The Reeve for the Rural Municipality of Hanover will serve another four years as head of council. Jim Funk of Grunthal was the only election candidate by this week's deadline, and therefore, he is in by acclamation. Funk is wrapping up his first term as Reeve. Prior to that, he served one term as Councillor. "It certainly gives us four weeks of not having to go through campaigning," says Funk. Campaigning can be positive Having said that, he notes that in the 2022 election, there were two candidates for Reeve, which meant he campaigned in each community in order to have one-on-one conversations with voters. "That short little visit that you did have with them, that chat, gives you a little bit of insight as to what the feeling is with the municipality," adds Funk. Funk says one of the things that he learned from those door-to-door conversations is that there was a level of mistrust towards government. Funk says he is hopeful that it can be fixed and that Council can govern the municipality the way it should. "Transparency is one that comes to the forefront that should always be there," he adds. Related Stories: 2026 Municipal Election Results Funk seeks another term as Hanover Reeve Two councillors punch ticket for another term With the deadline behind us, it is now clear that two incumbent councillors in Hanover are also in by acclamation. There will be elections in four of the six wards; however, Ward 2 Councillor Brian Esau and Ward 6 Councillor Curtis Dawydiuk are both in by acclamation. Funk says it brings a level of peace knowing that he is assured at least some continuity with the next Council. He notes it is comforting to know that he will have at least two councillors who know what it means to be a councillor and who have been part of the discussions of some of the plans being considered. Esau is Deputy Reeve for Hanover. Funk says he is always available and ready to fill in when necessary. And with Dawydiuk, Funk acknowledges how hard he has worked to get the arena expansion project underway in Grunthal. "I am very thankful for the support and confidence that I have received from the residents of Mitchell over the past years as councillor for Ward 2 of the RM of Hanover," says Esau. "In the future, I hope to provide the same level of services that I have provided in the past. Drainage, roads and recreational opportunities are my priorities for the coming term." Dawydiuk says being acclaimed is humbling. "I try very hard to do my best at everything I do, be it work, family, hobbies or my roles in volunteer or leadership positions," says Dawydiuk. "Being acclaimed to another term as the representative for Ward 6 in Hanover tells me that I have succeeded in meeting my goal of doing the best I can for our community and the whole RM." Dawydiuk says priorities for this term include continuing to strengthen teams and processes, planning for and managing growth, growing regional partnerships, and supporting the needs of his ward and the municipality. Turnover guaranteed in Hanover Funk knows that no matter what happens on October 28, his Council will look different. That is because Ward 5 Councillor Darrin Warkentin is not seeking re-election. Funk says he is grateful for the eight years he has spent on Council with Warkentin. Funk says Warkentin brings a lot of wisdom to the Council table. "He was slow to speak, but he spoke with authority," says Funk. "When he did give ideas or advice, it certainly was something that I could take to the bank." Is acclamation good or bad? Meanwhile, Funk says there are two ways for him to interpret being acclaimed. On the one hand, he says it could mean that the public is content with the work he is doing. Funk says that on the other hand, it could mean that nobody else in the municipality wants the job. "It is very time-consuming, but there is I'm sure, many people who are capable of taking this place in the Reeve's seat," adds Funk. In looking ahead to the next four years, Funk says he knows that construction of the regional wastewater treatment facility will be a priority. Funk says they are still targeting 2029 to have the project complete.