Bonus Round: Taking Your Questions

This is the fifth installment in my High River Byelection Blog Series.  Read the first installment "Stirring the Pot in High River", the second installment "The 365-Day Councillor", the third installment "Dance a Little Sidestep", and the fourth installment "Post-Forum Mashup: Keeping It Classy".  You can also skip ahead to "What's a Voter in High River to Do?", the final entry in the series.

When I started this blog series, I was trying my hardest to make the questions open-ended to let the candidates take it where they wanted, making their platforms apparent.  Yet in doing so, some of my readers felt as though some topics were missed.

Knowing me, it's no surprise those topics I heard were the Arts and Youth.  After all, I surround myself with Artists and Youth.

Nonetheless, candidates did not necessarily feel as though they had the opportunity to answer these very good questions.  So I sent them an updated questionnaire asking them to take the opportunity to answer them.  And to each candidate's credit, they answered them completely.

​If I haven't mentioned how thankful I am that each candidate took time out for little ol' me, consider this that thank you.

The Arts seems to have wide support amongst the candidates, but the different approaches are what sets them apart.  Terry Coleman would like to remove barriers for Arts Initiatives as a way of working with the Arts community.  Jamie Kinghorn touts his direct involvement, and recognizes that in terms of "Culture", we have a significant immigrant population that should be included in our concept of community.  Sandra Wiebe points out that Arts are not just an aesthetic, but also an industry and an approach to the look and feel of community.  Michael Nychyk discusses a potential financial solution led by Council to support the Arts in the form of a development levy that can be directed to Arts programming or capital projects.  From the perspective of an Arts Advocate myself, each of these approaches are necessary for Arts to thrive; the question ends up being "which approach is more accessible for a 365-day Councillor?"

With regards to youth, there were a few similarities once again, but each had their own perspective as to the manner in which youth should be supported.  First, it should be clear that each candidate seemed to agree that the term "youth" refers to people under the age of 30, and most discussed this category as young families.  Both Coleman and Kinghorn referred to a Youth Committee and consulting them for ideas forward.  Wiebe focused on the public spaces and safety for youth in those spaces.  Nychyk referred largely to the need for economic development to encourage a youth population, pointing out that High River's youth population remains much smaller compared to other locations.  However, both Kinghorn and Wiebe also pointed out that there is a plethora of activities available for youth.

Finally, I gave the candidates an opportunity to sell themselves to the voter one last time.  In their final bid for your votes, candidates once again showed their knowledge, experience and aptitude for the role.  The differences between them in their final statements were more about nuance than about glaring differentiation.  Coleman's experience outside of High River can be coupled with his experience inside High River.  Kinghorn has a clear understanding of what the role entails, having done it before and having stayed immersed in it.  Wiebe touts her communication skills, and the fact that she is "a citizen just like you".  Nychyk has also remained immersed in the goings-on of Town, and claims to be a good fit with Council.  With as many credentials, approaches and similarities as there are, it really leaves a voter wondering what it is they should do.

​But that is for a different blog.

​Candidates Responses Part 3

The Town of High River has a vibrant Arts community. What initiatives would you pursue as elected Councillor to support and grow the Arts in High River?

Terry Coleman - 
​Work with that community. Identify from them how Council can help. Again make sure Council does not create barriers.

Jamie Kinghorn - We do have a strong Arts community here as a result of the hard work by our local artisans. I supported and continue to support initiatives such as murals, outdoor piano, the artisan market and chair the Museum of the Highwood board. In 2015 Arts and Culture days timing fell in line with the Balloon event and we hosted a large number of artisans in the field house. I would like to see that type of event every year but again the artisan know best and need to have regular discussions and ensure our economic development plans support the arts. A group not always thought about is our immigrant population, almost 10% born outside of Canada. We need to work with those groups to assist them to showcase their cultures in our community. Activities like food fairs, dance demonstrations need to be explored. The Arts and Culture board should play a significant role in the plans going forward and must be involved in the process to enhance our arts and culture.

Sandra Wiebe - Buying art, attending events and helping to promote our art community is a role every citizen can take part in. Artists are business owners and have to work their craft in that manner. But art is more than just the individual, it's how we streetscape, what our parks look like, it's trees, it's murals, it's beautiful spaces and how we use those spaces. Events and beautiful spaces will attract more visitors. The sale of art relies on a lot of traffic. Helping the art community goes hand in hand with business growth and encouraging more business to come to High River. My role on council will be to continue in the process of getting the construction finished and supporting the marketing campaigns which are just coming into play now. We are on our way there will be a tipping point but it requires patience, time and dedication to a plan that has a long term vision. ​

​​Michael Nychyk -
​​I would like to see a development levy in place to create a sustainable fund for the promotion of arts. I believe the city of Calgary has a 1% levy on new developments that funds public art. I think this is a positive funding model and could be implemented for public art or any other community directed arts initiative, ie. new arts centre, youth programing, etc..

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Our High River's Vital Signs report shows High River has a sizeable youth population. Yet youth find few activities and entertainment available to them with the exception of organized sport. What solutions would you promote for youth in High River?

Terry Coleman -
​Continue the Work of the Youth Collective (of which I have been part of for several years). This is a vibrant group. From time to time financial assistance might be required from Council.

Jamie Kinghorn - Although I do not disagree, the vital signs stats were based on the 2011 census taken by the federal government, 17% of the population is 15-29 years of age. That is a really broad range and the needs of those ages differ greatly. I am aware there are many opportunities for youth to get involved in the community and facilities like the field house allow for unorganized sport. We have the boys and girls club house over on 12th as a meeting place for youth and the skate park. There are numerous other organized groups like air cadets, scouts, and other youth groups. High River can do better. I would like to hear more from the Mayors youth advisory committee and other youth groups that are willing to offer suggestions for improvement. Economic development depends on having a vibrate youth population and we must invest in the youth however ensuring it is from the youth what the needs are, not what we think they need.

Sandra Wiebe -
​There are many options and facilities for children of all ages in town. There is no lack of ways to keep youth entertained. It is the role of council to provide good policy decision making so therefore, our job is to provide a clean, safe community for youth of all ages. If your children are unsafe at the park, then let's look at policing issues or more street lighting, or programs such as Block Parents or Citizen on Parol. We can improve natural areas and parks and keep them clean and safe. ​

Michael Nychyk - ​The Vital signs report does show that there is a larger youth population than most perceive. However, an economic base analysis completed by MDB and presented to council indicates the young family demographic is smaller by ratio than other Alberta communities and the overall provincial average.
That being understood it is vitally important (as part of the solution) young people are engaged to share their wants and needs and also to encourage them to be involved as part of the solution to filling those voids.
As a councillor I think it must be a priority to ensure there are good employment opportunities and affordable housing to allow young individuals and young families an opportunity to establish themselves and remain in High River. The newly established Economic Development Department of the town is fully vested in creating this environment. As chair of the Mayors Task Force we put these initiatives into a strategy and planning guideline for the new department. I am very please to say the hiring of Jodi Dawson, as our Ec Dev Manager, is providing the community with a passionate and results driven department that is now implementing the initial phases of such strategies.

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Do you have anything to add that you think will make the difference in convincing voters to cast their ballot for you? This is your opportunity to market yourself.

Terry Coleman -
​I moved to High River in 1977. I have seen many changes ... some good and some not so good. I have learned from what I have witnessed.
My extensive relevant experience in the public service both as a public servant and as a previously elected City Councillor, unfortunately, is too long to list here. It is well covered in my brochures and via LinkedIn.
My experiences have well prepared me to "hit the ground running" when I am elected.
I look forward to your support. Please email me or phone me for further information. I will drop off brochures and yard signs if you wish.
All the best, Terry

Jamie Kinghorn - High River has been my home for more than 20 years now. My record speaks for itself in that I have constantly been a significant promoter of the town even so far as flying the High River flag at all events I attend. I have experience on council and I listen! I am not afraid to speak out for the residents. Having served as council member for 3 years I know how local government works, the rules that are applied to it by the provincial legislation and the policy's in place. Additionally I have attended all but 5 of the last 132 council meetings listening to the debates and decision, when appropriate I have stood and addressed council on decisions I felt the council needed to hear and would be on record. I am up for the challenge and ready to go now. I ask for you vote on October 17th.
Updated Post - This election is for a very short term! We need an effective council member ready to work on the 18th. The individual elected must have experience, demonstrated leadership and have the needs of the community at heart. Being a council member is not about something to do, it is not about prestige and certainly not about financial reward. It is about hard work, it is about listening and heeding the words of the residents, it is about helping High River become a better place to live. Promises are being made about what they will do however I ask you to first look at what they have done. Have they sat in council meetings, have they attended the opening houses, have they listened to the community members, do they sit on numerous boards, what are their roles on those boards. How much do they volunteer in the community? Past behavior is a true indicator in in future performance and if the individual has done all of those things you can be confident they will continue to do so in the future! I ask you to Vote KINGHORN in this by-election.

Sandra Wiebe -
​I am a communicator. I believe that is the key to a council gaining the support of the citizens it serves.
I love this community and want to see more citizens engaged with the decision making process of the future of their community - this happens through communication, engaging in conversation, truly listening.
I have skills and experience that will be valuable in this role. But more importantly, I am a citizen like you. I want to work with existing council members to make the best decisions for this community for the long term benefit of the community.

Michael Nychyk - ​I am ready to serve High River NOW!
I am thoroughly immersed in High River as a parent, a volunteer, and in my role as General Manager of Highwood Distillers. My family and I are here to stay, and I care about this town.
Updated Post - Since running in the last election I have served, and continue to serve, countless hours on two vital committees for the Town of High River and your community. These are the Planning and Renewal Advisory Committee and the Mayor's Task Force on Economic Development, which I chair. These committees have been key resources leading to innovative and significant council-approved changes in our town.
This is real and current experience that counts. I understand exactly what the town has been moving forward with. I worked very closely with Peter Loran as our Council representative for both these committees. Because of this experience, my passion to represent you the residents, and coming from the perspective of a young High River family and local business person I am confident you can trust in my representation. This is a short 1 year term and clearly I am a cohesive fit to current council in continuing their mandate. The unity of our council and their dedication shows what can be accomplished in moving our community forward.
We are a people first community - a vision the Planning and Renewal Committee brought forward to council. The mission statement is, "doing it better, being innovative and daring to be different." I respect past political experience but until the election of the current council I saw very little in terms of progress in the twelve years I had lived here. I look forward to bringing a continued fresh perspective, my perspective, as your next High River Councillor.

See all the installments of the Byelection series by WindyJMusic:

Stirring the Pot in High River
The 365-Day Councillor
Dance a Little Sidestep
Post-Forum Mashup: Keeping It Classy
Bonus Round: Taking Your Questions
What's a Voter in High River to do?