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Stirring the Pot in High River

10/3/2016

From Left to Right: Dr. Terry Coleman, Jamie Kinghorn, Michael Nychyk, Sandra Wiebe

It's byelection season in High River. Byelections are notorious for being underwhelming and underengaging. But with one year left in the current term, and as much work as needs to be done, we can't let this one get that way.

So I have every intention of stirring the pot a little bit. Perhaps through my hyper-engagement, voters in High River can find themselves additionally engaged.

I have sent a series of questions pertaining to the position of Councillor to each of the candidates. In this next series of blogs, I will be posting their responses, links to their online presences, and of course my own little synopses. After all, what would a blog be without commentary?

Our current candidates for the seat vacated by Councillor Peter Loran are Dr. Terry Coleman, Jamie Kinghorn, Michael Nychyk and Sandra Wiebe. The great news is that each of these individuals already give of themselves to be involved in the community of High River, and there is no lack of engagement between them. So what really sets them apart?

That's the question of byelections. Their results in provincial or federal ridings tend to be viewed either as an indictment of or in support of the current government. In municipal politics, there are no overt partisan scenarios, so the results of a byelection tend to be viewed either as an indictment of the current direction of Council, or in support of that direction.

That is why it is important for everyone to get out and vote. If you're pleased with Council's direction, what happens if someone who is not supportive of that direction gets elected? Will that stymie progress? Will the Council be stunted by this new individual? You'd better get out and vote for that candidate that supports the current Council, if you're worried about that.

Alternatively, what if you're displeased with Council's direction? Perhaps this is your opportunity to elect a person who can at least slow it all down, before more damage occurs. You'd better get out and vote for that candidate that is most likely to do so.

This is where the candidates will be differentiated. Are they supportive? Do they have their own agenda to push? At this point, I provide no judgement. But as this blog series progresses, you may find some distinct differences, and I hope you do.

About the Election

The municipal by-election will be held on October 17, 2016 and voting will take place from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Highwood Memorial Centre located at 128 - 5 Avenue S.W. There will be a polling station for patients at the High River General Hospital located at 560 9 Avenue S.W. from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and a polling station for residents of Sunrise Village located at 660 7 Street N.W. from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

Proof of identity and current residence is now required to be able to vote in municipal elections. A list of Voter ID requirements can be viewed here.

The High River and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting an All Candidates Forum on October 11, 2016 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Highwood Memorial Centre, located at 128 - 5 Avenue S.W.

Online Presences for Each Candidate

Michael Nychyk
Facebook
LinkedIn
Email
Phone: (403) 603-8239

Sandra Wiebe
Facebook
LinkedIn
Email
Website
Phone: (403) 880-4784

Jamie Kinghorn
Facebook
LinkedIn
Email
Cell Phone: (403) 880-4842
Address: 907 7th St. S.W., High River, AB
(permission to share granted by the candidate)

Dr. Terry Coleman
LinkedIn
Email
Phone: (403) 498-4516

Your First Glimpse Courtesy the High River Times.

On September 29, 2016, the High River Times published an introduction to each of the candidates. View each candidate's profile by the High River Times as below.

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?

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