Long-time council member Mark Benesh steps down

The Town of Shaunavon will be holding a by-election to replace councillor Mark Benesh who recently stepped down after moving to Swift Current.

Interested candidates have until January 29, 2014 to submit their nominations. The election would be held on March 5 if more than one candidate steps forward. Benesh moved to Shaunavon just over 20 years ago. He was the longtime principal at Shaunavon High School before accepting a position as the Hutterian Coordinator for the Chinook School Division several years ago. He and his wife MaryJane have three children, Samantha, Sierra and Matthew, who were all raised in Shaunavon. Their youngest child, Matthew, graduated from SHS in June. Benesh helped develop a hugely successful basketball program in the community and his high school teams made numerous appearances at the provincial championships during his tenure. He also helped coach other sports such as volleyball, football and track, and was involved in other community initiatives on council. He served three previous terms during a 12 year stint on council before being re-elected to office again in October of 2011. During his almost 14 years on council he served in many capacities, including time as the chairman of both the administration and Wellness and Leisure committees “I greatly enjoyed my time on council,” said Benesh. “It was a pleasure to work with so many talented people, in the office, on council and on the various committees. Benesh said that Shaunavon was a great place to live and raise a family. “I am happy with the growth of the community, our infrastructure and especially the developments in our recreation, hiring Ava (Kalaschnick), and all the various developments,” he stated. “We have hired some excellent staff including our present CAO Jay Meyer, and believe our community is in an excellent place moving forward.” Benesh also had praise for his fellow council members. “I appreciate all the support over my many terms, from our mayor (Sharon Dickie), present council and the community as a whole,” he stated.

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