The 365-Day Councillor

This is the second installment in my High River Byelection Blog Series.  Read the first installment "Stirring the Pot in High River" here.  You can also skip ahead to "Dance a Little Sidestep", "Post-Forum Mashup: Keeping It Classy", "Bonus Round: Taking Your Questions", and the final entry "What's a Voter in High River to Do?"

Perhaps I'm a little mean to the candidates.

I asked big questions.  They required big answers.  So to flush this out a little better, I've split their responses into 3 posts, this being the first.

To their credit, 3 of 4 candidates answered them as quickly and as completely as they could.  I'm still waiting to hear back from the fourth.  I also offer the candidates a chance to change their responses at any time, but once their first response is posted I will be clear about the changes they send me.

These first questions didn't do much to show the differences between the candidates positions, but their approaches are quite different.  I provide a synopsis (so that if you are only reading this while on the toilet, you won't have to read too much), but if you want to get into the meat of their responses, they are further down this blog.

In the interests of full disclosure, I've also shared many of these things with my students, who provided me with their own reactions.  Some of those reactions are reflected in this blog.

Read the first installment of the High River Byelection Blog Series, "Stirring the Pot in High River", for Candidate Contact Information and more.

The first thing to note is that each of the candidates are strong proponents of community, and have volunteered in a wide variety of different ways.  They are also apparent fans of the current Council's general direction.  But that's where the similarities stop.

At this point, Jamie Kinghorn, Michael Nychyk and Terry Coleman are the candidates with a clearly defined vision for their 365-day term.  As methods of providing incentive for economic recovery, Kinghorn focuses on the budget while Nychyk focuses on completion of outstanding projects.  The budget gets debated right away at the end of October, so the new Councillor will be able to make their biggest stamp there.  There are a great many started and unfinished projects though, and completing these will make the Town far more business-ready.  Sandra Wiebe offers that she will simply learn where she is needed most, and go there.  Coleman in contrast is focused on the Land-Use Bylaw, as with his 365 days he feels that is where he can be most impactful.

Kinghorn and Nychyk also look outside the Town to our neighbours, with Kinghorn focusing on intermunicipal committees, the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) and the Province of Alberta, while Nychyk eyes the Calgary Regional Partnership and all levels of government to help with infrastructure.  As the AUMA had a large gathering this week, that seems appropriately timed, and the AUMA has been very supportive of the Disaster Recovery Program Advisory Committee's work.  Consideration of the Province with regards to the impending changes to the Municipal Government Act is also apropos.  High River recently rejoined the Calgary Regional Partnership, and the most recent visible result is the town's participation in the On-It Regional Transit routes.

Neither Nychyk nor Wiebe have constructive criticisms to offer Council, but Kinghorn has a few words focusing on the construction of a major recreation complex, and on Council's willingness to listen to concerns about downtown parking.  Kinghorn's views may be caused by a lack of movement on the Master Recreation Plan proposal presented earlier this year, and the fact that Council tends not to bend to the will of some naysayers.  Meanwhile, Coleman is focused on safety with regards to hazardous materials transportation, traffic flow and Land-Use.  This may be of significant importance, especially with all the construction going on, and the emergency bottleneck that is the Centre Street Bridge.

The differences in this first section seem small, until you ask about how they will work with non-government groups.  Here, a chasm begins to open.  Kinghorn points to his extensive volunteer resumé adding that he can be a voice for those groups to Council.  Nychyk points out the fact that High River has as many community leaders as it does is in part due to supportive programming to help get them there.  Wiebe suggests she would join or meet with groups when needs arise, and Coleman is concise in his desire to have face-to-face interactions.

This is just the first group of questions.  The next group of questions are more issue-specific, including flood mitigation, walkability vs. parking, and secondary suites.

Watch for the next blog, where I try my best to at least feign impartiality.

Candidate Responses Part 1

Recently the High River Times published a biography on you. Is there anything you wish to add that the newspaper did not include that will help voters learn about what experience and expertise you will bring to the role of Councillor?

Jamie Kinghorn - No response to this question.  See the High River Times bio here.​

Sandra Wiebe - I am a big supporter of the arts and culture in High River. I'd like to see High River as an arts-based destination town.
I am also involved with the Little Britches and Santa Claus Parades as well as the High River Tennis Club.
I have a Bachelor Degree in Communications from Mount Royal University (2007).
Through my local business serving on the executive, including President, of the Diamond Valley Chamber of Commerce (2011-2014), I feel I have strong leadership and management skills.
​See the High River Times bio here.

Michael Nychyk - I am thankful for the bio the Times printed. It communicated my dedication to the community since the last election through my appointment and involvement in two important committees which helped council make informed and innovative decisions for High River. As a long standing business person (in our town) I was able to provide perspective from a corporate point of reference. A perspective of analysis and fiscal responsibility. But the business acumen I have is also balanced by the importance of family in my life. I see High River as an amazing place for young families and there must be focus and long term planning on ensuring we grow and provide the needs to that demographic. To make this happen we need a vibrant economic sector or two (our natural strengths are agriculture and health care) where young professional can earn a good living wage. I have worked closely with Jodi Dawson, the towns Economic Development Manager, and I'm please to say she is implementing, developing and planning fantastic initiatives to achieve this.
See High River Times bio here, and coverage by Sun Country 99.7 FM here.

Terry Coleman - The High River Times item was good but due to space does not include all my relevant experience. My brochures outline my extensive experience including as a Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs and a City Councillor.
My LinkedIn link is a good source to get more information about me.
See the High River Times bio here, and coverage by Sun Country 99.7 FM here.

You only have one year in this term. What is your first and most significant priority during this term?

Jamie Kinghorn - The operational budget for 2017 is to be debated late October and early November. This budget will determine the tax rate for 2017. I will argue for for cost reductions and tax incentives to encourage new business and residents to locate in High River which will broaden our tax base and help reduce tax for our existing rate payers.

Sandra Wiebe - My priority is to learn - learn where I can fit in to the local council projects, missions and committees. I want to know where I can help complete existing projects and programs.
I want to learn what I can that I can translate to the voters. I want us all to be as informed on the information and processes as possible.

Michael Nychyk - My first priority is to push for current project completions. I believe in the direction Council has gone, i appreciate the fact they have a strategic plan in place and I fully understand the vision. I don't believe this is the time for individual agendas or pet projects. Council has worked hard, along with town administration and employees, to rebuild our community to something better than it was.
There are many items still on the plate of Council that have been under discussion for some time and those cannot be left behind. For example, fiber connectivity is critical to future economic development in High River and there is no set Council direction yet. They have been working diligently to determine a plan but it's not complete yet. I have been involved in these discussions and with this experience can carry on that work from a municipal and regional partnership perspective.

Terry Coleman - I have several important issues but the most pressing for us all is the proposed Land Use Bylaw amendments. It is fine to tune them up periodically but it is critical to get them correct. I am concerned about some issues that I have heard.

What are some of the directions the current Council is taking that you are most pleased with?

Jamie Kinghorn - ​I am generally pleased with the over all direction of council. They have done a great job on flood mitigation, enlisting provincial support and changing the image of a flood community. The replacement of underground infrastructure has been painful but had to be done and is coming to an end.

Sandra Wiebe - I am pleased with the direction of a mixed land use bylaw, the walkable downtown and the planned design of our downtown.
I am pleased with the commitment to flood mitigation and the determination it is taking to complete these projects.

Michael Nychyk - It starts with our town mission statement, "Doing it better, being innovative, and daring to be different", and the vision of a "people first" community. Change is inevitable so it must be embraced and I believe Council is fully vested in the mission statement and vision by working towards a vibrant and sustainable High River.
Putting the bricks and mortar changes aside I like the fact our community is engage and looking towards the future. It has brought our residents closer together than ever before and we see this in the participation numbers in all the events throughout town.
I also like the position on financial strength, providing value for service today and monetary reserves for the future. This respects the residents of today but also plans for the residents of the future so that items like infrastructure and community centers (the field-house) can be maintained, expanded or replaced.

Terry Coleman -
​Overall, flood recovery.
We still have a long way to go though.

What are some of the directions the current Council is taking that you think require addressing?

Jamie Kinghorn - The town has recently made changes to the economic development department which should be positive however I think more involvement of the department with the different community groups and promotion of activities is very important. We are falling far behind other communities with respect to recreation, we need to plan for a major recreation complex. This council does not appear to engage residents enough and "listen" to concerns over parking and the downtown core

Sandra Wiebe - Not aware of any at this time.

Michael Nychyk - I have no critical opposition to any direction the current Council is taking. However, if elected, I would represent the citizens of this community and will respectfully listen and take counsel on their thoughts and ideas.

Terry Coleman -
​Land Use Bylaw; Traffic Flow, Hazardous Materials Routes.

What ways do you see yourself working with other government organizations (neighbouring municipalities, provincial, federal) during this term if elected?

Jamie Kinghorn - I will ask to be appointed to the Inter-municipal committee that is made up of surrounding communities including the M.D. I think attendance and participation at the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association is critical to share and learn about what other municipality are doing is extremely important. Right now the Cities amendment to the Municipal Government Act has some very relevant changes that could apply to small communities as well.

Sandra Wiebe - No response provided to this question.

Michael Nychyk - Different plans will require certain levels of engagement with one, some, all or none. It is all dependent on what result is to be achieved. Lets go back to the fiber connection topic I mentioned earlier. In my opinion this will take a partnership or collaboration with our municipal neighbors and probably with the CRP (Calgary Regional Partnership). Extending beyond the CRP I feel there should be provincial and federal involvement in this infrastructure initiatives as well. It is a critical economic issue if left unresolved will leave communities like ours and ultimately the country in an noncompetitive position globally. ​

Terry Coleman -
​Establishing good working relationships on a face to face basis

How do you see yourself collaborating with non-governmental organizations in your role as Councillor if elected?

Jamie Kinghorn - I am involved in a number of local organizations now, Chair of the Museum of the Highwood, Direction on FCSS, Vice President of the High River Regional Airport, Chair person of the High River Balloon Events Committee. Historically I sat on the Recreation board, High River Lacrosse, The Chamber of Commerce and numerous other not-for-profits. It is important that these and other local organizations all are heard at the council table as well as councils plans and ideas are shared for input by the volunteers. ​

Sandra Wiebe - By joining a board and meeting with these organizations as needed. Possibly researching to help them find places where the Town can support them.

Michael Nychyk - This is a good question, especially in High River where we have such great involvement from our residents. I recall back in early 2014 the Becoming a Community Builder program was introduced in High River. A 15 week course (in which I participated) in core competencies designed to develop community leaders. This program inspired many of our residents to get involved in the betterment of our town. From that and other avenues we have incredible, non-government, local organizations that should be worked with to move us forward. Beyond our town limits there are also regional, provincial and federal organizations that can be collaborated with to achieve great things. ​

Terry Coleman -
​Establishing good working relationships on a face to face basis

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?