A second High River town councillor has decided to run again in the municipal election in October.

Michael Nychyk says now that the town is past flood mitigation and rebuilding, council is able to move on.

"I think that there's still unfinished business that I can contribute to. I still feel I can be useful as a representative of citizens in the town of High River.

"We've come through a long period of flood recovery and in that there's been a lot of mitigation projects, the southwest berm finally getting completed. And now I feel we're coming back into a period of "normal" for the municipality where it gets to be the daily business of upkeeping and moving our community foreword."

Nychyk says he sees a lot of "vitality" projects and new opportunities for the future, like the pool expansion referendum in the fall and other long term projects that can contribute to the town's vibrancy.

He says it's nice when residents approach him with concerns about things like sidewalks heaving because of tree roots, or weed-strewn areas, or when their street might be up for repairs or resurfacing.

Nychyk says the town can help struggling local businesses thrive by creating the right atmosphere.

"Government provides the framework for business to exist. I run Highwood Distillers but I don't need the government telling me how to do that. But I certainly need the government's help in getting the services and utilities that municipality provides.

"I need transportation to come in and out of my business as do others. I need sewer, I need water, those types of things, plus bringing the recognition of our community into the provincial or national marketplace."

The best ways to do that according to Nychyk is to make the town a place people want to visit so they can understand what an incredible place and people the town has.

He joins Jamie Kinghorn as the only councillors running again this year and welcomes anyone interested in running for council to call him or any of the councillors and talk to them about the position and the obligations.

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