Voters in the Village of Glendon have all they need to make an informed decision in the upcoming election after last night's open candidates forum.
The Glendon District Business Alliance (GDBA) welcomed residents into the Glendon and District Senior Citizens Club Thursday, Oct.10, for a chance to understand the candidates plan for the village.
After short introductory statements, Julie Kissel, president of the GDBA got things started.
Five of the six candidates were in attendance, with Scott Lundgren unable to participate in the forum.
In one of three questions prepared by the GDBA board, Kissel asked the candidates to explain what they feel the village's strengths and weaknesses are.
“I think one of our biggest assets is also one of our biggest challenges and that's our size. Being a small community is what makes Glendon a great place to live and a place for families to thrive. However, it can make drawing new residents and business to the village difficult,” expressed Andrea Wolosiewicz.
Nancy Pelletier and Dallas Fewchuk both said it would be challenging to keep taxes low for businesses, while providing the same services to residents. Despite the village's size, Fewchuk believes its proximity to larger hubs is the biggest asset they have.
“Major challenges in the village are going to be figuring out ways to keep taxes low for businesses and houses. One of our largest assets is our location. Being right in the heart of St. Paul, Bonnyville, and Lac La Biche, I think we need to do more to attract those businesses here and stimulate our economy,” said Fewchuk.
How to grow business in the village was the main topic on everybody's mind, cropping up in multiple questions and answers. Candidates' thoughts ranged from tax breaks, to larger incentives to promote business in the area.
Taking a different route, Nancy Pelletier wants to use tourism to boost business in the village, and explained one of her goals for the upcoming term.
“I would like to take the approach that we're a tourist circuit. I would like to promote Glendon's businesses for all of the tourists in town and I'd like to see more tourists. I would also like to work on a campsite in the village, possibly by the Iron Horse Trail.”
While each of their answers were different, every candidate was in agreement growing business would be essential to the sustainability of Glendon.
While he wasn't in attendence, that didn't stop Lundgren from taking the time to answer the GDBA prepared questions through Kissel, who read his answer out to the crowd. Lundgren shared his view on growing business with residents.
“He would like to see the village's vacant lots sold at a low price with the condition that new businesses will be operating within two-years. He would also like to see existing business taxes kept within reason with other services offered within the village,” said Kissel.
The next question to arise from the floor was made-up of two parts. One was regarding the long-term sustainability of the village, and the other asking the candidates views on possible amalgamation with the MD of Bonnyville.
The conversation quickly made its way back to attracting new vendors to the area.
“For sustainability and vitality, we need to strongly promote the businesses we have, and attract new ones to grow and strengthen our village. I believe growth is the key to sustainability. As for amalgamation, I think it's better to work with them than be taken over by them,” noted Rick Stieben.
The candidates were unanimously against joining the MD in the future, and instead, pointed towards building stronger relationships. None of the candidates were interested in giving up local autonomy, some even warned residents amalgamation could mean shutting down village facilities.
“Currently, the Village of Glendon is doing well. We have remained in budget without raising taxes for my entire term,” said Laura Papirny. “Amalgamation is not warranted. It would mean potentially lower taxes for fewer services. If this were to occur, there's a very real risk the arena and curling rink would be shut down, as continuously funding these facilities may not make sense to the MD.”
Candidates also shared their views on controlling crime. Wolosiewicz touched on the idea of a community watch type program, to aid the officers who currently patrol Glendon.
Pelletier, Papirny, and Stieben, took a different approach, explaining residents need to be aware and call the RCMP whenever they have a complaint, because increased call volume would create more patrols in the area.
When there were no more questions from the floor, the candidates gave their closing statements, and each one gave the crowd an important reminder.
“It's nice to see six people running for council in a small village. Every vote matters in a small community. I encourage everybody to get out and vote,” expressed Fewchuk.
