Round two of all candidates debates: Grand Forks City

By Mona Mattei

Over 250 people braved a long night’s meeting to hear and grill potential candidates for seats at the table of the City of Grand Forks.

 

Spanning nearly three hours, the different candidates took turns in the hot seat as school district trustees, councillors and mayor hopefuls all had a round on stage.

 

Three candidates are vying for two seats as school district trustees – David Grootjes, as well as incumbents Ken Harshenin and Teresa Rezansoff. There were only a few questions for these trustee candidates touching on the four day school week, budgeting, and types of training offered at the high school level in relation to available jobs.

 

“The province has started to put a tight lid on the coffers when it comes to money,” answered Grootjes in his response to budget questions. “Our school district is no different than any other school district. The fact that we seem to be losing students really puts a hurt on us for funding…

 

"The new board is going to have to re-look at the whole money and financing and technology issue. From the top down – starting at the board office where we are all the way down to the kindergarten classroom. My priority is to keep the funding and technology based for the students.”

 

All three presented their case articulately, answered questions clearly and showed knowledge about the needs of education in the region.

 

Next up were the candidates for city council – 12 in total. Opening statements alone took over half an hour and then questions were invited from the public, however, answers were restricted to one candidate.

 

Common themes from the candidates included addressing the need for infrastructure repairs while managing costs, economic development, developing an age-friendly community, attracting and keeping young families in the area, and, not to be missed, deer.

 

As expected, targeted questions from the audience featured: using the city table for personal agendas such as advocacy for special interests, bylaw enforcement, managing unsightly premises, wildlife management (deer and bears), and housing for the homeless.

 

It wouldn’t be a Grand Forks candidates’ debate without two hot buttons from this past term being pushed – the topic of medical marijuana and the funding of the art gallery building.

 

Incumbent Joy Davies stood by her decision to advocate for changes in the medical marijuana system. “No matter how controversial an issue is, I will always advocate for the ill, the disabled, and the disadvantaged and speak for an protect our charter rights and freedoms. That is one of our jobs as elected officials. Our government and systems are not perfect and there is room for improvement at all levels,” Davies commented.

 

Incumbents held their ground well when questioned about their activities and accomplishments, and some past council members articulated their renewed interest in serving the city. Newcomers attempted to demonstrate their intentions, but with a slate of 12 few people really got the chance to give the audience good insight into their platforms.

 

The last segment of the night featured the three mayoral candidates – Ann Gordon, Brian Taylor and Christine Thompson. All candidates have held seats on council, and Thompson also has worked for the municipality for a number of years prior to retirement.

 

These candidates all had a chance to answer all questions posed on the topics of deer management, youth involvement, housing and poverty, the role of the city in the rail line, support for community organizations and casinos.

 

Thompson closed with assurances that she will not do unnecessary rate or tax increases, and wants to be available for the public to create an environment of transparent communications with taxpayers.

 

Taylor said his focus will be on economic development and reviewing the organizational structure within the regional district to create a better relationship between the region and the city.

 

Gordon assured voters that her experience and background makes her an excellent candidate for the job and that she will work hard for her constituents.

 

Editor’s Note:

 

Did anyone win this round? Personalities abounded in this evening of discussion, and some stood out more than others without hiding behind rhetoric.

 

The three trustees all demonstrated their understanding of the complicated education system, although the incumbents could address issues better having sat in the chair for several terms each. Tough call.

 

Councillors, well, we can only elect six so the selection will be tough. It is necessary to step outside our circle of “friends” and take a real look at people’s capacity to lead and make firm, equitable decisions. Some candidates demonstrated balanced approaches to their presentations and are level headed – nods to Gary Smith, Bob Kendel, Cher Wyers.

 

Other candidates showed their passion about certain topics and could be good advocates for issues: Joy Davies, Michael Wirischagin, Neil Krog fall into this category. Candidates that talked about innovative ideas included Everett Baker and Jocelyn Cowie, and other candidates focused on doing a good job for the city like Lorraine Dick, Bob Smith and Zak Eburne – Stoodley, while Patrick O’Doherty assured everyone he would "try not to make mistakes.”

 

Depending on what’s important to you will sway the direction your vote flows.

The mayoral race may be one of the toughest to call with three qualified, passionate candidates. The decision for the voter will be which one to put your faith in as a leader of a council of mixed personalities.

Yes, the mayor needs to have vision and planning as a focus, but their bigger responsibilities are representing council outside of the city and herding council. And we all know the joke about herding cats… So this debate was close, and the winner will be your choice on Nov. 19.