The public got a chance to hear what eight of the 11 people vying for seats on town council next month had to say Monday night at the Civic Centre when they answered the question: “As councillor for the Town of Fort Frances, what is your vision of economic prosperity over the next five-10 years?”
All the prospective councillors seemed to have the same positive view that Fort Frances will prosper in the future if council changes its focus on fiscal responsibility, increased public input, and enhancing commerce and tourism here.
“I see council’s changing role becoming that of a facilitator,” Bud Edwards told the near full house in council chambers.
“To me, this means ensuring the town’s business is always done openly, proving you with meaningful opportunities to effect our decisions,” he noted.
“It means finally recognizing that when only a handful of citizens participate in the annual budget process, one of the most important roles of council, that something is seriously wrong with the process.”
Edwards said he feels all spending on capital projects must be put on hold until the town knows “the scope and depth of the financial crisis we apparently face,” but that affordable steps towards achieving economic prosperity through tourism is always possible, with “creative and innovative solution” made without the help of the regional, provincial, or federal partners.
“We must stop hanging our hats on multi-million dollar projects as the solution and start doing the affordable things that yield cost-effective short- and long-term benefits,” he stressed.
“I believe it is the role of council to implement steps that take us to where we’ve never been—the future,” said Pastor Stephen Laing. “When it is led with confidence and competence, it will prosper.”
He noted attention must be focused on the downtown core, and that the key to growth is “accentuating history and beautifying the present.”
“That kind of attention turns the town from a funnel to a place to stay,” he added. “We have to provide people with things to do and experience.”
Like most of the others, Pastor Laing noted council must take a “no-nonsense approach” to the budget, and should receive monthly reports to track any possible deviation from the projected numbers.
Misty Christian stressed that while she’s only 26 years old, she’s well aware the “weight of the town is on your shoulders with any decision you make” if elected to council.
She also noted council should focus on the budget “at all times” to avoid being in the same situation it is now.
Christian added she had high hopes for the town’s future and that the infrastructure should be capable of handling any potential growth the town will see, with enhanced tourism and new businesses starting up here.
“Being a young person in town, I can tell you Fort Frances could be twice the town it is,” she remarked. “More and more young people are coming back because it is a great community to live in.”
Tannis Drysdale agreed the town needs to seriously re-evaluate the way it does business, adding that “I don’t think it’s the end” when referring to the current budget crisis the town is struggling to correct.
She added the town also has to be more focused on economic development, and helping existing businesses by cutting red tape, having a community plan, and working harder to utilize every source of government funding it can.
Coun. Neil Kabel, one of three incumbents seeking re-election Nov. 10, said with additions to the town like Tim Hortons, Wal-Mart, and a new Canadian Tire store, he wants to see that trend continue in the term ahead.
He also would like to see a new library, museum, skatepark, and fort, among other things—all accomplishments he says can be achieved through careful planning and prioritization.
“I’d love to make Fort Frances a tourist trap—I mean, destination,” he quipped.
“We need to show we’re open for business,” said Coun. Roy Avis, who stressed the best way to keep the burden of taxes off residents, while keeping youth here, is increasing the tax base and attracting new businesses.
He noted partnerships with First Nations to establish an area business plan are crucial, as well as business incentives, which should be offered fairly but should not stretch as far as tax breaks.
But Coun. Avis stressed council should not go into business itself, such as the town did with the River Walk condominium on Front Street—a project he’s been opposed to since its inception.
John Albanese, who sat on council in the 1980s, noted he’s a people person who loves his community and is dedicated to any job he undertakes.
“I feel very strongly we need a change in council,” he said. “The foundation needs to be fixed. We’re in bad shape.
“We cannot afford to have [a] $1.8 million [deficit] and have people asking ‘What happened to it?’ This is a question I’ll see answered if I’m elected,” he vowed, adding he’s a good listener and that the public should be listened to.
“I served five terms on council [and] our reserve fund was always adequate. But then, we were not involved in private industry,” said Gus Lindberg, another former councillor who was the last to speak before mayoral candidates Sharon Tibbs and Dan Onichuk made their appearances.
He noted a balance of $3 million in reserves is “not acceptable” and will have to be addressed, too. “It’s time for a change,” Lindberg concluded.
Coun. Struchan Gilson wasn’t able to attend Monday night’s forum due to a prior family commitment, while challengers Todd Hamilton and Rick Wiedenhoeft also were unable to attend.
The forum will be aired several times over the next few weeks on Channel 10 (Shaw).
(Fort Frances Times)
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
