By Bromley Chamberlain
Residents talked with their new town council one on one at a meet and greet event hosted by the Rimbey Ratepayers Association Nov. 4 at the Beatty House.
The organizers and councillors saw the evening as a positive experience. Connie Fonstad of the Ratepayers Association thought turnout for the event was good.
“I saw quite a few different people were here. I think they were just here to meet. I didn’t hear any issues. If there were issues, they were not discussed in my presence,” Fonstad said. “I think it was a positive event. We would probably be interested in doing it again. We would like to see our society continue and grow and be a part of the community and work with the town.”
Coun. Gayle Rondeel said it was a pleasant experience and hopes people will continue to get involved.
“I thought it was very nice. It was very relaxed. People wanted to come out and let us know what their visions of the town are and we really want to encourage that,” Rondeel said.
Rondeel stressed if residents have any suggestions, or if they would like to see the town go in a certain direction, for them to come out and voice their opinions.
“Without your input we don’t have direction,” said Rondeel. “I think any kind of meet and greet is important, whether it’s with the ratepayers or whoever puts it on. I think it’s important.”
The Ratepayers Association invited Mayor Sheldon Ibbotson to the event and he enjoyed the experience.
“I’ve met five people that I didn’t know,” Ibbotson said. “The cookies are excellent. It’s a nice venue and the conversation was interesting.”
Coun. Jack Webb snuck out of the event a little early to get back to his restaurant, but thought the event went well.
“I got to meet a few people that didn’t know me too well, and I got to tell them a little about my background and my hopes for the future of the town,” Webb said.
With council thinking the event was a positive one, they are looking forward to working with the Ratepayers Association.
“I think that they want to help the town move forward in a positive way, so I would think that we would probably have interaction with them throughout the year,” Webb said. “I know they want to be involved.”