The condition of the roads, tax incentives, fly-by-night developers and the new swimming pool were issues raised at a forum for the two candidates vying in the upcoming byelection for a spot on council.
About 40 people showed up for the library-sponsored forum held at Rimbey Community Centre, moderated by librarian Jean Keetch.
Questions from the audience fielded by candidates Scott Ellis and Wayne Clark were slow in coming, but momentum picked up slightly, though the formal portion of the event was over in a little more than an hour and most of the 100-cup coffee urn remained unused.
Clark, the first speaker to introduce himself, reminded the crowd he was a former councillor, having served six years in the position.
He urged those present to remember his time on council in a positive light, and stressed, if elected he would do his part to encourage development and growth.
“The present council seems to be antidevelopment and against progress,” he said, noting there are more vacant buildings in town than there has been in the past and the population has decreased. He also slammed council for continual pool repairs, which have resulted in frequent shutdowns.
“The pool has been closed for more days than it has been open,” he said.
Ellis, in his introductory talk, stressed the importance of council working with the public.
“A community requires people to make them strong. It takes us all to work together and I think Rimbey is a wonderful place to live. I think it has a great community spirit and I just want to build on that.”
When no questions appeared to be forthcoming from the floor, Keetch asked the candidates for their views on library services.
“There is a desperate need for a larger (library) building,” she said.
“We’re fortunate to have a library of the magnitude that we do,’ said Clark.
“Maybe a joint venture with the County of Ponoka and help from service clubs could also come into play (to help with funding a new library).”
Ellis said he understood that the role of libraries continues to evolve.
“I can appreciate your need for more space,’ he said. “It boils down to priorities. We would need to find out where the priorities are.”
A question came from the floor as to how the candidates would stimulate growth in town.
“That’s a billion-dollar question,” said Ellis. “Many communities are struggling with that.”
Retaining a small town feel and getting the word out about the diverse population, the modern hospital and other positive features about Rimbey will encourage people to consider making the community their home, he said. “We can’t copy other models. We have to remain unique.”
Bringing back tax incentives would encourage more businesses, said Clark.
“Those incentives still exist today,’ he said.
Clark noted 25 new businesses opened during the time he was on council, adding many of them opened because of the incentives. Both (new) hotels benefitted from the incentives, he said.
Clark was asked how he planned to sway other councillors to his way of thinking, if he was elected.
“I would have to convince the other individuals based on the good of the entire community,” he replied.
The candidates also fielded questions about roads.
“As far as our roads go, they’re in horrible shape,’ said Clark. “That four-way stop is a disaster waiting to happen.”
However, he agreed with Ellis that the province is responsible for the highway running through town.
“Paving roads is something the province drags their feet on,” he said.
“There is a lot of squeaky wheels looking for dollars and you’re going to have to be proactive if you want to make a difference,” added Ellis. “The worst street in town belongs to the province.”
The candidate said he appreciated the concern about roads, but noted in his travels he has seen places with much worse roads than those in Rimbey.
“And the town has added new sidewalks and I would like to see more of that.”
Clark said more stringent rules regarding developers would help keep a situation such as the one at Legacy Lane in which the developer reneged on promises made to homeowners.
However, Ellis believes dealing with local, well-established developers would ensure such a situation did not occur.
“I hesitate to jump on the regulation band wagon,” he said. “It’s one thing to be pro-development, but we need to deal with people we know. That’s a great place to start.”
In conclusion, Ellis reiterated he believed Rimbey to be the best community in the world.
“Thanks for going easy on me at my first forum,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working with you all. He added it’s important not to try to make Rimbey into something it’s not.
“We need to build on the community spirit that’s already here. As I said, Rimbey is the best place in the world.”
Clark, too, said he loved the town.
“This is my home and I love it here. I was honoured to serve on council for six years and I will never back away from issues.”