The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) has just announced its new President and it's by way of a form of acclamation. 

RM of Portage la Prairie Reeve, and now also Association of Manitoba Municipalities President-Designate, Kam Blight explains that he set out to run as President and how things evolved.

"I've been declared the next president of AMM effective November 24th, essentially," says Blight. "There's an opportunity for people to run for president and the nominations closed on midnight on November 2nd. And no one put their name forward to run against me, so, therefore, I was declared the next president of AMM. But for the Vice President position, which is what I was before, there are seven people running for that position. That election will take place on November 23rd."

Blight notes it feels surreal to hold the position, and he's quite excited for the opportunity.

"I was notified Tuesday morning that I am now the AMM President-Designate which is, like I said, definitely exciting news for me," continues Blight. "I feel very grateful and honoured that my fellow municipal leaders have entrusted me with leading the Association Manitoba Municipalities for the next two years. I'm very excited to continue working with our Board of Directors and excellent staff. And I guess, come November 23rd, I will know who is joining me on the executive team. And regardless who wins that, I know we'll have a very strong executive, as they're all excellent candidates."

He explains that AMM is the collective voice of all 137 municipalities in Manitoba. Blight says the organization represents every single municipality, including the City of Winnipeg, and they act on a policy that is ultimately driven by all of their membership.

"We take the direction from our membership and we lobby the provincial government on behalf of the 137 municipalities across the province," notes Blight.