Candidates square off
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On Tuesday, hopefuls for the one open seat on Lloydminster’s City Council had a chance to answer some burning questions from the council and citizens. Seven candidates appeared out of the eight official candidates, a reminder that Belinda Halbach has unofficially stepped out of the race citing other responsibilities that could complicate her obligations to city council.
The candidates had a chance to express their passion for helping Lloydminster move forward. Some candidates, like Lachlan ‘Locky’ Cummine and Georgina Altman, are lifelong residents of Lloydminster. Others, like Scott Kovatch and Erwin Warkentin, are relatively new transplants to the city, Kovatch has spent eight years as a resident, while Erwin has lived in the city for three years.
Candidates were asked three questions from a list of eight, that ranged from topics such as affordable housing, the Highway 16 bypass, expansion of upgraders and refineries within the city limits, to crime, tax increases, transportation, and how their leadership will benefit the council.
On the topic of affordable housing candidates were split into two schools of thought: those that sought to provide more affordable housing for low-income residents and those that felt the cost of living reflected the quality of living in Lloydminster.
Lachlan ‘Locky” Cummine, a realtor, stated that he believed in letting supply and demand determine housing prices in Lloydminster, fellow candidate, Cheryl Ross, agreed.
“We choose to live here,” said Ross. “I would listen to those in need though.”
Kevin Ramsay, a sales professional at Ulmer Chevrolet Cadillac, said that affordable housing was, “an investment in younger people.”
Ramsay, Georgina Altman, and Scott Kovatch, were all in favour of building smaller, affordable lots.
Kovatch, who was in favour of working with companies like Attainable Housing that have seen considerable success in cities such as Calgary, said, “The actual innovative financing and equity situation allows these homes to be used as affordable, attainable starter homes but also as part of a longer-term transition strategy.”
In this by-election, candidates were not limited to a specific budget regarding funding and promoting their campaign. Candidates agreed that a budget was not necessary but that their campaigns were promoted out of pocket.
“I’m a fundraiser,” said Georgina Altman, who said that she didn’t feel right fundraising for her campaign because there were more noble causes that needed fundraising.
On the issue of oil refinery and upgrader expansion and oil haul spurs within city limits, Warkentin said that he believed that it was a good thing for Lloydminster as it would bring in revenue, and that without allowing it, businesses would seek to expand outside city limits.
On the issue of the Highway 16 bypass, Rahmanian said that he felt that a bypass would take much needed traffic away from businesses along the highway through the city.
About 80 attended the forum at the Centennial Civic Centre.
The municipal by-election will be held on April 17.