Forum One Full House

Candidates Forum for Division 4, 5 6 and 7

LSARA and the DDRA hosted a Candidates Forum for Divisions 4, 5 ,6 and 7 in Darwell September 26, 2017. The forum was moderated by Terry Slemko and saw a host of candidates participate. In no particular order:

Daryl Friesen                                     Division 4 New Candidate
Steve Hoyda                                       Division 4 New Candidate
Leo Blais                                             Division 5 New Candidate
Joe Blakeman                                     Division 5 New Candidate
Penny Leshenko                                 Division 5 New Candidate
Amy Thiessen-Roy                             Division 5 New Candidate
Terry Nelson                                       Division 6 New Candidate
Larry Daniel                                       Division 7 New Candidate

Of the thirteen candidates running in Divisions 4 though 7, eight of them participated in the forum. The candidates that confirmed their attendance were all provided a copy of the Ten questions prior to the Forum in order to provide informed responses on the questions they would be asked.

LSARA provided ten so that they would have an opportunity to understand some of the questions that potentially could come from the floor. Each candidate responded to the same three questions that were selected.

They each began by introducing themselves and providing somewhat of a glimpse of what each candidate stands for, what they believe in and how they feel they can affect change. The selected questions were then responded to by each candidate and then the floor opened for questions.

There were a number of individuals that did come forward with questions for the candidates and all were provided an opportunity to respond. Many of the issues discussed surrounded communication breakdowns, accountability, taxation to name a few.

The upcoming Forum in Onoway on the 28th of September at 7 PM in the Heritage Center gym ( the old Onoway Elementary School) will host the Candidates from Divisions 1, 2 and 3.

It should be noted that LSARA sent out a communication to all the Candidates running in all Seven Divisions. We set a deadline for their response so that we could ensure that we set up appropriate time lines for the Forums and could ensure that there was ample time for all to participate.

With respect to current council, due to some communications and questions that we received, we actually extended the deadline to accommodate a response. Some of the current council chose not to respond to our invitation.

One indicated that he would not be in attendance as he was attending other forums. There were no other forums scheduled for last night.

One indicated that LSARA was hosting a Rally. So to ensure that there was no miscommunication, and to ensure receipt of the invitation, we sent another email explaining the forum.

One Councillor changed his mind after that email, the rest we heard nothing. So to say that LSARA is not open to working together is not a fair statement. We tried.

Approximately 175 people turned out in Darwell last night to hear what the Candidates had to say. What a fantastic turn from all the four Divisions. They were also people from other Divisions that indicated they choose to participate in both so that they can hear all the candidates. 

This is not only an opportunity for the candidates, it is an opportunity for you, the Ratepayers of Lac Ste Anne County.

Hope to see you there.