Bill Neufeld Retires from Mackenzie County Council After Three Decades

It’s the end of an era for Mackenzie County.

After 37 years, Reeve Bill Neufeld is calling it a career.

Outgoing Reeve Bill Neufeld. (Photo/Twitter)

Neufeld is stepping out of public life after serving on the council under several incarnations since 1980, and has served as Reeve since 1987.

The area was called Improvement District #23 until 1995, when it became the Municipal District of Mackenzie #23. The county has been in its present form since 2007.

The Trending 55 Newsroom caught up with Neufeld, and was able to talk to him about what he remembers most about being on council.

“There were often some challenging times during my time within the council,” said Neufeld. “But we also had a number of accomplishments too, one of them being the paving of Highway 88, with a lot of farmers coming outside and helping us get that project done. It’s was an extremely important one for the county.”

After 30 years, Neufeld says he’s looking forward to a change in lifestyle.

“Over the years, I’ve been very busy with council,” he said. “During that time, I was also part of the Federation of Alberta Gas Cooperatives. So, it was usually a really busy time. Now, I’m looking forward to a little bit of slack time when I go into retirement.”

When we asked Neufeld if he felt council was in good hands after he leaves, he said that he hopes so.

“The election may, in fact, bring some major changes to the current council,” said Neufeld. “Having a good relationship with the provincial and federal government also helps out a bit too.”

Neufeld most recently represented Ward 2 – Buffalo Head/West La Crete on the county council. Two people running for that council seat this time around includes Benj Peters and Anthony Peters.

The new Reeve will be chosen at the county council’s organization meeting that’s scheduled for Monday, October 23, 2017.

– Posted by BET