Candidates forum draws a crowd at the Legion

By Rob Vogt, Local Press Writer

More than 70 people turned out for a forum Monday night to hear what the three candidates vying for the vacant seat on town council had to say leading up to the byelection vote on Oct. 15.

Mike Cutler, Shelley Ford, and Daryl Sutter talked about why they want to be on council and answered a variety of questions at the forum, held Oct. 1 at the Claresholm branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

It was co-hosted by the Claresholm and District Chamber of Commerce and the Claresholm Local Press, and facilitated by Iqbal Nurmohamed.

Ford was born and raised in Calgary, but fell in love with Claresholm the moment she saw it.

She previously served a term on town council, worked six years at the public library, and recently began a computer technician business.

Ford has family living here and built a lot of friendships. She also sits on the boards of the food bank and animal rescue society, and volunteers at the seniors’ drop-in centre.

“It’s important that your voice is raised,” she said, noting as she contemplated running for council people said they wanted experience.

“Someone that’s there speaking on your behalf,” she said, adding they want someone who reaches out to people, find out what they need, listen and bring that back.

“I would like to be your voice,” she said.

Sutter is a retired school teacher who recently began a counselling and therapy business.

He and his wife JoAnna have lived in Claresholm 30 years, raised three children here, and hosted more than 20 international students.

He is involved in the community choir and is a football and hockey official.

From 2004 to 2013 he was a member of town council, where he sat on a variety of committees and had numerous responsibilities.

“Civic duty is extremely important and close to my heart,” he said.

“There are so many advantages to this community,” he said, adding those assets need to be expanded and people need to be invited here to experience them.

That is why he and his family have hosted more than 20 exchange students.

Sutter also noted people want someone who will listen, engage, and be willing to step forward when the time comes.

Cutler is passionate and about two things – family and community.

He has been involved in many community organizations including the Kinsmen; physician recruitment and retention committee; Porcupine Hills Early Childhood Coalition; and the child care society.

He is a family man and has been a nurse for 15 years, 13 in the mental health field.

There are many parts to being a counsellor.

“One of the most important parts is listening,” Cutler said.

However, there are different parts to listening, such as active listening.

Cutler wants to be an active listener who takes what he hears forward in a positive way.

“I want to put Claresholm on the map for positive reasons,” he said.

“I’d be very proud to support and represent Claresholm in that manner,” Cutler said.

Candidates answered a variety of questions, most dealing with attracting business and growth.

Cutler focused on enhancing what already exists, because Claresholm has the capacity to support itself, but also following the plans and processes to grow.

Ford emphasized the need for high-speed, reliable Internet service that will allow anyone to work from home. She also believes attracting a large business will bring in the people to start small businesses and increase the tax base to pay for services.

Sutter talked about promoting and supporting gems within the community, such as agriculture and rodeo, to the world. He added the community cannot go big without developing small first.

Another question was if the candidates have personal agendas and are capable of being team players.

Cutler responded he has served on many boards and committees and it is way easier to be proactive and supportive. He does not have a personal agenda, but instead wants to advocate.

Ford said the current council is doing a great job. Each one brings a different voice to the table based on the circles they move in. As long as everyone listens with respect and open and honest communication they will do fine.

Sutter simply said no, he does not have a personal agenda.

Voters will go to the polls at the community centre on Oct. 15.

Photo

choice is yours – The three candidates for the vacant seat on Claresholm town council were at a candidates forum at the Claresholm branch of the Royal Canadian Legion on Monday night, Oct. 1, where they each made opening and closing statements and answered questions. From left are Mike Cutler; Shelley Ford; and Daryl Sutter. The forum was hosted by the Claresholm and District Chambert of Commerce and the Claresholm Local Press, and facilitated by Iqbal Nurmohamed. Photo by Rob Vogt