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Candidates agree on moving Clearwater forward

Economic diversification, doctor recruitment and fiscal responsibility were three themes that cropped up during an all candidates' forum
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Ken Kjenstad

Economic diversification, doctor recruitment and fiscal responsibility. Those were three themes that cropped up repeatedly during a District of Clearwater all candidates’ forum held last Tuesday evening.

More than 100 people attended the event, which was held in the Pit at Clearwater Secondary School. Moderator was CSS principal Alan Stel.

The forum led off with nine of the 10 candidates seeking the six seats on town council (the missing candidate, Elia Ganderski, sent his regrets. He was in Toronto visiting his mother on a trip planned before the forum was organized).

“I’m very impressed with the turnout,” said Gord Heisterman, the first of the candidates to speak.

“I’d like to see this town progress,” he said. “We have a great foundation with the work done by Mayor Harwood and the previous council.”

Samantha Frye spoke in favor of confining municipal government to its minimum role defined by legislation.

“Government should be small and keep out of where it is not needed,” she said.

Jon Kreke said he and his wife have lived in Clearwater since 1990 and have raised their family here.

“We are part of this community and we are committed to this community, he said.

Local government should be proactive with business to provide employment, Kreke said.

“It’s been a learning experience and I’ve enjoyed it all,” Ken Kjenstad said of his four years on council. He is the only councilor standing for election for another term.

He felt supporting the Sportsplex would lead to greater winter tourism.

Other priorities should include planning for roads and highway access, safe and adequate water, and doctor recruitment.

Merlin Blackwell felt his experience as a park service contractor plus as president of the chamber of commerce for two years and on Clearwater’s official community plan committee had taught him how to make decisions.

Providing services in Wells Gray Park is like “the world’s largest jigsaw puzzle,” he said.

Shelley Sim credited former Birch Island residents Pauline and Al Gregory with teaching her how to love rural life.

She has been active in the chamber of commerce, school PACs, the ski club, hockey, soccer, as well as track and field.

She has took a lead role in organizing the rural health forum held in Clearwater a few years ago, as well as the Clearwater Canoe Regatta.

“We’ve got to make our town different from other towns,” said Jeff Lamond. “We want our infrastructure to be above par ... so it will last generations.”

Town council needs to work with community organizations, he said.

Council members should engage the public to get input, and then act on it.

Barry Banford pointed to his experience as a trustee with the former Clearwater Improvement District. He also was on the board of the Community Resource Center and is presently on the board of the North Thompson Community Foundation and the leadership of the Baptist Church.

Banford had 16 years in management with the Forest Service. “I know how to work in government,” he said. “I know how to ask the tough questions.”

Arnold Brock served on the Lumby town council, where he had experience working on the OCP, trails, and a seniors complex.

Presently he works in the hospital and with the Challengers group.

“I see there is no place for seniors to go sometimes,” he said.

Longtime resident Lorne Wright asked the candidates what they would do to keep young people in the community.

Gord Heisterman noted that former council member Candus Graffunder had organized Clearwater’s innovative Junior Council, something that he would like to see continue.

Diversifying the economy is the key, said Barry Banford.

“We need to seek new opportunities and invite business to Clearwater, “ he said.

“We have to go to where the youth are to communicate with them,” said Ken Kjenstad.

Shelley Sim pointed to programs that encourage local young people to consider careers in health care.

Municipal government should encourage initiatives such as literacy programs and Thompson Rivers University’s research and education facility for Wells Gray Park, said Samantha Frye.

Robert Beaudry asked what the candidates would do to attract more tourists and keep them here longer.

Merlin Blackwell said he had written a paper four or five years ago on the subject.

“It irritated a lot of people,” he said.

Supporting the Infocenter so it says open all year is important, he felt.

“I think we’re missing the boat on First Nations tourism,” Blackwell added.

Keeping the ski hill operating would help, said Jeff Lamond.

So would keeping the roads into Wells Gray Park open in winter, he added.

A culture, arts and technology facility as proposed by the Community Resource Center a few years ago would bring people into town and give them something to do, said Barry Banford.

John Wilcox asked the candidates what their positions were on the question of a swimming pool for Clearwater.

“I don’t think the Clearwater taxpayer is in a position to pay for it,” said Samantha Frye. “However, if it was to be provided by a business or non-profit, then the council could support it.”

“Anything that enhances the community is good,” said Ken Kjenstad, but added that pools are expensive to install and maintain.

 

Partnerships would be needed, he said, and the question put to a referendum.