Gang.

Councillor Best will be on leave from September 8, 2012 until January 8, 2013.