Gervais proving himself as city councillor

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For the last several months, Darcy Gervais has been representing people from in and around the city of Prince Albert in a couple of different capacities.

Gervais has been representing Ward 1 - the West Flat area - on Prince Albert city council since his victory in the civic election this past fall.

"We've always had people parachuting into our ward for the election. I don't think there's been one person from west end representing the west end on city council since Morley Jaeger was in," said Gervais.

The lead up to the election saw Gervais in a four-way race, which included the then-incumbent representative Garnett Hewitt, along with two other candidates. One of the distinct advantages Gervais held going into the election was that he had lived in the area for most of his life. "I think you have more invested interest if you live in the area you represent," said Gervais.

"I think that's something that really helped me in the election, that there was only myself and one other lady who were actually from the west end. She had just recently moved into the west end too, so she really didn't know the area. I've lived there all my life."

Gervais is one of eight ward representatives on city council, and at least one of the people in council chambers has been impressed with the rookie alderman's performance thus far.

"I think he's doing a good job," said Prince Albert's Mayor Don Cody.

"I takes time to get your feet wet. I think he'll end up being a very good member."

Gervais has learned that being one of the new members of council means that you have to gradually get to know how the rest of the council works before trying to implement any changes.

"It's just they don't know where we're coming from, and that's why you don't really want to step on anybody's toes right away," said Gervais.

"I'm just trying to get to know them, see where they're coming from, see their point of view, try and get along with them, and that way, actually have a shot at getting some stuff [done for my ward].

Because if people think you're going to go down there and just start kicking ass, we're going to get squashed every time. There's a really delicate shift that you've got to use to support your argument for stuff you want to get through."

While his role as councillor sees Gervais focusing his attentions on Prince Albert, his other job has him expanding his focus to other communities as well.

He, along with Bertha Birdsall-Burns, operate a court worker's office for Aboriginal people not only in Prince Albert, but also for people in surrounding communities.

"This office is one of the busiest ones in Saskatchewan," said Gervais.

"My partner [Birdsall-Burns] covers Shellbrook, Carrot River, and Wakaw. I cover Montreal Lake and Nipiwan. We cover five areas, plus Prince Albert as well. It works out good. If she's in Shellbrook or Wakaw, I'm in town, and if I'm in Montreal Lake or Nipiwan, she's in town, so we've always got the office covered."

Have there been any changes in how people respond to Gervais in his capacity as a court worker since he won the election?

"They respect my opinion even more now because I'm a councillor," said Gervais.

"People have been a lot more receptive now than they were before. It's always been good, but it's going better now. I love my job. I'm just happy that I can do both."

Of course, being a city councillor is more than just sitting in council chambers for the weekly televised Monday night meetings. The job also includes sitting on various committees in the city.

"I've got library board, which is one that I actually wanted. I'm on works and planning, and I'm on community service. I've got some pretty good appointments," Gervais said.

Being at the beginning of his career as a city councillor, could it be possible to see Gervais serve for more than one three-year term in his position?

Mayor Cody says yes.

"I think you'll find a guy like that, if he does the right thing, and particulary looks after the people in his ward, then I think he may well be there for a long time. I think the key thing to being a council member is not only what you say in council and say in the media, but it's what you do in your ward, and that's what is key to any council person."