Transparency, fiscal responsibility, accountability and better communication were frequent topics as Westlock County Div. 5 residents had a chance to hear from all four candidates hoping to fill the empty seat on county council last week.
The forum and meet-and-greet took place at Pine Valley Hall in Tawatinaw Sept. 5, drawing about 70 residents to hear from candidates Mary Ashton-Groulx, Lori Latreille, Isaac Skuban and David Woynorowski on topics ranging from road maintenance and economic development, to the Tawatinaw Valley Ski Hill and amalgamation with the town.
The winner of the Sept. 17 byelection will fill the seat vacated by Darrell Osmond, who resigned from the position in June. Residents can cast their votes between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. at the Clyde Community Hall.
Ken Jersch moderated the evening and delivered questions obtained directly from the audience, which included Westlock County reeve Lou Hall and several councillors.
Candidates had three minutes to introduce themselves and their ideas for council, then two minutes for each question and then a closing statement. As the end of the night many residents took their concerns directly to the candidates in a meet-and-greet portion.
After the forum, the candidates told the Westlock News about some of the things they’ve learned about their fellow county residents and themselves during the course of the byelection campaign.
“Most residents are very happy about where they live and the community as a whole, but they definitely see room for improvement as far as how taxes are being collected and being spent,” said Ashton-Groulx, who added that her love for learning, talking to people and working with others was only reinforced during the campaign.
“Most people have the same needs and wants, they just have a different priority for them. We’re all looking for the same things.”
Latreille said she was happy to see so many people come out for the event and hopes they’ll all come out to vote as well.
“I’ve learned that although roads are always on people’s minds, I don’t feel it is the biggest problem that the county is facing,” she said.
“I think the biggest problem is actually communication and perception. There is a lot going on behind the scenes that the county is doing and there seems to be a disconnect in what’s going on and the ratepayers.
“When people are knowledgeable and when they’re engaged and involved in the process they’re more likely to embrace the decisions.”
Skuban said as he spoke to residents around the division, he noticed that many desired change.
“They’re kind of hoping the county changes trajectory and goes in a more positive direction for the future,” he said. “St. Albert gets closer every day and people are willing to vote for someone who is going to look towards that future and get Westlock County ready for people who want to come out for that country lifestyle.”
“I’ve also learned that while I have book smarts, I don’t have the life experience. I’m just willing to listen to people and learn, to be humble about it and I’ve learned so much more that way than I ever thought I would at the beginning of the campaign,” said Skuban. “Win or lose, it has been a good personal experience for me.”
Woynorowski said he learned he had “deeper passion and interest in municipal politics and for getting things right than I really thought I had.”
“What I learned about residents is I think we share a great many of the same concerns and issues, evidenced by the survey I conducted, the issues I flagged in my letters to the editor and that I’m probably on the right track in terms of listening to residents, appreciating their concerns and their priorities and actually looking to do something about it to make Westlock County a better place,” he said, adding he would also be donating 10 per cent of his earnings as a councillor to charity.
“I’ll be hard on the issues, easy on the people and a team player. I’ll get results accomplished and I’m willing to give back.”
Woynorowski is also confident his background in government and business will be helpful, should he be elected.
“What sets me apart is I’ve got over 32 years of senior experience in government and business, so I have a pretty extensive knowledge of business, accounting, finance and how government works. I think I can show a track record of producing results and working in a cooperative and collaborative manner to get things done,” he said.
Skuban plans on bringing a business focus to council, making it easier and more desirable for potential businesses to set up shop in the county and start bringing in more revenue.
“A vote for me is a vote for someone who is going to work towards the future and devote as much time as I can towards it,” he said. “I’m going to have a ‘build bridges, don’t burn them’ mentality and build relationships with those who are running the county, working for the county and the residents.”
Latreille said she is ready for the work ahead if she is elected. Having sat on many boards and doing a lot of volunteer work has prepared her for the challenge ahead.
“I’m an extremely hard worker and I’m very dedicated to what I set my mind to do ... if you want something to get done, you give it to the busiest person and that way it will get done,” she said.
Ashton-Groulx said she will be a voice for the people and will always work hard to make sure they get the answers they need.
“I’m a solid voice, I’m a good listener and I’m a person who believes in action ... I’m kind of like a dog with a bone. I don’t back off and I don’t back down until i get the answers I’m looking for,” said Ashton-Groulx.
Div. 5 residents have a tough choice ahead of them, said moderator Jersch as he closed out the forum.
“I’ve been doing this for quite a while and been to a lot of places where very hopeful people were running and I don’t think I can remember a time when we’ve seen four candidates who are quite as sharp as we have tonight.”
