Enterprise (Dec 08/03) - If last week's candidates forum was any indication, Enterprise voters go to the polls today concerned about two issues -- communicating with council and community spirit.

The issues surfaced repeatedly at the Dec. 3 forum, which was attended by 18 residents and the candidates.

Five candidates are seeking three seats on the Enterprise Settlement Council. They are incumbents Chaal Cadieux and Karl Mueller, along with Allan Flamand and the husband and wife team of Christina A. Lefebvre and Randy Roloson.

Resident Dave Richards told the candidates that he has written council on business and personal issues, but has not received replies.

Flamand said, "The bottom line is, if you write a letter, you should get a letter back. If you don't, there's something wrong."

Cadieux admitted the council is a bit disorganized in communicating with residents, although he noted the situation is not helped by the lack of a community newspaper.

"One of the most important issues is how we handle that communications system," he said.

Community spirit

Several residents asked the candidates what they could do to improve community spirit, including by ending the sometimes bitter local politics in the community of just 85.

"In a way, it saddens me to see a community this small take things so personally," Roloson commented.

Mueller was in Edmonton and unable to attend the forum, but was represented by Anne Leskiw, who began to read a presentation from Mueller.

However, it was cut short by moderator Joe Mercredi when the presentation became highly critical and personal about the Cadieux family, which is prominent in Enterprise politics.

"I do not want to hear any personalities or family names mentioned," said Mercredi.

Several other issues were raised at the forum, among them health and education -- the hope of one day getting a nursing station and a small school in the community -- economic development, and dangerous goods passing through the community on Highway 1.

Resident Eric Bartlett urged the candidates to work to improve the appearance of the community, which he called dirty looking.

"I think council is where it's got to start," he said.

All candidates expressed their love for Enterprise, and saw a bright future for the community, both residentially and commercially.

"There are no limits," said Lefebvre.

The two top vote-getters will serve for two years, while the third-place finisher will serve for one year. The Enterprise council consists of five councillors and a mayor.