Two retiring female political leaders were given a respectful send-off by Martensville City Council.
Warman Mayor Sheryl Spence and Martensville-Warman MLA Nancy Heppner both decided not to seek re-election in this fall’s municipal and provincial elections. They were honoured for their many years of leadership at the Martensville City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 13.
Spence was first elected to Warman City Council in 2000 and elected as Mayor in 2006.
Heppner was first elected to the provincial legislature in 2007 and has represented the constituents of Martensville and area since then.
Martensville Mayor Kent Muench said both Spence and Heppner have served their constituents well, adding they are role models for women in politics.
He noted that Spence has been both a mentor and colleague as both Martensville and Warman experienced unprecedented growth and became cities over the past decade.
“Sheryl played a key role in the establishment of the Partnership For Growth (P4G) regional initiative,” said Muench. “She also helped solidify the good relationship between Warman and Martensville; even though the ‘friendly rivalry’ we enjoy will always be there.”
He said Spence played a pivotal leadership role with the regional Reconciliation Committee to promote stronger relationships with the Indigenous community.
Muench also had high praise for Heppner, saying she is leaving a substantial legacy in the region.
“Nancy has been a tenacious advocate in the Legislature for Martensville and the region,” said Muench. “We have a new high school, an overpass over Highway 12 at Main Street, and two new elementary schools in Martensville.
“I think it’s plain to see that Nancy has punched above her weight class.”
Muench said Heppner got results.
“When we had meetings with Nancy, it always resulted in action,” said Muench.
He noted that her successor representing the constituency in the Legislature after this fall’s election will have “big shoes to fill.”