With the municipal fall election looming, the Rimbey Ratepayers Association is preparing to do its part to help voters make the best choices for the people who will govern their community.
The association held its first meeting Aug. 26 in the basement of the Beatty House.
Although only a handful of residents showed up, it was an informative meeting, and it appears those in attendance are willing to work hard to inform the public about the candidates.
A few new faces were seen around the table at the meeting. They came because they wanted to be better informed about the choices the candidates.
“I live here. I pay taxes,” said Louise Craig
“Curiosity,” said Jan Boyarzin. “I was curious to see whose running. I’m sure it has to be a big responsibility,” she added.
Secretary Christine Seidel said it is important to get people involved.
“The ratepayers are only as strong as the number of people (who participate),” she said.
Discussion at the meeting centred on ways to best get information to the public.
Sending a letter to each candidate and including relevant questions was discussed as was coming up with a report card type evaluation of the current council members.
However, the report card suggestion was discarded.
“It is kind of a like a survey, and you’ve got to be careful the way the questions are asked,” said David Coambs.
“The election is actually the report card,” added his wife, Joan.
Neville Roper believes councillors need to come up with ways to keep the downtown alive.
“New subdivisions put a knife right down Main Street,” said Florence Stemo.
However, Rimbey is only one of many communities struggling to keep the downtown businesses afloat.
“The Main Street in Sundre is empty (as well),” added Coambs.
As much as issues such as revitalizing Main Street and tax incentives must not be shoved under the carpet, its important candidates have their own platform.
“The idea is not to put forth issues, let them develop them, themselves,” said vice-president Jim Moore.
The Rimbey Ratepayers’ Association’s vision is to raise awareness on issues of concern in the community and be a voice on behalf of the ratepayers. The association is also to enhance Rimbey as a caring community and serve as an observer and commentator on municipal affairs.
The next ratepayers’ meeting is Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.
Nomination day for the upcoming election is Monday, Sept. 23 and nomination papers must be handed into the town office between 10 a.m. and noon.