Incumbent MD of Bonnyville Reeve Ed Rondeau is being challenged for the top seat on MD council by local realtor Erwin Thompson and on Oct. 9 the two went head to head in the All Candidates Forum at Dr. Brosseau School in Bonnyville.
Over one hundred people were on hand to take in the forum, which saw the MD reeve candidates as well as Bonnyville mayoral and council candidates present and defend their platforms.
The two reeve candidates took the stage slightly before 8:30 p.m. both bringing up some of the same issues in their opening speeches.
Affordable housing, roads and road safety, getting regional water to the area and cooperation with other levels of government were several issues both candidates mentioned.
Rondeau also emphasized the need to develop more recreational activities.
“Some of the recreation opportunities I see for the next four years will include: upgrading some of our campgrounds and boat launches, building a tube run at Kinosoo Ridge, building a covered skating rink and walking trails,” said Rondeau.
Thompson felt that although many of the issues mentioned needed to be addressed, the biggest priority for MD council should be customer satisfaction.
“As a customer satisfaction specialist over the years, I have developed an aptitude of service to the customers,” Thompson said. “I see the ratepayers of the MD put money up for the day-to-day operations of the MD, therefore the MD staff work for the ratepayer and should have customer satisfaction as our number one priority.”
The candidates then responded to two questions provided to them in advance of the forum. One question asked what their plans would be to ensure the MD has a vibrant and growing business sector.
“We must be in control and we must give direction,” said Thompson. “I think we can get together and get a new economic development system going, get a task force out there and get a handle on what is going on.”
Rondeau reiterated that developing the recreational services in the region would help bring more people to the MD and help spur business.
“To ensure that we have a vibrant business community we need to make sure that we have good roads and that we build better roads,” said Rondeau. “We need to continue to work collaboratively with our urban neighbours in order to increase our recreational facilities and the services theses communities provide.”
The audience was then given the chance to ask questions, which prompted one resident to ask the candidates their thoughts on regional government.
Thompson, who said he has done some research on the topic, saw both sides of the argument for regional government.
“I do see the benefits and I do see the drawbacks,” said Thompson. “The MD of Bonnyville is so big and so vast it might be hard to do, but in the long run it definitely would even out some of our differences.”
Rondeau said he has thought about regional government but will only consider it with the approval of the citizens of the MD.
“I have always said that in order for us to support regional government the people of the MD will have to make that decision. If the people of the MD, the ratepayers of the MD, tell me they want regional government I will be the first one leading the parade, but I wont do it against the wishes of the people,” said Rondeau.
Other questions from the audience saw both candidates address the concerns over affordable housing, garbage disposal and a variety of seniors' issues in the region.
Rondeau has been the reeve of the MD for the past six years and has served in municipal politics for almost two decades. He finished off by asking the ratepayers in attendance to support him for another term.
“Roads are always our most important infrastructure and we need to continue to bring them up to industry standard, while industry is still here so we can leave a legacy for our kids. The money is here now, the industry is here now and if we spend that money on the roads and make good roads, they will be there for a long time.”
Thompson talked about the important times ahead and felt he was the one to lead the MD into the future.
“We need to plan ahead for the times that come. While we grow we still need to be a friendly welcoming place to raise your family,” Thompson said. “It is critical to work as a team with council, government and industry. I believe I can be the person who builds the connection between all stakeholders. As your reeve it will be my goal to build a strong safe, vibrant community committed to family values.”
The municipal elections are set for Oct. 21.
