Seven councillor hopefuls and three mayoral candidates took to the stage Saturday in hopes of securing votes.
City council contenders included Trevor Guldbransen, John Brisco, Laurey-Anne Roodenburg, Sushil Thapar, Mitch Vik, Paul Kainth and Scott Elliott. MIssing candidates were Mike Cave, Ed Coleman and Cory Delves.
All mayoral candidates, Mary Sjostrom, Ron Paull and Ron Craigmyle were in attendance.
All 10 took the mic, providing background and highlighting platform issues and promises.
“I’m the guy to make things better,” Paull said, adding he has signed a contract with taxpayers vowing to uphold a number of principals.
“City hall need less suits and more boots.”
Craigmyle told the crowd his mandate was to “listen and help.”
“I’ve seen the same issues on the table since 2005 and they’ve barely moved,” he said.
“It’s about you and what you want.”
Sjostrom spoke to seniors issues and the “city’s movement” on a number of them, such as transit and affordable housing.
Questions were taken from the modest crowd, both written and verbal.
Some addressed specific candidates, others were asked of each hopeful.
“Why are you pushing to put the tax onus on us, and shifting away from industry?” one voter asked of Sjostrom.
“That is a policy council adopted, not the mayor,” Sjostrom replied pointedly.
“We agreed to shift one per cent from industry. The policy is not against one individual.”
One resident asked each candidate their thoughts on the use of pesticides and what they planned on “doing about it.”
Each committed to having a discussion concerning the use if elected.
“What are you ideas for securing the remaining funds needed for the West Quesnel land stability issue?” one card read to the mayoral candidates.
“We need to look all areas of taxation,” Sjostrom said.
“We committed to first phase of dewatering and secured funding for it. But there are two more phases [required].”
“This is not just a city problem,” Craigmyle said.
“This is a provincial issue and we will be going back to them and reminding them of their legal responsibilities.”
For his part, Paull, stated he didn’t feel a parcel tax to West Quesnel residents was “fair.” He then voiced his distrust of certain “consultants” particularly the city’s use of Urban Systems.
“I know when we’re being taken,” he said.
“We need the money into the projects, not briefcases.”
Other questions ranged from public safety issues, chlorination of city water, affordable housing, multi-centre, the by-pass and promoting young professionals to the area.
“We need to advertise ourselves more,” Vik resounded, pointing to a presence at area universities, where information promoting Quesnel and area would be front and centre.
Scott agreed, adding the need to showcase tourism, affordable accredited housing and the college.
There are 10 contenders vying for six council seats and three mayoral candidates battling for the throne. Polls open Nov. 19 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. All city residents are eligible to vote.
School District 28 is also facing an election for seven trustee spots (there are 10 hopefuls running). Polls are open Nov. 19, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. All city and Cariboo Regional District residents (with proper identification) are eligible to vote.
