Lloydminster got the chance to hear from candidates running in the upcoming municipal election.
The Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce hosted an all-candidates forum on Nov. 4.
Fourteen candidates are aiming for one of six seats on council. Candidates include Michele Charles Gustafson, Sara Christie, Michael Diachuk, Darrell Dunn, Barry Helm, Tanner Hnidey, Tracy King, David Lopez, Jean Mills Applegate, Russell Moncrieff, Fred Sirett Sr., Jim Taylor, Justin Vance and Jason Whiting.
Returning to the mayoral seat is current Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers.
The debate kicked off with a word from debate moderator Wendy Plandowski.
“What a great example of democracy, showing up in Lloydminster tonight,” said Plandowski overlooking a packed crowd at the Lloydminster Exhibition’s WLS Convention Centre.
She welcomed the candidates who were sitting just below the moderation team on the stage.
“I am pleased to welcome all of the candidates and to congratulate them, thank you for making time to engage with the community on this important democratic process, we are privileged to live in a country where we have the right and opportunity to vote for our leaders,” said Plandowski.
She also thanked the Lloyd Exhibition and staff for hosting the chamber. The event was live-streamed on the chamber’s website and YouTube by Maz Entertainment.
The event began with each candidate having one minute for opening remarks. A large range of topics were covered through the opening remarks including seniors housing, finances, economics, budgets, spending, and the hospital.
Following the opening remarks, three questions that had been sent ahead of time to candidates were asked. Candidates answered what the most pressing issue council will deal with this year, how would they approach the bi-provincial issue and their opinions on the purchasing and procurement policy.
Questions could be sent to the chamber to be asked to the candidates and questions could also be submitted in person at the event.
Candidates covered questions whether Lloydminster needed a bus service, addressing the infrastructure gap without raising taxes, continuing to beautify downtown, values guiding decision making, and lower density development among nearly half a dozen other questions. The event concluded with each councillor having 90 seconds to make their case of why people should vote for them.
The entire forum is available to watch on the chamber’s youtube page.
Read more: Lloydminster municipal debate preview
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