Being leaders is something few do. For me, I’m a much better follower than a leader.
Lloydminster has had an interesting history, being split into the Town of Lloydminster, Sask., and the Village of Lloydminster, Alta., giving it a unique perspective in terms of leadership.
It all started with Rev. George Exton Lloyd and Rev. Isaac Montgomery Barr who famously did not like each other. Barr was driven from the colony and Lloyd took over leadership.
In its early days, W.W. Amos was the “overseer” of the settlement followed by H.B. Hall before the split happened in 1907.
Some familiar names remained in power, Dr. G.L. Cooke, G.M. Cooke presided over the village, H.B. Hall even returned to office after his first stint.
Harold Huxley, who came to Canada with the Barr Colonists, was instrumental in amalgamating the two Lloydminsters. He served as Mayor on the Sask side of Lloyd from 1918-1920 and 1926-1929 and remained the elected leader of the now-united Lloydminster.
Kathleen (Kay) Matheson was dedicated to the community, in the ‘40s and ‘50s she held office in the Catholic Women’s League, the Home and School Association and the Kinette Club.
In 1959 she was elected to the first Catholic School Board and served for eleven years, four as chairperson. This made her the first Lloydminster woman to hold public office.
In her leadership journey, Matheson became an alderman in 1971, continuing until elected Mayor in 1979. She was the first woman to hold the prestigious leadership title in the border city.
This column would go on forever if I outlined every Mayor, councillor, or person in a leadership position.
What I do want to outline is the importance that every leader has played in shaping Lloydminster into what it is today.
Elected or not, leaders have dedicated their lives to making Lloyd better, helping their neighbours and their communities.
I am writing this just before the finale of the municipal election, but I think the future is bright for Lloyd. Much like many that came before, new views will enter the council chambers supporting the voice of the community. We are who we are today in this beautiful city because of the leaders who championed causes important to their times, leaving a lasting impact on the community. If you listen closely today, you’ll hear plenty still fighting for what’s important.
Read more: Opinion: Budget time brings plenty of challenges
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