MD Councilors get educated

MD Councillors Helen Cyr and Terry Yagos
with their EOEP certificates
C. Davis photo

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 Councillors Helen Cyr and Terry Yagos recently received certificates upon completing four core courses and three secondary courses of the Elected Officials Education Program (EOEP).  Cyr and Yagos are currently serving their first term on the MD council.

"There's and education program where you have to complete (including) eight courses, two mandatory, one on governance, and one on finance, and then other courses," explained Councilor Yagos.  "It gives you good experience in a lot of things about being on a council."

"In the classroom courses, we learn from discussion, not just how to do things, but what not to do, too, just by listening to people," Yagos continued.  "It basically gives you years of experience in being a councillor.  It doesn't make you an expert, but it's an excellent program.  If you are going to run for office, take one of these courses. They're opening it up to administration now, too.  I would hope that any new councillor gets into the program."

"It gave  me, and Helen too, a lot of experience. What to do, what not to do. How we make a decision, how to follow decisions, how not to interfere."

"Especially as we're moving to a new role for councils.  It's not the hands-on control now,  It's the model where the CAO's the boss and we control the CAO, this is our role.  They looked at councils that fell apart and failed, and all the mistakes, and said, hey, to make things work, here's how to do it."

Said Councillor Helen Cyr: "The EOEP courses are a wonderful source of education and, because the content is directed specifically at us as Councillors, they have certainly  helped me in my doing my job. The classes were my favourite, as it was so interesting to hear of personal experiences and the problems that arise in every corner of our province. The modules will continue to be an excellent source of reference for me."

Related link: http://eoep.ca