A plethora of pertinent topics was discussed at the Sundre Legion during the first of two election forums for the candidates running for council in the upcoming municipal election.
The issues covered included but were not limited to the following: gravel pits; improving collaboration with Mountain View County and other municipal neighbours; tax relief for seniors on a fixed income; fixing infrastructure and fostering sustainable growth to ensure the municipality's longevity for generations to come; as well as diversifying Sundre's economy and pursuing a plan to further develop tourism, culture and recreation for the benefit of visitors and residents alike.
There were some empty seats on the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 26, but dozens of people ó including several former mayors ó nevertheless committed to attending the public information session to gain some insight regarding whom they might vote for on election day.
"From my perspective, you've got a difficult choice, because there are some excellent people to choose from," said Rob Warren, who moderated the forum with some help from a few other volunteers, in his address to residents.
"We're going to be well served by whoever ultimately manages to get your vote."
Running for the next four-year term are nine council hopefuls ó incumbents Nolan Blatchford, Cheri Funke and Paul Isaac, as well as former councillor Patricia Toone, and newcomers Todd Dalke, Sean Davis, Charlene Preston, Richard Warnock and Robert Wolfe ó and two mayoral candidates, incumbent Terry Leslie and current councillor Chris Vardas. All were able to attend the forum except for Blatchford. Not seeking re-election are councillors Verna McFadden and Myron Thompson.
The council candidates each got three minutes to introduce themselves and outline their platforms, followed by an opportunity to take two minutes responding to a couple of pre-prepared questions submitted by the Sundre and District Chamber of Commerce, which organized the forum. After a brief break during which time residents wrote down questions, an additional four questions from the public were presented before all of the candidates were given a final two minutes to summarize.
"I, for one, am just really tremendously impressed by the passion that has been shown by each and every one of you up here tonight," said Warren.
"We are all very grateful to you and your commitment to our community and your obvious commitment to making the best choices for our community," he said to applause from the crowd.
The second and final forum takes place Wednesday, Oct. 11 at the legion from 6-9 p.m. The election takes place Monday, Oct. 16 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the municipal office.
