Wheatland County Candidates – Week 2
DIVISION 1
Alice Booth
What are the three key issues for the incoming election?
Commercial land use in Wheatland County has increased substantially in the past three years. With the approval of the Area Structure Plan from (Strathmore to the west boundary) commercial development should become a major income source for the County. However, in order to do this, large tracts of farm land had to be taken out of agriculture production to enable the County to have all the commercial parcels in one location. Road infrastructure is one of the major problems when you allow light and heavy commercial companies to be developed. Locating commercial businesses along a developed highway, like Highway #1, is imperative to the success of this development. Placing all the commercial and/ or industrial development in one area will stop the fragmentation of farm and ranching land. Having the development beside the highway, takes these heavy loads off of the existing rural roads that are not wide enough, or built to take the weights. There is a large saving to the tax payer, as well as to the County. This money then can be put into building roads that have a higher priority.
Residential properties have always been a challenge and will continue to be so. The issues are always about: water, septic fields, size of lots, dust, approaches, legal access to the property, and again fragmentation of farm and ranching lands. As the County moves forward with residential property development there are some pressing decisions that need to be addressed, for example, water and how it will be delivered to those in the County. Next, where will the County allow development of residential land so that it does not become part of a larger problem, i.e. urban sprawl. We need to know what we will do in regards to septic fields, or should there be pipe lines to take the sewage to a treatment plant. More importantly, who pays the cost for this service? But all the questions come down to the most important question of all; how should the County handle the fragmentation of our most valuable asset, land?
I believe the County will continue to struggle with this issue. The County is doing a growth study for all of Wheatland County, and by this December 2010, we hope to have a clearer picture of where our development has been taking place and work towards developing a plan to move the County forward in both the commercial and residential land use. I believe that to build a strong, vibrant and sustainable Wheatland County there has to be balance, in how we develop both commercial and residential properties. Most importantly, we must protect our most valuable asset – our lands, that our farmers and ranchers own, and where our food is grown.
Guy Christie
What are the three key issues for the upcoming election?
The more Constituents I talk to in Division 1, represent the following three key issues for the upcoming election.
Infrastructure
We need to keep up with the demands of a growing community… a changing community.
We have a commitment to ensure that if we build a road it must be maintained to the high standards expected by the community.
Land Use
We need to take a close look at the by-laws and decide what is in need of revision and what needs to be added.
We can’t have a hodgepodge of developments in the County whether it’s commercial or residential. We need to provide strong guidelines to control development of both.
Commercial developers will know what is expected by the County and should be following through with those guidelines when plans are presented for approval.
Residential properties must have guidelines as well to prevent any degradation or misuse of the land.
Schools
Wow, what an issue this is. As Council has no direct control over the GHSD we have to be a voice to ensure that they make the best possible decisions for our future generations period. This means keeping abreast of the progress (or lack thereof) and keeping our constituents informed. Nothing will divide communities faster than schools, not to mention what the impact is on towns, villages and hamlets.
Do we as a County need to recreate the wheel? Not necessarily, there are neighbours close to us that have had the same issues that we face.
The M.D.’s of Mountainview and Rockyview which include towns like High River, Okotoks, Cochrane and Bragg Creek have all been there.
Can we prevent the mistakes they made? Can we explore how they dealt with issues like Infrastructure and Land Use with their rapid growth? I think so!
Suzanne Jackson
The number one reason why I am a County Councillor candidate in Division 1 is that I believe in service to ones community. This is my opportunity to bring an energetic, common sense approach to this area. I have been learning about the issues that the constituents have while out campaigning and the most prevalent seems to be the 842 secondary highway that is subject to road bans. It is important because of the new grain terminal being built at the mouth of the 901 and the Trans Canada Highway. The added pressure to all the existing roads will cause more traffic, dust, soft spots and maintenance for the county. The 842 falls under Provincial jurisdiction and we must pressure our MLA and the Minister of Transportation to upgrade this secondary highway.
The last main issue that is at the forefront of ratepayers is the re-alignment of the Trans Canada Highway. Working with the Town of Strathmore and all those affected by the present plan in the County would be key. The County of Wheatland must be strong and dynamic to focus on the best solution for all those involved.
Please remember to vote on October 18. It is your right.
DIVISION 2
Jessica Bissonnette
What are the three key issues for the upcoming election?
Some of the key issues being addressed in this upcoming election are, the need for community support, growth strategies, and facility upgrades.
The county needs to work with the communities and be on the same page regarding the future – the county is only as strong as the communities within it. Relationships between the communities and the county must be neutered so that where necessary status quo can be maintained and where needed growth can be encouraged and supported.
The county needs to make a clear blueprint for the future. They need to make public their goals so we can all work together for the greater good. Input from the residents of the county is essential and forums where their voices can be heard must be developed.
The council needs to look at our educational facilities and evaluate the best way in which to enhance the education of the children in the county, as in new building, or upgrade the older one. As the parent I believe the education of our children is one of our greatest responsibilities and we have the obligation to make sure it is the very best it can be.
Jacki Kirk
I believe that the three top election issues for Division 2 are:
Development and Infrastructure
– Occur in a fiscally and environmentally responsible manner
– Encourage growth
– Consider residents of Wheatland County as the primary stakeholders in all decision making
– Encourage people to come here for lifestyle, not profit
Communication & Accountability
– Honest, straight-forward, open-minded communication between residents and county officials
– Elected officials approach their jobs from a public service point of view with no hidden agendas and that they look at all sides of issue
– Fiscally responsible when spending tax payers money
Use of Resources
– Fair and wise management of our resources
– In-depth study of all aspects of water issues
Please come out and meet your Division 2 candidates on Tuesday, Oct. 12 at the Gleichen Community Hall. Come and go between 7-9 p.m. All three candidates will be in attendance.
Ken Sauve
Due to a miscommunication last week, I was unable to submit a reply to the question what are your objectives for the 2010 campaign? I will therefore answer that question as well as this week’s question, what at the three key issues in the upcoming election?
My objectives for this campaign as the incumbent for Division #2 is to speak to as many of the residents as possible, to listen to their concerns and suggestions and take these before council as their representative. I believe in being open and approachable and tackling issues with common sense and considering the welfare of all of the residents of the county.
Some of the key issues that council will be addressing in the next term and Land-Use Bylaws as they pertain to county, residential and industrial areas, keeping in mind the protection of agricultural land but still allowing for managed growth.
A safe and adequate water supply for all county residents is a vital issue and as we have development and growth, we as county representatives must take a proactive approach to insure that our infrastructure and long range planning meets the water needs o the future.
The realignment of Highway #1 through the Namaka and Hammerhill area is a critical issue for the affected landowners but after meetings with the Minister of Transportation and his staff, we believe that we have reached an understanding that the highway will remain on it’s present alignment east of Strathmore. I will remain vigilant on this important issue both with our MLA Arno Doerksen and Minister Ouellette.
I believe that with my past experience representing the residents of Division #2 for the last two terms, I would be your best representative and would appreciate your continuing support on election day.
DIVISION 5
Dennis Bigras
What are the three key issues for the upcoming election?
Development
A solid sustainable plan on required water and sewer services must be in place well in advance of any development approval.
Our councilors state, the issuing of water rights licenses is seeing some opposition by those that control this issue. This is clearly a sign that limited resources will continue to be the challenge for expansion.
A solution is to expand upon what we have in place, rather than developing and supporting new costly infrastructures.
Expanding on urban development areas have been approved and licensed in infrastructure would be more cost effective and less invasive to disturbing new agricultural lands.
The combining of future infrastructure interconnectivity is what I support for responsible long range planning of your tax dollars.
Water services
Most agriculture land that has a dwelling on it is self-sufficient in managing water and sewer. I would like to keep that cost effective proven method intact, as the rural population clearly understands its value and maintenance as a direct steward of that source.
I support planning ahead for areas that require a more sustainable system for potable water capture in remote village locations.
Running water lines all over this county would be costly to build and maintain in the long run for all.
Seniors
As the number of seniors continues to increase we need to look at ideas that address the rising costs of care. I propose that properties that can support an extra separate living quarter (i.e. a park style mobile home) be allowed. These units would be specifically designed to aid seniors to live in them with the least amount of effort in mobility and access. That this investment commitment is allowed to stay in place permanently for only senior’s use, as apposed to the current limited permit requirement.
Visit www.bigras-ward5.info for updates
Scott Klassen
I think three issues that are important in this election are Roads, Development, and value of service.
Roads – With a very wet summer, roads are at the forefront with many ratepayers and are also the largest piece of infrastructure that ratepayers use in Wheatland County. I know that there is a plan in place for major roads improvements for many years to come, but what about the gravel roads? Many still have very poor loam bases and, in order to repair properly, have to be completely torn apart and rebuilt. As for maintenance, a fleet of qualified grader operators and a gravel crew try to keep up with the hundreds of kilometers of gravel roads within the county. How can this system be improved? I would like to see the graders home base centrally located within each district, hiring private contractors if the maintenance is falling behind, and looking to private industry for alternative ideas in maintenance and upgrades of these roads.
Development – Wheatland County will continue to feel the pressure of development of industry, acreages and many other land uses, the key to sustainable development is planning and public involvement.
Value of service – What does the ratepayer want for service? Better roads? Regional waterlines? How much is this going to cost? What is the value to the ratepayer?
How can the service improve without increasing costs? How do we accomplish this? I think there is always a place for improvement and I am always open to new ideas.
Brenda Knight
Question 2; What are the three key issues for the upcoming election?
The three key issues in this election are
1. Fiscal management
2. Development
3. Infrastructure
If you have any questions or concerns regarding these issues, I look forward to speaking with you at the Forum to be held at Nightingale Hall at 7:00pm, October 14, or please feel free to contact me at 403-934-4205.