May 9th, 2005
Red Deer County Media Release
When recent graduates look at career options, they should add a career in municipal government to their list of hot prospects. To stand behind its claim, Red Deer County will continue the Municipal Intern Program.
After a successful program last year, the County will once again offer an intern a real-life education in municipal government.
“The intern position is a joint partnership with Municipal Affairs & Housing and Red Deer County,” said Rob Coon, County Manager. “We have always considered our County to be very progressive with an appreciation for succession planning. This is an exceptional program that opens the door to ensure trained and experienced individuals will be ready and willing to manage municipalities in the future.”
The newest member to the Red Deer County team is Jay Merchant, who began his one-year appointment as Municipal Intern on May 2, 2005. This position is one of ten positions across the province.
The goal of the program is to introduce municipal government as a career option to recent graduates from post-secondary schools. Joint funding from the Government of Alberta and Red Deer County, will enable Merchant to become familiar in the planning, operation, management, and delivery of services to Red Deer County’s residents and businesses.
Ken Enion, Assistant County Manager, looked back at the first year of the county’s involvement, “I was very impressed with the manner all staff accepted and assisted the intern in learning the ropes of municipal government. By having myself and the County involved with this program we are exposed to other participating municipalities and how they do business, while at the same time benefiting from the enthusiasm and vitality of this group of fine young graduates.”
Merchant recently graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Arts. With a major in Political Science and a minor in Philosophy, his educational focus was in Canadian public policy. “Formulating agendas and agenda setting are two areas that I found to be fascinating,” said Merchant. “Everyone has their own priorities. Collaborating together and coming up with an agenda that suits everyone’s needs is an area I find challenging, but interesting.”
Merchant added he is fortunate to have gained experience in municipal activities in both smaller communities and communities which have a comparable size to the City of Red Deer. “I grew up in the community of Coronation, an hour and a half east of Red Deer. In both Coronation and Lethbridge I had the opportunity to work with the Leisure Services departments. I’ve always had a great interest in the planning, operation, management, and the delivery of services from an organizational point of view.”
“I am really looking forward to the year ahead and participating as a part of the Red Deer County team,” added Merchant. “Staff have already been very supportive and I am excited about the future projects I will be involved with.”