Morinville business owners heard from their prospective elected officials last week, as candidates made their pitch to be added to the ranks of town council.
The Morinville chamber’s monthly lunch was turned into a campaign forum for both mayoral candidates, nine of the 10 council challengers and three candidates for school board. The only council challenger who did not attend was incumbent Donna Phinney.
While the candidates were quizzed on a wide array of questions, they tailored their pitch to the audience focusing on property taxes, red tape at town hall, with particular attention on attracting new businesses to the community.
Mayoral candidate Joseph Trapani said he would bring together a special committee with businesses and town staff to generate the good ideas.
“The only mandate will be to attract more businesses without interfering with the businesses we already have,” said Trapani, currently a town councillor.
Trapani also argued the town and the chamber could work together to encourage more residents to shop in town.
“By shopping locally we improve the local economy and the welfare of all residents,” he said. “There is no reason why people can’t shop here and save here.”
Trapani said he would bring new businesses to town without hiring an economic development officer, a point of contrast between he and incumbent Mayor Lloyd Bertschi.
Bertschi told the assembled crowd he would attract new businesses in part by having the town purchase land and work with a developer to open up industrial land.
He said there were many good reasons to have an industrial park in Morinville and if private developers aren’t going to initiate the process the town would have to lead the way.
“I have been patiently waiting for nine years for people to realize that our community is located in very close proximity to the upgraders and to both the Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie highway corridors. We can’t wait anymore.”
Bertschi said he looked forward to creating a plan for business attraction, but added an economic development officer would be key to making sure it didn’t sit on the shelf.
Incumbent Gordon Boddez said if re-elected he would work to make sure businesses had everything they needed to be successful.
“The town is here to help create a framework for you to work within and prosper, and that is a duty that a council has to the business community.”
Candidate Nicole Boutestein argued that in some cases the town itself is standing in the way of business with excessive red tape.
“It seems as though planning and development is standing in the way of some businesses.”
The town should be doing more to solve those problems and find out what the community really wants, she said.
“I envision town council taking a very proactive approach. Town council has to engage with businesses and residents.”
Incumbent Ben Van De Walle also said the town needs to have an engaged conversation.
“We need to have the exchange of ideas to be able to make the best decisions.”
Candidate Lucie Roy said 40 businesses had come and gone over the last 20 years, mostly because they didn’t receive community support.
“There is a grand opening and a closing out sale. There is no cash between the dash.”
Candidate Jackie Luker-Chevalier said the town has to put forward a business friendly atmosphere.
“We need to make Morinville an attractive option,” she said. “If businesses know they will be supported they will come.”
Candidate Kerry Knight told the crowd of entrepreneurs she would serve businesses and all taxpayers.
“I have come to offer my service, quality service just like I would expect if I came to any of your businesses.”
She wants Morinville to continue to move forward.
“I want Morinville to be a progressive community committed to providing a superior quality of life for all residents.”
Candidate Lisa Holmes emphasized her background as the daughter of small business owners and said she understood the challenges chamber members face. She also emphasized a need to continue to attract new residents.
“Morinville needs to start understanding that if it plans to continue to be the community of choice then it has to have programming and services for children and families.”
Incumbent Paul Krauskopf argued the town needs to work with regional neighbours on a broader economic plan. He also highlighted the past council’s record and said Morinville was poised for a bright future.
“Morinville is in a good position with well maintained infrastructure and a strong financial position that makes us the envy of our neighbours.”
Candidate David Pattison, an economic development officer himself, said he believed the town could work with existing businesses to bring in the new ones.
“Residents have said to me that you existing businesses are the best ambassadors to bring new businesses to town.”
Next up for Morinville candidates is a forum at Smith’s Music tonight at 8 p.m. Election day is Oct. 18.
The Gazette will provide a blow-by-blow account with a live blog at www.stalbertgazette.com
