Jason Unrau
Northern News Services

Fort Smith (Oct 13/03) - Stimulating the local economy and being more open to Fort Smith residents are top issues for town council candidates.

There are 13 candidates contending for six positions in Fort Smith's municipal election, Oct. 20.

Incumbent councillor Tim McDonald and candidate Jenny Belyea would like to see a recycling program implemented. Most cans, bottles, newspapers and other recyclable items are deposited at the town dump.

While McDonald wants to promote the town as a place to live for employees of the diamond mines, Belyea believes more lobbying efforts are necessary at the legislative level to get a slice of the diamond spin-off.

Candidates Westley Steed, Pat Burke and McDonald would like to see the construction of a road south through Wood Buffalo National Park.

They believe such a road would bring more dollars to the local economy.

Topping incumbent Marion Berls' list of priority issues is to address the housing shortage in town. Currently, Fort Smith has a zero per cent vacancy rate.

Berls also wants to see council go after unpaid property taxes where they exceed $600,000.

Chamber of commerce president Bruce Gordier said that if elected he would want to see more town planning. Gordier also wants to see one councillor responsible for representing senior's issues.

Candidate Ram Mudalier said that if elected, he would propose giving seniors a break on their property taxes.

Candidate Simon Haaima would like to see a seniors manor built in Fort Smith. This, he said, would create jobs and attract seniors from around the North to live in Fort Smith.

Candidates Duncan MacPherson and Allan Heron stress the importance of team work within council and in the working relationship between council and its constituents.

Candidate Henry Sinclair Sr. said if elected, he would propose that garbage collection -- currently run by the town -- be put out to tender.

Incumbent councillors Earl Olsen and Beckie Linaker did not return telephone calls by News/North.