Mayoral and councillor forum brought up important topics with mixed responses

The evening started with a moment of silence to honour Coun. Jim Turner, who unexpectedly died earlier this week.

Afterward, all five people running for mayor introduced themselves, followed by 16 of the 32 council candidates.

Many overlapping topics were brought up right from the start.

“As a great number of candidates here today have talked about, protecting facility cultures in the neighbourhoods,” council candidate Justin Wright.

“I’d like to see a lot of work done on mental health,” candidate Roger McClary said.

The “Medicine Hat Advantage” was another point councillors brought up passionately.

“One of the things I would like to see us bring back to Medicine Hat is a local advantage we all talk about,” candidate Shila Sharps said.

The next question from the audience was about a city-wide vaccine passport bylaw to take the choice off of business owners. Opinions were split among the candidates.

“Yes, I am in support,” incumbent candidate Robert Dumanowski said.

“Do I believe in the bylaw?” council candidate Cassi Hider asked. “Yes, I do believe in the bylaw.”

But Mayor Ted Clugston disagreed.

“No, I wouldn’t be bringing a bylaw to force the restriction exemption program,” Clugston said.

“I would never support a bylaw that would go against the freedom of choice for businesses,” council candidate Stephen Campbell said.

The forum sparked a lot of ideas on how to grow Medicine Hat. From different opinions on revitalizing downtown, to building a university and bringing more businesses here.

“With the waterfront, that’s something that needs to be jointly decided with our community,” mayoral candidate Linnsie Clark said.

Many candidates were also vocal about supporting and growing small businesses.

“Eighty per cent of all the jobs created in North America are created by small businesses,” council candidate Immanuel Moritz said. “We need to retain those businesses that are here.”

One council candidate focused her remarks on growing the city.

“We need to increase our population and tax base by creating a community of choice through strong social services and amenities to attract new and returning residents,” Alison Van Dyke said.

One of the final questions of the night was on safe consumption sites and if it’s something that should be brought here.

“I suggest a mobile safe injection site,” council candidate Paul Hemsing said.

Most councillors agreed it’s something that should be here, but with conditions.

“On safe consumption, absolutely not as a standalone, enabling facility,” council candidate Mark Asham said. “Tie it to rehabilitation and counselling, absolutely.”

The forum wrapped up after two hours and can be rewatched here.

But the race for council continues with the election on Oct. 18.

by Teagan Rasche

Mayoral and councillor forum brought up important topics with mixed responses

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