Candidates for council in Sylvan Lake’s municipal election expounded on their experience, interest and attributes while pitching for votes during the councillor forum hosted by Sylvan Lake Chamber of Commerce last Friday night.
More than 140 people took the time at the start of the Thanksgiving long weekend to listen to the ideas and applaud the ten candidates who are vying for six positions around the council table. The three mayoralty candidates had similarly explained their positions the previous Friday (see last week’s Sylvan Lake News).
In a format which saw both questions posed through the moderator, Terrance Cody, and directly from the floor, 18 queries were put to the candidates ranging from their top three strengths and weaknesses, to such targetted questions as diesel trucks idling, town borrowing for major capital projects and revisions and improvements to the Pattern Book, the document which regulates development in the area north of the railway.
Each candidate was given time for opening and closing statements between the questioning.
Rick Grimson began the evening by discussing the town’s water supply which will be a serious issue for the next council as, with current population growth, increased supply will be required by 2020.
He noted the provision of leisure services is very important and the town is planning a new multiplex to replace the existing aging arena. He’d also promote a strong partnership with schools.
In concluding statements he said he brings a strong sense of fiscal responsibility to the position “to make Sylvan Lake a model community in Alberta where people want to be”.
Grimson also noted his background in municipal government work, including 17 years as Sylvan Lake’s chief administrative officer before moving to Alberta Municipal Affairs for a similar position.
Megan Chernoff spoke of her “passion for the community” and the volunteer work she’s done since arriving in Sylvan Lake about six years ago.
“I’m a strong believer in planning, taking a proactive approach rather than a reactive approach.”
Her involvement in the community has included serving on the town’s Municipal Planning Commission and Family & Community Support Services board. She’s also been a Timbit soccer coach for 3-4 year old youngsters and is a past president of Lakeview Optimist Club.
“Sylvan Lake is a great town on the threshold of a great time,” said Graham Parsons. Evolving, strategizing and communicating are the pillars of his campaign. Stating he embraces change, Parsons said, if it’s managed properly change means prosperity.
Plans are in place which give direction to adjust to change. But he said, residents need to know about those plans. That’s where communications comes into the equation. “It seems it would be very simple but it’s been anything but. The coffee shop still wins.” The town’s recent communications strategy indicates the best way to communicate is through public engagement and positioning the town to provide “time trusted messages and information”.
Charlie Everest feels “professional and effective management of future town development” is needed. He’d advocate fiscal responsibility and responsibility for all tax dollars.
“We can become one of the most desirable and attractive communities in Central Alberta.”
During closing remarks he stated he’s pro business and feels it’s important to find a spot for another marina and boat launch in town.
Neil Evans promised to “advocate for arts and culture” and pursue opportunities for new performance venues. He’d promote the location of new clean industries and ventures in Sylvan Lake. A regional health centre with 24-7 service is necessary.
Safe streets was another theme of Evans who talked about improving crosswalks, school loading zones and introducing photo radar.
He said he felt its time the town “negotiate seriously with the province to take over Sylvan Lake Provincial Park. That land base, as small as it is, is crucial to the town’s future.” Evans also said he thought the town could ask the province for a grant to run that area long term.
Running on a campaign of “responsible, accountable and frugal government”, Jas Payne said he’d encourage working in partnership with provincial government on a number of initiatives.
“We need to get business and people to look inward and shopping inward,” he said. “Shop local, live local.”
He said he decided to run for council because he “doesn’t want to ask the question any longer ‘what were they thinking when they made that decision?’”.
Citing an experience with the previous council, Matt Prete said communications and engagement starts in council chambers. He first got involved when a strip of trees between Pierview and Crestview subdivisions was threatened by new development. “I spoke for 25 minutes in two sessions before council and no questions were asked by councillors.”
Referring to redevelopment of the marina site, he said it was “irresponsible of the town to approve a development without adequate parking”. That’s poor logistics.
Prete concluded stating he’s pro business, pro growth. “Think big, have a big vision.”
Chris Lust outlined her experience which has included 40 years in municipal fields, and said Sylvan Lake is a great community with opportunities and challenges.
Three priority areas for her would be strategic downtown revitalization, economic policies and creating a strong community.
There needs to be a lot of activity all year round in the downtown area. That’s accomplished through a partnership between businesses and council.
“Cultural activities and events that would engage. More people on the street means more people spending money.”
She believes the “new multiplex, curling rink, cultural centre, spray park are all within our means to build”. Lust would also encourage “walking and biking, open spaces that encourage people to gather … all types of housing for all stages of life”.
Dale Plante stated he’d “put my energy, expertise and indeed my heart into being the best councillor I can be. I have a great desire to be part of a preferable future here in Sylvan Lake.”
He supports efforts to get an urgent care centre for the area. Economic development drives the community’s progress. He called for work to revitalize the downtown, do a thorough review of the Pattern Book and proceed with annexation.
Plante also talked about maintaining fiscal stewardship and attaining “fair and equitable contributions” from summer villages and counties whose residents use town facilities. “There’s so much we can do with our partners.”
Wendy Sauvageau outlined her experience with budgeting and accountability.
On the topic of urgent care, she said plans are in place. Sylvan Lake is one of 22 communities getting a Family Care Centre which would be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. “That doesn’t mean we can’t keep pushing”, she said, of the need for a 24 hour facility.
Safety is also very important for her and she’d like to see less vandalism.
Adding she has experience as a negotiator she believes she could use her skills in that area. “I’m accountable, reliable, used to dealing with deadlines, answering questions.” She also described herself as an open minded team player who’s a great fact finder.
(See separate stories on questions posed to the candidates.)