Less than one month after being elected Councillor for the Rural Municipality of Ritchot, Shane Pelletier now also holds the title of Deputy Mayor. The Ward One Councillor has taken over the position previously held by Jeannot Robert.

Mayor Chris Ewen explains on July 19th, voters gave him a chance by electing him Mayor without any past experience. Ewen says it was his recommendation to have a Deputy Mayor that would also be new to the position.

Ewen says before making the decision, it was important for all of council to be on the same page.

"I talked with Jeannot (Robert), I talked with Ron (Mamchuk), Janine (Boulanger) and Shane (Pelletier) and we all voted to choose someone new and get their feet wet in the position," says Ewen. "There's not a lot to it but if I'm ever away then Shane can step up and do the job."

Pelletier comes from Ile des Chenes and Ewen says over the years he has seen his commitment to that community and through his role on numerous boards.

"He brings passion, interest and I want to say council knowledge," says Ewen. "Because he sits on these boards, he understands the processes and what's going to be better for the community."