At least 55 Bentley residents turned out for the Bentley civic political forum held October 16 in the Bentley Community Hall to hear and put a face to the candidates running for town council.
Some faces were new; some were familiar.
All eight candidates attended: Joan Dickau and Lynda Haarstad-Petten running for mayor, incumbents Cliff Knutson and Butch Howard, and also Pam Davey, Richard Diamond, Robin Lemay, and Ray Williams.
It was deemed a good turnout by Bentley Municipal Library board and library society organizers and most of the candidates.
Facilitators were Arlene Tanasiuk who explained the rules and Rick Cookson-Hills who helped compile and posed the questions.
After a two-and-a-half minute introduction from each of the candidates, prewritten questions were put the group. It was a polite and controlled atmosphere.
Questions ranged from drawing in future development, to care of trees and a composting area, to senior housing and recreation, why there was only one advance poll only two days ahead of the election, and what one thing puts Bentley on the map.
There was little controversy, but a difference of opinion was expressed in a couple of cases.
The two-hour session concluded with summaries from each candidate and a chance for voters and candidates to mingle afterwards.