The nine candidates vying for seats on Mountain View County council have outlined some of their final plans and proposals in the run-up to the Oct. 16 vote.
In Division 1, challenger Dwayne Fulton is facing off against incumbent Jeremy Sayer.
In Division 2, incumbent Patricia McKean is running against challenger Greg Harris.
In Division 5, challenger Robin Tudor is facing off against incumbent Angela Aalbers.
In Division 6, candidates Wim Nan, Peggy Johnson and Jodi Orr are vying for the seat left vacant by outgoing councillor Ken Heck.
Incumbent councillors Al Kemmere (Division 7), Duncan Milne (Division 3) and Bruce Beattie (Division 4) were acclaimed.
Candidates took part in forums and meet-and-greets over the past week.
ï Dwayne Fulton says he wants to help represent the agricultural community on council.
"I think my 20-plus years of volunteering with the community has put me in a good position to take on this role as councillor in the county," said Fulton. "With my agricultural background, I can help with the advancement and betterment of the county.
"There isn't a whole lot of farmers on the council. We need diversity on the council, but we also need to have someone who is actively farming for the issues that arise around agriculture."
ï Patricia McKean says her experience on council over the past two terms makes her well qualified for another term.
"I am actually very proud of what I have done in the county over the past seven years, and in Division 2 in particular," said McKean. "I have the best interest of the residents at heart and I'm here every day for that."
She said those accomplishments include working on the new municipal development plan, taking part in the recent summer agricultural tour, helping build the relationship with the Village of Cremona, and helping with the new Water Valley community hall project.
ï Jeremy Sayer says he plans to "continue to represent the voice of the individuals in my division" if he is re-elected.
"I think the main reason I should be re-elected is I listen to people and I represent their wishes and voice on council," said Sayer. "In my opinion that is the most important role we play on council. My plan is to continue to."
He said some of his highlight accomplishments over the past term include his work on the county's strategic roads plan and his ongoing work on asset management.
ï Greg Harris said if elected he would work to see a number of policies reviewed, including regarding direct control districts and council pay.
"I think I bring a fresh perspective," said Harris. "Seven years ago this county underwent an upheaval when six out of seven councillors were changed out. With many of the issues raised at that time, I'm starting to see some of them creep back into what this council is doing.
"I think people should have a look and say at what councillors get paid and I think people shouldn't have their right to appeal taken away (in direct control districts to subdivision and development appeal board)."
Peggy Johnson says if elected her number 1 policy would be to consult her constituents before voting on such things as setting tax rates.
"That's the biggest issue for me, that clearly councillors need to listen to taxpayers and take concerns forward," said Johnson.
"I do think another big issue is how we are looking after these agriculture communities. I do think that looking after them so they are here long into the future is very important."
Robin Tudor said he believes he can "really get things done" if he is elected.
"I guess a big reason I think I'm the better candidate is my background is oilfield service companies, so in that role it was always service," said Tudor. "You have to get things done or otherwise you don't survive. I'll listen to people and take their concerns forward."
Wim Nan says his experience in the RCMP, including budgeting as a detachment commander, makes him well qualified to sit on council.
"I have a balanced decision-making process," said Nan. "I've got training in budget management and negotiation processes and that can be important on council."
Jodi Orr said her past experience on Sundre town council makes her well qualified to sit on county council.
"I will listen to people in the county, not just in my riding, but in the whole riding," said Orr. "It's the people in the whole county that we have to listen to. If they have concerns I will take it to the CAO and the CAO will take it to the proper department. I know the council process and what is involved."
Angela Aalbers is seeking a second term on council. She says priorities for her in the new term would include working to improve rural Internet service and continuing to work with the county's urban partners.
There is also a race for Chinook's Edge School Division trustee in Ward 9 (Carstairs-Cremona), with incumbent Sheldon Ball facing off against challenger Melissa Copley.
Trustees Allan Tarnoczi (Ward 6 - Sundre), Trudy James (Ward 7 - Olds) and Gord Kerr (Ward 8 - Didsbury) were all acclaimed.
