October 10th – MD Council Candidates’ Night
Many thanks to the Southwest Alberta Sustainable Communities Initiative (SASCI) and David Green for a well-attended and informative evening at the Heritage Inn. Seven MD candidates participated but, with acclamations in Divisions 2, 3 and 5, the real contest is taking place in Divisions 1 & 4, where Grant McNab and Brian Hammond are working hard to unseat Helen Cyr and Bjorn Berg. Candidates where allotted five minutes each for introductions and, to address their achievements and vision for the MD. Following a short break, the floor was opened for questions.
It soon became apparent that those running for office had three distinct approaches to communications: those acclaimed in Divisions 2,3 and 5 came across as straight shooters, good communicators who are approachable and willing to work with ratepayers to achieve the objectives outlined in the MD’s Community Values Assessment (CVA).
Division 4 and 1 candidates Brian Hammond and Grant McNab were open and forthright, quickly acknowledging the issues surrounding MD/ratepayer communications, economic development, the re-zoning of agricultural lands, roads, weeds and capital spending projects such as the new Admin building. Both pledged to work with ratepayers to resolve concerns that have persisted for far too long, suggesting several options to improve communications between elected council members and their constituents.
The incumbents in Divisions 1 & 4 (Helen Cyr and Bjorn Berg) offered many long “stories” but provided few, if any, direct answers to ratepayer’s questions. Much to everyone’s surprise, both indicated that the MD’s communications issues are attributable to the Administrative staff, this as opposed to Council. Obviously the buck doesn’t stop on the Reeve’s desk, it comes to rest with the employees...A sad commentary on our elected leaders.
Some telling (and well received) quotes: Mr. Yagos expressed a desire to work towards ratepayer objectives, not to “rule the MD”. Mr. Marchuk indicated that he is focused on “making fair decisions for ratepayers, not just what Council wants to do”. Listeners were left with the impression that the other incumbents have lost sight of the “common sense” approach embraced by the Division 3 & 5 councilors, a sure-fire sign that its time for change in the MD.
I felt that the "stories" were meant to distract the audience. By the time they were done, I was left trying to remember what the original question was. To me direct questions deserve direct answers -something these two council members clearly did not provide. I believe the lack of communication lies with the fact that they don't listen.
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