Close to 350 Salmon Arm residents took three hours out of their afternoon Sunday to pack into a banquet room and hear what municipal election candidates have to offer.
Held at the Prestige Harbourfront Resort and sponsored by the Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Salmon Arm, the forum gave the four mayoralty candidates and the 14 of 15 councillor candidates in attendance lots to talk about. (Councillor candidate Wayne Masters was absent.)
Those vying to be mayor addressed seven questions on topics ranging from what is the biggest single issue facing Salmon Arm, to what steps should be taken to ensure the proposed Ross Street Underpass is the right decision.
In explaining why citizens should vote for them, mayoralty candidate and incumbent Mayor Nancy Cooper touched on several awards, such as the Open for Business award, that the city has won under her leadership. She also referred to accomplishments such as improved relationships with First Nations.
“It’s not just a sprint, I’m running a full-time committed marathon. It’s for the next generation.”
Candidate Debbie Cannon said it’s time for fresh and decisive leadership in the form of a team player who works together with council. She spoke about her goal of moving several initiatives forward such as the downtown colllege campus, the Ross Street underpass, extended transit, tourism and promoting business in the industrial park.
Candidate Ian Wickett referred to his years on council when the city developed a strong balance sheet and healthy reserves. He said development was robust in keeping with the official community plan, developed after extensive community consultation. He said he supports growth that enhances lifestyle while being respectful of the environment.
Candidate Marty Bootsma talked about leadership. He said being mayor isn’t just about cutting ribbons and photo ops – ’though he didn’t want to belittle them – but it’s about a style of leadership.
“It doesn’t mean charging ahead of the pack and trying to be a hero – it’s about enabling and empowering.”
He said he is decisive and is not too proud to admit being wrong.
Regarding questions for the 14 councillor candidates, they were each asked about their vision; then five names were drawn randomly for the last six questions.
Regarding vision, Tim Lavery spoke about a strong diverse economy as well as better communication and transparency from council.
Jim Kimmerly referred to a visioning committee he helped organize that aims to open up inclusiveness in decision-making.
Incumbent Ken Jamieson said city hall’s doors need to swing wide open, and he likes ideas that generate fruits for everyone to enjoy.
Incumbent Alan Harrison said he wants to create a community where children can return to live and work, a vision that requires building relationships.
Ivan Idzan stressed the importance of communication between council and the community, where each side feels heard.
Kevin Flynn said it isn’t about his vision, but it’s council’s job to work with people and their ideas, as was done with the arena society and trail alliance.
Tim Giandomenico said as president of minor hockey he works with about 20 volunteers, and he likes to work with people who share the same vision.
Incumbent Chad Eliason said the city needs to change its demographics but must also tackle big projects such as getting rid of the “poop” smell.
Keith Chancellor said talented young adults leave the community so he would like to see reduced taxes and more business promotion.
Tom Birch said he supports job growth, fiscal responsibility and the community’s vision that is spelled out in the official community plan.
Louise Wallace Richmond said she would follow the city’s strategic plan, would have office hours and would aim for plain language in city documents.
Jay Cadeau said his vision includes open communication with council, and attracting sustainable industry to increase the tax base.
Ruth Thomas’ vision includes collaboration and incorporating people in decisions who don’t have a voice, as well as protecting the watershed.
Diana Altschul said she would embrace transparency as a council, and would like to see young people who can drive a car be permitted to vote.