Residents got to know their candidates on a one-on-one basis.
The Cold Lake Public Library hosted a meet and greet on Thursday, Oct. 5, so voters could get to know the candidates running in their respective municipal elections.
Leslie Price, director of the Cold Lake Public Library, felt it was their duty to ensure residents were heading to the polls informed on Oct. 16.
“We wanted to give the public a chance to come and talk to them one-on-one when there aren't formal speeches and where it seems as though they're untouchable,” Price explained. “Here, they can grab a person, sit down, and talk to them about issues... We're supposed to be an information source. We thought this would be a good tie-in.”
The meet and greet was for all candidates running in the election, with a focus on City of Cold Lake and MD of Bonnyville candidates.
Residents took the time to chat with candidates about their platforms, and ask questions that may not have made it to the table during the forum.
MD of Bonnyville resident Bruce Sloychuk was glad he had the opportunity to clarify a few things with Ward 6 candidates.
“I think this is an excellent format. It gives me the opportunity to ask questions on issues I'm concerned about, and I can have a one-on-one with the candidate. I can assess for myself the candidate's answers and determine whether that candidate is the right person for me to vote for.”
Cythnthia Sloychuk agreed that the meet and greet platform allowed residents to spend a little more time hearing what their candidates had to say.
She said it was nice to be able to ask them what their opinions are on issues, and to get in-depth answers.Although she lives in the MD, she sits as the chair of the Cold Lake Library Board, and was glad to have the opportunity to talk with candidates from both municipalities.
“I like the idea of one-on-one, the opportunity to see that these are just people. They're going to be serving you and representing you, and if you can get comfortable with them here tonight, then the ones that do get elected, you can maybe feel more comfortable approaching them later on,” expressed Price.
She believes it's essential to get to know your candidates before voting to ensure they see the city headed in a similar direction, and have plans on how to get it there.
