Candidates in the upcoming Town Council election had their chance to reach out to voters this past week.
On Tuesday, October 8, the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce and Alberta Teacher’s Association Sub Local hosted the Candidates’ Forum.
There, the ten candidates, Jenny Dannhauer, Jay Garbutt, Lisa Hansen-Zacharuk, Crystal Jensen, Patrick Kolafa, Tara McMillan, Bryce Nimmo, Sharel Shoff, Kalon Sykes, and Tom Zariski had several minutes to explain their platform and answer questions from residents.
The questions covered a wide range of topics.
Drumheller’s Town Council candidates participated in an election forum on Tuesday evening, moderated by Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce president John Shoff, left. The candidates are (l-r) Jenny Dannhauer, Jay Garbutt, Lisa Hansen-Zacharuk, Crystal Jensen, Patrick Kolafa, Tara McMillan, Bryce Nimmo, Sharel Shoff, Kalon Sykes, and Tom Zariski.
First, candidates were asked to explain what the mill rate is when determining taxes. Incumbents Hansen-Zacharuk, Shoff, and Zariski attempted to answer, but the remaining candidates chose to pass.
Next, candidates were asked their opinion on the site for the upcoming skateboard park.
Garbutt, Shoff, and Zariski felt confident in the proposed location for the skateboard park. Kolafa and Sykes highlighted the importance of the park being centrally located and visible. The remaining candidates were in support of the park, but felt another location was better suited. Shoff also pointed out two sites were discussed at a recent design meeting.
The next question had candidates tell if they would support proceeding with phase 2 of the Badlands Community Facility (BCF). Most said yes, but Dannhauer and Zariski felt it would be prudent to see more on how to pay for the current phase, payment options for the second, and what the design is. Garbutt felt it was necessary to wait to see the potential of the Building Canada Fund. Hansen-Zacharuk would be comfortable when funding is secured.
Candidates were asked if they would support special water rates for the summer. All felt the current system was fair and highlighted the importance of cost-recovery, but felt it was important to regularly review the utility rates. Hansen-Zacharuk, Shoff, and Sykes felt selling water regionally was the way to go to lower utility bills. Dannhauer and McMillan suggested attempting to lower bills through the sewer rates.
The fifth question asked was if candidates were in favour of lowering the hawker/peddler fees. Dannhauer, Garbutt, McMillan, Shoff, and Zariski felt the fee was appropriate to cover processing costs and protect local businesses. McMillan felt, however, it was necessary to keep lower fees for event specific hawkers. Nimmo stated he would if it doesn’t hurt local businesses. Hansen-Zacharuk and Kolafa felt the fees needed to be reviewed.
Candidates were asked their thoughts on continuing support for the Drumheller Public Library. All felt it was necessary to continue to support the library and its programs. Garbutt, Nimmo, and Zariski felt the province needed to provide more funding.
Next, candidates were asked if they would support a fenced off-leash dog park. Dannhauer would consider it if an adequate plan was presented. The remaining candidates felt current off-leash areas were enough and it is the owners responsibility to keep their dogs safe.
Lastly, candidates were asked what they would do differently compared to the previous council.
Kolafa, Nimmo, and Sykes felt it was necessary to develop a vision for Drumheller and plan ahead. McMillan wants to see a more transparent council. Shoff pledged to follow through with residents’ concerns and wanted council to do their homework on the Municipal Government Act. Zariski felt it was necessary to follow through better with projects and ideas, look further afield for marketing the BCF, and look more at global tourism. Dannhauer felt marketing the BCF more was key. Garbutt said he would work harder on getting items on the agenda, keep asking questions during meetings, and provide incentives for front-line staff to cut costs.
For videos of each candidate, click here.
