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Bentley candidates prepare for election

Bentley candidate forum held
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With the municipal election looming closer, Bentley mayoralty candidate Greg Rathjen is vying for the mayor’s chair along with incumbent Lynda Haarstad Petten.

Rathjen is no stranger to town council, having served two terms as a councillor in the past.

Rathjen, who has lived in Bentley for 30 years, wants to do his part to make Bentley a destination community, and one that welcomes and encourage new residents.

Encouraging residents to be more involved in the community and to support local businesses are priorities for him.

Given the opportunity, he said he would do his best to represent the people and make their community shine.

Incumbent Lynda Haarstad Petten said her reason for being involved in municipal politics is the people.

Her door is always open and she is proud of all the projects that have come to fruition during her time as mayor.

Haarstad Petten said her way of giving back to the community was representing the town as its mayor and she would be honoured to do so for another four years.

Six candidates have agreed to let their name stand for Bentley council.

In the past, Richard Lee Garries served on council for nine years and was the town’s mayor for six years. He also was an employee of the Town of Bentley which gave him insight into issues which he believes need to be corrected.

Doug Talsma is new to the political arena, but he is willing to learn. Talsma grew up in Bentley, is semi-retired and dedicated to the town.

Incumbent Cora Knutson is back in the running for the simple fact that she loves being on council and she would be honoured to represent the people of Bentley for another term.

Lloyd Carefoot is another newcomer on the political scene and is concerned about the high taxes in Bentley. He says, if elected, he would have an opportunity to address this concern.

Neil Maki, a former member of the municipal development board, has experience with legislation and the municipal government act. Although new to the political arena, he believes this experience would be an asset to him as a councillor.

Incumbent Basil Howard served as deputy mayor. He is letting his name stand for another term because he feels there is still more he can do. He wants to encourage young voters to become more involved.