Council candidates talk policies
Community development, government accountability listed as issues
April Hudson
Northern News Services
Thursday, October 15, 2015
LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Municipal elections are scheduled to take place Oct. 19 at the Fort Simpson recreation centre.
Nineteen candidates put their name forward for council: AJ Augier, Walter Blondin, Charles Blyth, Cheryl Cli, Larry Campbell, Bob Hanna, Betty Hardisty, Jarret Hardisty, Muaz Hassan, Kathy Konisenta, Marie Lafferty, Rock Matte, Liza McPherson, Eric Menicoche, Stella Nadia, Michael Rowe, Catherine Simms, Ivan Simons and Tom Wilson.
Deh Cho Drum invited the 19 candidates to introduce themselves in the newspaper. Last week Larry Campbell, Jarret Hardisty, Kathy Konisenta and Stella Nadia responded. This week Tom Wilson, AJ Augier, Eric Menicoche, Chuck Blyth and Bob Hanna responded.
Tom Wilson
Profession: Retired, former schoolteacher
Relevant experience: 27 years on village council as mayor, deputy mayor and councillor
What made you decide to run for council?
I have a lot of municipal government experience I can draw on that allows me to work for what is best for the citizens of Fort Simpson.
Name the top two issues you think face the municipality. How would you like to see these handled?
Two very important issues we need to address are further chipsealing of roads and making upgrades to our recreational facilities and programming in order to keep Fort Simpson as healthy and safe as it can be.
Why should people vote for you over the other candidates?
At this stage of my life, I have the time and energy to devote to making the village a better place to live in. Being retired, I have the opportunity to meet with more people, and that gives me better advice on how to assist the community.
AJ Augier
Profession: Retired, former truck driver and equipment operator
Relevant experience: Previously sat on village council
What made you decide to run for council?
There needs to be transparency on all operations of the village to its members.
Name the top two issues you think face the municipality. How would you like to see these handled?
Transparency and accountability. The mayor and council need to have better control of how and where the taxpayer dollars are spent. The members of this community need to know of major contracts and where funding is coming from.
Why should people vote for you over the other candidates?
I am honest, reliable and not afraid to speak the truth. I listen to what people say and will bring their concerns to council.
Eric Menicoche
Profession: Trades helper
Relevant experience: Owned a small family business, years of experience managing organizations.
What made you decide to run for council?
I have the experience and knowledge, and I am ready to be a voice for our community members.
Name the top two issues you think face the municipality. How would you like to see these handled?
Economic development and political development, especially with the First Nations of our community.
Why should people vote for you over the other candidates?
I'm a good listener, and I want to help out our community.
Chuck Blyth
Profession: Environmental consultant
Relevant experience: Forestry, agriculture, municipal affairs, parks and environmental consulting
What made you decide to run for council?
People asked me to run. Fort Simpson has done a lot for me, so I thought I should give back. I believe in community engagement and giving back to the community.
Name the top two issues you think face the municipality. How would you like to see these handled?
Fort Simpson needs a good plan for the future. The village should embrace and follow its current plan, or get a new plan by consulting with everyone involved in the community.
My second issue is improving quality of life so when economic opportunities present themselves, we can take advantage of them. We need to look at recreation, arts and culture and build facilities that will make the village a better place to live in.
Why should people vote for you over the other candidates?
I'm honest and I have the best interests of the people at heart.
Bob Hanna
Profession: Mechanical contractor
Relevant experience: Fifty years experience in the construction industry
What made you decide to run for council?
I have been on council for many years and I know the issues.
Name the top two issues you think face the municipality. How would you like to see these handled?
Aging infrastructure and the municipal landfill are the top two issues. They will be handled as funding becomes available.
Why should people vote for you over the other candidates?
I have a proven track record of dealing with issues when unpopular decisions have to be made.
