Candidates for council attend forum

By Rob Vogt

The 11 candidates for Claresholm town council had their chance to address the public face to face last week.
The Claresholm and District Chamber of Commerce and the Claresholm Local Press hosted a forum at the Claresholm Community Centre on Oct. 8, where candidates made opening and closing statements and answered questions from the public.
The forum was moderated by Doug Leeds, a long-time community volunteer and leader.
David Knox fell in love with the community when he and his family arrived, attending events and getting involved.
“We felt at home right away,” he said, adding they felt a sense of community they had not experienced back home.
Knox wants to see that sense of community grow, and get more people participating in it.
He wants Claresholm to be a place people want to come and live, bring their businesses, and where young people want to stay.
Ryley Jodoin has four priorities.
He wants accountability, that is transparency in decision-making; growth, where new opportunities are created and local business is supported; listening, which is at the heart of good leadership; and fiscal responsibility, where smart, thoughtful decisions are made when spending tax dollars.
“I believe in the strength of our town,” Jodoin said.
Incumbent Diana Ross has made her home in Claresholm the past 18 years and seen first hand the strength of community.
She has been on council two years, and gained valuable experience.
Ross believes in responsible leadership and has a vision.
That vision is a community where businesses thrive; infrastructure keeps pace; and seniors feel included.
Her values are accountability; collaboration; and sustainability with a plan for long-term growth.
Sherwood Layton asked how many people saw their taxes go up this year.
Sooner or later governments run out of other people’s money and either have to raise taxes or tighten their belts.
He made one promise – he will always remind council the people are overtaxed.
Incumbent Kandice Meister is a wife, mother and grandmother.
She understands the issues, and wants to continue voicing the opinion of the people.