Submitted Photo/Jett Schwaier

By Jett Schwaier

ELXN25

Cypress County election forum had very few conflicting remarks or opinions

Oct 3, 2025 | 3:26 AM

The Cypress County election forum had taken place on Thursday at the Eagle Butte High School in Dunmore, with around 50 people attending.

The councillor candidates participating in the forum were asked a series of questions by mediator Aaron Fleming from the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce regarding specific topics.

These topics include the candidates’ experience and knowledge of their ward, government accountability and financial sustainability, as well as business competitiveness.

After the question-and-answer period, a debate between the candidates did not take place because they had similar points and answers.

Eleven candidates have participated from eight of the county’s nine wards.

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Participating in the forum were incumbent Councillor Blaine Brost with Ward 2, acclaimed incumbent Councillor Lloyd Want with Ward 3, incumbent Councillor Robin Kurpjuweit and his opponent Bill Thompson with Ward 4, Della Burkitt and current Reeve Dan Hamilton with Ward 5, acclaimed incumbent Councillor Dustin Vossler for Ward 6, Ana McFadyen and Garry Procter faced off for Ward 7, incumbent Councillor Shane Hok in Ward 8, and acclaimed incumbent Councillor Keith Ritz for Ward 9.

Thompson said his priority is discussing problems with the public to find the right answers for people.

Both Hok and Kurpjuweit agree there needs to be more accessible water in the county.

A topic Ritz, Vossler, Thompson, and Procter all mentioned was the lack of open and accessible communication to the council from the public.

Another priority, Ritz said in the forum, was the need for more roads in rural areas.

On the topic of financial sustainability, Procter said Cypress County has to be treated and managed like a business.

Brost said equipment management is important to stay sustainable financially.

Thompson said we need to develop more income in the county and increase the tax base.

The county is currently finding alternative ways to save money while still having an effective outcome according to Hamilton.

Kurpjuweit said we need to improve infrastructure accessibility on the topic of business competitiveness.

Promotion was a major point from McFadyen, she said we need to support and promote businesses to show that business taxes are low in Cypress County.

Want had a similar answer by saying we have to lowest taxes in the province.

Hok said moving the county forward, we need to focus more on agriculture and less on oil and gas.

Vossler, with a background in irrigation, said we need to protect irrigation in the county.

The forum concluded with closing statements from all the candidates.

A video of the forum will be posted on the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce YouTube channel.

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READ: Election forum for Cypress County hosted in Dunmore on Thursday