Council candidates discuss issues
Roads, taxes, contractors among topics candidates want to tackle, experience, transparancy among the promises
April Hudson
Northern News Services
Thursday, October 8, 2015
LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
With the municipal election coming up on Oct. 19, Deh Cho Drum is reaching out to council candidates to discuss village concerns for a Q&A.
Four candidates responded to last week's appeal for answers, see below. Answers have been shortened for length when necessary.
Candidates who were unable to respond for the Oct. 8 edition will have their answers published in the Oct. 15 edition.
Candidates may reach Deh Cho Drum editor April Hudson at 695-3786 or online a dehchodrum@nnsl.com.
Advance polls closed Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. On Oct. 19, polling will take place at the recreation centre.
Stella Nadia
Profession: Plant operator for Fort Simpson Bulk Fuel
Relevant experience: Six years as councillor for the village
What made you decide to run for council?
I'm running for council again at the request of community members. I also feel I have unfinished business, such as issues surrounding property taxes, improvements to the cemetery and overall community projects.
Name the top two issues you think face the municipality. How would you like to see these handled?
One issue I find important is the village's emergency measures operation plan. The current plan needs to cover more eventualities, such as contaminated water. A second issue for me is that we need to provide overall more support for our local contractors.
Why should people vote for you over the other candidates?
I am very vocal. I bring honesty, transparency and accountability to the table, and I will try my darndest to bring a sense of balance, fairness and equality for all.
Kathy Konisenta
Profession: Tenant relations officer
Relevant experience: None
What made you decide to run for council?
I have lived here in Fort Simpson for 16 years, and I thought it was about time I became more involved with my community.
Name the top two issues you think face the municipality. How would you like to see these handled?
One top issue for me is road maintenance. I would like to see the village initiate and maintain paving of all its roads. Additionally, youth activities are important to me. We need to be keeping our youth busy with more activities.
Why should people vote for you over theother candidates?
We need fresh ideas. I bring a new perspective and I'm willing and able to bring community concerns and issues to the Mayor's and councillors' attention.
Larry Campbell
Profession: Retired manager
Relevant experience: I have experience in management, housing, contract and tender administration, budget control and financial management.
What made you decide to run for council?
I decided to run in order to assist the village in improving the level of service delivered to community members and groups for an improved and memorable lifestyle.
Name the top two issues you think face the municipality. How would you like to see these handled?
The top two issues are the collection of taxes and the ability to maintain a cost-effective methodology of delivering services without raising taxes or exceeding allotted budgets. Village management must work with community members and groups on an approved budgeted repayment plan to clear outstanding taxes without causing a financial burden upon either party. We also need to develop and follow a preventative maintenance plan.
Why should people vote for you over the other candidates?
I am experienced, committed, dependable and approachable. I will ensure the people's concerns and issues are brought forward and seek results.
Jarret Hardisty
Profession: GNWT manager of resource management
Relevant experience: Fort Simpson volunteer fire department, coaching experience for various levels of minor hockey
What made you decide to run for council?
I was approached by a number of community members to put my name forward. I have always had an interest in running and decided this would be a good time. We need new faces on council to bring different ideas for consideration and action.
Name the top two issues you think face the municipality. How would you like to see these handled?
First, we need to address activities and programs for our youth. We have a recreation facility that is not being used to its full potential and we need to look for community members to run different programs such as clinics, workshops and sports lessons. By giving our youth something to look forward to, we can hope for a decline in young offenders.
Second, the village needs housing and land available for community members to encourage development and growth. We are not expanding to our full potential. The village needs to work with different levels of government and First Nations to acquire land for future development.
Why should people vote for you over the other candidates?
I am young, Dene, educated and was born and raised in Fort Simpson. A younger voice is needed on council. I'm committed to improving our community and I can represent and bring suggestions from a younger age group with a different perspective.
