The gloves didn't come off in round one of all candidates meetings

By Mona Mattei

With five candidates running for the position of Area D director the competition is tough but Teresa Taylor seems to have won the opening round of debates.

 

A small crowd of rural Grand Forks residents took in the all candidates’ debate on Tuesday night at the Grand Forks Senior Secondary School and grilled the hopefuls with a series of hot questions.

 

After their opening remarks the candidates, Ken Johnston, Dave Johnson, Brian Johnson, Irene Perepolkin (incumbent) and Teresa Taylor, commented on topics ranging from relations with the City of Grand Forks, potential for incorporation, understanding the government function, water management, through to cows, volunteerism and agriculture. The meeting was moderated by area C director Grace McGregor who has been acclaimed in her area.

 

Most of the candidates are not seasoned public speakers and held their ground voicing strong opinions on the many topics. Dave Johnson and Brian Johnson both warmed up through the session, relaxing to better answer questions. Johnston had no hesitation in responding with his vision to questions, and Perepolkin talked extensively about the projects done in her term. Taylor spoke to the question asked, articulated her thoughts well, and presented ideas for solutions.

 

Incumbent Perepolkin has chosen a steadfast approach in her campaign demonstrating her experience over the past three years and urging voters to support her as a way to protect continuity in the office.

 

“I believe continuity in leadership is important,” said Perepolkin. “By changing your representative each term you lose the continuity of projects and commitments undertaken in the last term. I served on APC’s for nine years to gain the background before seeking the director’s position in 2008. I believe I have gained the knowledge of policies and procedures of local government.”

 

As a past city employee and having held previous offices, Johnston presented his ideas for change in the rural area to the benefit of residents.

 

“(Incorporation of the rural area) would clarify and guarantee every zone that we presently have,” explained Johnston, “and would therefore safely assure the agricultural base that’s in the valley, money from logging, forestry… You are paying administrative fees. Having worked in this field for many, many years benefits of having an independent area D far outweigh being run the way you are now.”

 

The issue of water management included a question on candidates’ stance on the Gilpin Grasslands. Taylor and Johnston took strong positions against cattle in the parklands, while Perepolkin vied for a way for all interests to co-exist.

 

“Aquifers are very important, like the saying goes – we all live downstream. So what we put on the lands, when we put chemicals on our plants to make things grow everything goes into the soil,” said Dave Johnson. “Looking after the Kettle, to protect the Granby and the Kettle is important. We need to protect our aquifers and the rivers – they’re very important.”

 

Vying for grant-in-aid funding between agencies in the region has always been difficult. Candidates were faced with tough questions around support for arts and culture organizations in the area trying to sustain themselves.

 

“It’s sort of a trait in Grand Forks – we stretch things kind of thin,” commented Brian Johnson. “In my view it would have been better to keep the two (museum and art gallery) together originally. We’re stuck in a population and tourist base that it’s hard to support different facilities. Networking is the key thing and to get the two (organizations) to have a better relationship (is important).”

 

Taylor addressed a question about the operations of the regional district and the director’s role within it summing up the job well.

 

“How do you keep tabs on what needs to happen in your community … so it’s not lost in a bureaucratic mess because I’m sure you can continue to go to meeting after meeting but are you continuing to represent the people?” Taylor queried. “We need to make sure we don’t get lost in that level of government where we just talk amongst ourselves and remain in our bubbles. We really have to keep it on the front line.”

 

Closing remarks by candidates summed up their different styles: Taylor – feels she has management skills and the passion to do the job well; Perepolkin – a bid for continuity with no personal agenda; Brian Johnson – scientific approach to issues and to look for solutions not division between parties; Dave Johnson – takes into account the big picture and remains open-minded to prosper; Johnston – continuity comes from staff and area D is at a crossroads with the City of Grand Forks that needs to be addressed.

 

McGregor summed up the meeting well, “We need to thank the candidates because when you put your name on a ballot you’re having the rubber hit the road. And instead of just talking you’re doing something about it. Most of all what we need is everyone to go to the voting polls.”

The next meeting is Monday, Nov. 7 in Rock Creek as the area E candidates face off. For more details on upcoming all candidates meetings in your area click here. The meetings are sponsored by: Boundary Country Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures Boundary and the Boundary Sentinel.