With just five days to go before election day, Morinville candidates brought their positions to the public at an open forum Wednesday.
The two candidates for mayor and 10 candidates for council were all in attendance Wednesday night along with the three candidates vying to become trustees with the Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools.
The candidates were quizzed on a wide array of issues, including economic development, photo radar, the odour from Champion Pet Foods and traffic safety at Cardiff corner.
There was widespread agreement something needed to be done to attract new business to the community, with most of the candidates putting a heavy emphasis on shop local campaigns.
Mayor Lloyd Bertschi argued the town should explore opening up some industrial land for development along with introducing a reduced tax rate for new businesses that open in the community or for existing businesses that expand.
On Champion Pet Foods, mayoral challenger Joseph Trapani argued for holding the company’s feet to the fire on the odour issue.
“The previous council has talked about it, as has administration, but we are being Mr. Nice Guy, and Mr. Nice Guy needs to cease.”
Trapani said if the issue wasn’t resolved he would ask the company to leave.
With several questions about the town’s photo radar contract floated, Trapani indicated he supported the service, but would review the contract to make sure it was targeting the right areas.
Bertschi said the town was using the funds to pay for the community cultural centre and would continue to use them to offset the cost of new amenities.
“We are in a hurry to build our cultural centre, so please hurry through town,” said Bertschi, drawing a laugh from the crowd.
The council contenders all promised dedicated representation and asked the crowd to consider them for one of the six spots.
“I will listen to your concerns and your ideas and attempt to translate them to the best interests of Morinville and that is my promise to you,” said Coun. Gordon Boddez.
Several of the rookie contenders argued for the community to give them their first chance to serve the town.
“Please don’t discount the rookies running for town council we all have something to offer and we wouldn’t be there if we didn’t have the desire,” said Jackie Luker-Chevalier.
Election day in the community is Monday and the polls will be open at the Parish Hall from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
