Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

Most of the council and mayoral candidates in Fort Smith participated in an all-candidates' forum on Sept. 28. The participants were, from left, Frieda Martselos, Brad Brake, Arliss Arbeau, Grant Paziuk, Janie Hobart, Chris Westwell, Don Webb, Robert (Bob) McArthur, Sandra Dolan, Louis Sebert, Al Dumont, Ron Holtorf and Barry Nicholson. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

THEBACHA/FORT SMITH
A Sept. 28 all-candidates' meeting in Fort Smith for the upcoming municipal election proved to be a low-key event.

About 40 people showed up to hear election pitches from 13 of the 16 candidates in the community, including the two candidates for mayor.

No single topic dominated the forum. There were questions about, among other things, town finances, government transparency and staffing stability at town hall.

From what could be heard through a wonky sound system, not much controversial was said by the candidates. Actually, the sound system was not working for much of the forum, forcing candidates to simply speak loudly in an effort to be heard in the Rec Centre gym.

Town resident Robin Hall asked the mayoral candidates - incumbent Janie Hobart and challenger Brad Brake - how they would ensure transparency at town hall.

Brake responded he would continue the town newsletter, look at broadcasting meetings and put all documents possible on the town website.

Hobart noted the town has made strides towards greater transparency, such as an annual report and a question period for residents after council meetings, although she also said it is incumbent on residents to become more aware of what is going on at town hall by attending meetings.

Town resident Ray Tourangeau asked Hobart and Brake what they would do about Highway 5's remaining 60 km without chipsealing.

Brake said he would lobby government to get all of the highway chipsealed.

"I'm all in favour of paving the highway," he said.

Hobart noted the unchipsealed section is in Wood Buffalo National Park.

"The challenge is it's in the park," she said. "There are some jurisdictional issues."

The forum was almost devoid of any mention of one of the biggest issues in the municipality over the past year - a 15-day municipal workers strike in the summer.

Only Bob McArthur, a candidate for council, directly mentioned the strike, noting he decided to run for council during the walkout.

"I will admit I was a supporter of the workers," McArthur said.

Other candidates participating in the forum were Frieda Martselos, Arliss Arbeau, Grant Paziuk, Chris Westwell, Don Webb, Sandra Dolan, Louis Sebert, Al Dumont, Ron Holtorf and Barry Nicholson.

Three candidates - Kevin Smith, Lynn Napier Buckley and Don Matthews Jr. - were not at the forum.

The event was sponsored by the Fort Smith Seniors' Society.

Another candidates' forum, this one sponsored by the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 2012, will be held on Oct. 10 at the Rec Centre beginning at 6:30 p.m. The forum will start with the candidates for mayor and they will be followed by the candidates for council.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.