Election Talk: services and values

The Fitzhugh posed questions to the 23 candidates running for mayor and council in the Oct. 21 municipal election. Printed here are the candidates’ responses, in their own words, to two of those questions. The remaining answers will be published in the Oct. 17 issue. There are also answers to some of our questions available exclusively online at www.fitzhugh.ca/election-talk.

If you have specific questions you’d like to ask the candidates, email them to [email protected] and our editorial team will do its best to track down the candidates and get the answers you need.

1) How do you propose to improve on present municipal services?

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

Candidates for mayor:

Cloud Byrd

1) How do you propose to improve on present municipal services?

More control over land use planning and zoning.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

Human/cultural needs, as well as physical/structural needs should have higher consideration.

[accordion title="Karen Fontaine"]Declined to answer.

[accordion title="Richard Ireland (incumbent)"]1) How do you propose to improve on present municipal services?

The Services and Structural Review created an inventory of municipal services, assessed the costs and implications of those services, revealed the large number of services we offer and highlighted the complexity of our organization and the environment in which we operate. The review brought forward 13 recommendations and presents a municipal score card, which rates the municipality’s performance against 47 attributes of effective municipal organizations.
The review is currently being analysed by administration, with a report and more detailed recommended actions to be presented to council. Although the Review did not identify any “low-hanging fruit”, suggesting municipal operations are generally effective, it does encourage a comprehensive rethinking and potential realignment of all of our human, physical and financial resources in order to optimize delivery of the services residents require and desire.
With a continued emphasis on public engagement to confirm the range and level of services to be provided by the municipality, it is the duty of the municipality to provide those services in the most effective and cost efficient manner. Recognizing such factors as budgetary implications, physical plant constraints, staffing levels and existing work loads, there remain opportunities to address improvements in service delivery by combining roles and functions in some cases, by reducing the number of departments and directors, by filling existing vacancies and by implementing additional planning and review functions—in short, by organizational restructuring.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

The community has already determined the values which it sees as integral and which need to be considered in all municipal decision. Among other things, our Community Vision Statement confirms that Jasper residents value quality services, affordability, eligible residency, controlled growth and environmental responsibility. Residents also value open, honest and accountable local government with a high degree of local participation. Additionally, community members are entitled to expect procedural fairness, certainty, clarity and respect in all their dealings with the municipality, whether at council or with staff.
In addition to those integral community values which underlay all considerations, all decisions which come before Council currently require a consideration of further fundamental issues: fiscal implications, environmental impacts, social and cultural impacts, and alignment with the community goals and aspirations expressed in the Jasper Community Sustainability Plan.
The recent procedural bylaw confirms those values and institutes, for the first time, a personal code of conduct for all councillors. All of those values, imbedded in an open and transparent process, are integral to, and require consideration during all municipal decisions.

Candidates for councillor:

Vonna Arsenault

In order to improve upon our present municipal services one must first do a lot of homework to realize the magnitude of what all of these are. Once that homework is complete, I hope to be able to work on  committees where my skills are valuable enabling improvement if it is necessary.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

Values which are integral to the community which must be considered in all decisions are, first of all, respect for individuals while considering all aspects of safety and cooperation which allows people to live in a community together.
[accordion title="David Baker"]1) How do you propose to improve on present municipal services?

Improvements are not always limited to budgets. Nor does the improvement of services mean radical alterations to municipal job descriptions, duties and responsibilities. The solution for improvement will not involve having the bylaw officer also watering public planter sites while on duty.
Municipal services exist to service the needs of the community. Therefore the community should be directly involved in designing how these services are delivered and experienced. Some services have been developed by those with passion for their delivery. This has resulted in tailor-made solutions. The Community Outreach Services team is one example of this type of grassroots thinking. Minister David Hancock invited the COS director to meet and discuss how other communities might model their services after the proven systems developed right here in Jasper.
Less energy and expense applied to researching the structuring of dis-similar communities and more effort applied to the unique needs of Jasperites. The resources of our community could then be assessed in light of these needs. Improvement would describe the process of matching needs with resources and the deficiencies would comprise a to do list.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

Inclusive community decision-making is vital to creating long-term solutions for the challenges faced in our community. This process is not simple, easy or straightforward, however it does produce the best possible options. I believe we have the expertise and people here to do this.
Transparency regarding the issues facing the current state of the municipality combined with a dedication to informing the residents will permit educated public input to direct future decisions of the town council. While not every decision will require this process, there is truth in the belief that there are no decisions without consequences.
Keeping business shareholders, as well as the public informed and involved is an inclusive approach to local government. Decisions made by mayor and council have immediate impact on the community; meaning the people who live and work here in Jasper. This is a powerful element which belongs in the domain of the public forum, rather than the will of a few individuals. Permitting the public to decide amongst possible solutions, derived from local expertise and careful, relevant research will assist in streamlining the process of best possible outcomes to meet the challenges of growth, development and sustainability. 
[accordion title="Paul Butler"]1) How do you propose to improve on present municipal services?

Primarily I want to see improvements in efficiency. Our level and quality of services is relatively high. I don’t see glaring gaps in the range of services offered by the municipality and I find that municipal administration generally provides sound and responsible management. No doubt every resident could offer a list of desirable additions and improvements, but fiscal responsibility is paramount and my priority will be to ensure that decisions respect a balance between expectation and reality.
The recent Services and Structural Review offers valuable insights and I look forward to policy discussions around the implementation of those recommendations. In particular I’m interested in opportunities to apply corporate standard-of-service models to public service because I think two intrinsic challenges in public service are how to assess need and how to measure success.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

Fairness: the same rules apply to everyone.
Affordability: if you work in Jasper, you should be able to afford to live in Jasper. We need small, private, moderately-priced rental apartments.
Environmental sensitivity: privileged as we are to live where we do, we should demand a high environmental standard of ourselves.
Self-determination: 12 years after municipal autonomy, we’re still lacking a big part of the tool-set we need to function effectively into the future. Within the context of what’s reasonable in a national park, we need the ability to make the kinds of decisions that will sustain our community into the future.
Accountability and transparency: residents and voters deserve to see and understand how and why decisions are made and how those decisions will affect their lives.

Sebastian Byrd

The town should be directing money towards projects that keep money in the municipality. Projects that are large, expensive and are not profitable after completion are not practical and only put Jasper further in debt.
Housing and recreational projects that bring people into Jasper. Events that support the arts should be a town objective. The municipal budget needs to be spent in a more sustainable manner; where money spent is kept within the community and is profitable.
We also need to make Jasper living more affordable for the working-class and young families. With rent, child-care and day-to-day living expenses, living in Jasper is unaffordable for most young people in the service industry. The municipality should first focus on making affordable housing to house the town’s many young employees. When a person has a house over their head, they can put money towards the other services. Finding a home in Jasper on a minimum wage income is near impossible currently.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

The general public should actually be able to have a say in decision-making. The Jasper public should be properly notified when decisions that will ultimately affect them are taking place. They should all have a say, and we should listen.
[accordion title="Bob Covey"]1) How do you propose to improve on present municipal services?

I believe the best way to improve on current services is by engaging with the public and ensuring the Municipality of Jasper is responding to residents’ needs.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

I believe in celebrating our differences, honouring our community elders, providing opportunities for our youth to lead, promoting fairness for all and respecting the natural environment. Mutual respect is what sustains extraordinary efforts.
[accordion title="Rico Damota (incumbent)"]1) How do you propose to improve on present municipal services?

However it may come to us, we need to have different tools to generate income to maintain or improve the services we want/need.
What needs to be understood by higher levels of government is that we are in a unique situation compared to most municipalities. We have to operate a town in a federal park bound by federal and provincial legislation. We need to take proper care of our residents and welcome visitors from around the world. That puts an extra strain on the community. It also puts us in a situation quite different than most areas in Alberta. I feel that with our new town manager, things are going in the right direction. I’m a bit leery of wanting to add anything new due to the financial implications. If anything, I would like to see some more funding for seniors’ services.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

Whenever decisions are made, the first question should always be, “How is this going to effect/benefit the community as a whole?” If everyone thinks of the big picture, then personal agendas won’t come into play. All councillors should start with that approach. As a councillor, one needs to be transparent, act with dedication and lead with integrity. Getting on council shouldn’t come with personal agendas—community comes first.

John Glaves

I can honestly say that I believe there is no magical solution for improving the municipal services. One can only work as a member of a team to try and make things better.
What I can bring to the table is knowledge of construction and a practical view on how to solve problems. I also think that not all problems are solved by spending more money and this frugal attitude could serve the community well.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

The values that are integral to the community are the same values that are important to being a good human being: honesty, loyalty, trustworthiness and a desire to work hard for the betterment of those around you. I also believe it’s important to admit when you have made a mistake, correct it and move on.
[accordion title="Dong Han"]1) How do you propose to improve on present municipal services?

Respect and trust are virtues that I regard in high esteem. I think the council needs to respect the citizens and listen to them and reflect their wishes in the best way possible and to always remember that the council exists to serve the citizens of Jasper. The citizens need to trust the council as they are serving the citizens as best they can; even if one does not agree with the decision or when one is expressing their disagreement.
In order to achieve such respect and trust, there must be clear communication and transparency of process. It should be crystal clear to a whole community that when the council makes decisions it is the best option for the whole community and it did not favour a special interest group or a few individuals.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

Tolerance and inclusiveness are values I believe in. We all came from somewhere in the world, whether you were born in Canada or you are naturalized citizens or newcomers. We all contribute something to the community to build the best country in the world. We are a multicultural society, no matter what your language, religion or race, you are a Canadian, a citizen of Jasper, therefore, have the right to be proud, respected, protected and treated as an integral part of the community. Conversely, as a member of the community and a citizen, everyone has the responsibility to participate in the building of the community, opinion gathering, and being interested in the municipality’s concerns. I would like to see the inclusion of all members of Jasper’s community and their interest served by the council.
[accordion title="Paul Height"]1) How do you propose to improve on present municipal services?

The recent trend by council to govern mainly by policy, I do not feel allows for specific concerns and suggestions by the residents of Jasper. I think the council members should be able to openly present their areas of expertise and those of their constituent advisors. Besides financial accounting, I have some limited knowledge of street maintenance, building construction and maintenance, and automotive and aggregate equipment fleet management. I think council should be questioning the procedures of its employees and reviewing the municipal fleet of equipment, to ensure best practices. Such as, why does the municipality continue to use trucks and equipment for snow removal that are only equipped for hauling gravel? Snow is much lighter than gravel, so the trucks and equipment being used to remove snow should have a much larger carrying capacity to reduce the amount of trips and time involved. Gravel alleys should have a crown in the centre of them for water to run off, reducing, the number of times required to fill in potholes. The same standards for snow and ice removal that are applied to its taxpayers should also apply to the municipality itself.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

a. That all residents be treated equally on an accumulative basis. Not every decision will be of equal benefit to each resident, but all decisions combined should hopefully be of benefit to everyone. For example, not every resident has a dog, or uses the recreational and arts facilities, but the net benefit of all the municipal services being provided should enrich all of the people in the community.
b. Environmental stewardship in not only handling our waste, but also on municipal controlled property.
c. To paraphrase, to obtain the best bang for the taxpayer’s buck. To make informed decisions on the best available information, including taking into consideration consultation with and feedback from the residents.

Helen Kelleher-Empey

In my opinion I believe the current services in Jasper are excellent. However, council will need to review the revenues and expenditures of our services and streamline them to best suit our community’s needs. Jasper has a great activity centre, which I believe is under-utilized. Attracting more events and festivals would create an additional source of revenue for the municipality.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

I believe that all councillors, as representatives of the community, should listen to what the community is saying. It is crucial that all decisions are transparent, unbiased and without personal agendas or conflicts. To serve our community, all councillors need to have an open mind on all issues.
[accordion title="Fred Kreiner"]1) How do you propose to improve on present municipal services?

We already have some excellent municipal services. I would hope we can strengthen our community outreach work by increasing the partnerships already in place. We need to ensure that our relationship with Parks Canada allows the municipality to provide services demanded by the citizens in keeping with the mandate of a national park.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

The greatest value I see is the diversity of our population and the importance to respect divergent points of view. Whether it is our burgeoning Filipino community, those from down under and Europe or our Francophone population, it is important that all groups are engaged in their community and work together to make this a welcoming community.
I also have a value of finding that delicate balance between development of commercial activity and maintenance of our home as a UN world heritage site for the natural beauty of our surroundings, which may be best done by working to develop the shoulder tourist seasons.
[accordion title="Brian Nesbitt"]1) How do you propose to improve on present municipal services?

Municipal services, standards and policies must be reviewed and continuously monitored. This is one of the principle roles of council. If elected it will be my goal to see that existing service standards and programs are met and can be afforded before new standards or programs will be considered.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

All decisions I will make will consider the impact on all citizens of Jasper. I also believe I am a very capable listener, and that I will consider other sides of issues before determining my position. Also, I believe no one individual or group should be able to dominate the agenda or decisions of council.

Rich Potter

I personally believe that we have excellent municipal services. I would love to see more housing alternatives for aging empty nesters and renters, but those are things that the municipality can only help facilitate along with Parks Canada and the private sector.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

Without meaning to sell out on this question, I believe that our town vision statement very accurately captures the values that are integral to our community, and everyone should be familiar with it.
We are absolutely privileged to live in Jasper National Park, and so the the value of environmental integrity and using sound environmental practises is obvious. As the years go by, I have grown to realize that the physical beauty of Jasper as a townsite is unmatched anywhere, and that cannot be taken for granted.
Jasper residents really care about one another, as anyone who has raised kids here can attest. Seniors, families and young people are all looked out for by those around them. We should want to encourage all to stay here by offering opportunities, services and housing to benefit everyone.

[accordion title="Monika Schaefer"]1) How do you propose to improve on present municipal services?

First of all, let it be said that this small town has some pretty darn good services. Of course there are always things that can be improved upon, but I, for one, am grateful for what we have here.
Let’s re-instate the take-it-or-leave-it event that was tried for a few years. It was a highly successful operation. The bi-annual yard waste pick-up should also be reinstated. Further reduction of our waste stream should become a priority. Towards that end, the recycling and composting can be expanded, accompanied by a big educational push for maximum participation.
I would also like to see council give direction for the stricter enforcement in the control of pets running loose, specifically cats, which are meant to be under the owner’s physical control, just like dogs, and not left free to hunt birds. And most importantly, there needs to be greater employment of common sense in the implementation of bylaws. The recent pet pig drama is a case in point. The backyard dandelion-munching pig goes to court while cats kill birds.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

We need to remember that we are in the middle of a national park that also happens to be in a World Heritage Site. It is a great privilege to live here, and we should always be mindful of that. Any decision that we make we should consider the “triple bottom line”. That is environmental impact, social impact, and economic impact.
[accordion title="Jeff Smith"]1) How do you propose to improve on present municipal services?

My goal is to find out what matters most to Jasperites and to work with all the levels of government to address those concerns. I hope to improve our existing services and help implement new ones in a financially prudent manner.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

When debating and considering new policies, I will always carry in my mind a concern for our seniors and children. Being located in a national park, the environmental impact of our decisions will be an important tool to measure our progress.

Jack Templeton

I appreciate that we have numerous social, cultural, educational and recreational programs available to residents of all ages, however I believe a lot more emphasis could be put on the needs and issues of seniors as they play a large and significant role in our community. With some effort and a lot of input from the seniors themselves, a range of programs, including social, educational and recreational, specifically designed for seniors could be put in place and made available to them.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

The most important value I see as being integral in our community is that people are proud of the community, they are proud to live here and they are comfortable residing in Jasper. The business owners should have a favourable economic environment to offer their services and become reasonably successful. Council should ensure that decisions being made support as much as possible this philosophy so that when visitors leave here they are not only impressed with the scenery and nature surrounding them, but by the genuine welcome and appreciation for them being here, which can only come from the people that live here. If residents are generally pleased with the services and programs offered by the community, this reflects in their attitude toward visitors who will then encourage other people to come to Jasper to experience the scenery, friendliness and helpfulness of the residents.
[accordion title="Ann Thomas"]1) How do you propose to improve on present municipal services?

A review of the present operating system of the municipality and its departments has already been undertaken and I think as the recommendations come to council it would be the future council’s job to review carefully the policies that have been made in the past which reflect the present operations. Improvement of services should not necessarily mean an increase in taxes, so it is my hope that if a streamlining of the present operations is possible in the foreseeable future then resources can be made available to the sectors of our community which are now lacking, for example daycare funding and help to seniors.
It is essential to engage the public in a dialogue with respect to what they believe the priorities are.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

The guiding values that all municipal decisions should be based on are:
a) Maximize the impact of every tax dollar and avoid the need for tax increases
b) Ensure sustainable employment for all residents
c) Provide suitable and affordable places to live
d) Consider the environmental impact of all projects undertaken
[accordion title="Dwain Wacko (incumbent)"]1) How do you propose to improve on present municipal services?

The Services and Structural Review has several recommendations that are worthy of consideration. The next council will discuss and consider these possibilities.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

I endorse the values and principles defined by our guiding document (the Sustainability Plan).
a) Environmental Integrity
b) Social Equity
c) Economic Sustainability
d) Cultural Vitality
e) Participative Governance

Gilbert Wall (incumbent)

Our residents demand a high level of service and if we choose as a council, for example, to stop funding daycare or close the arena, I think there would be some interesting conversations started.
Related to this we have the challenge of competing in an Alberta labour market that sees our current salary offers way below the level necessary to attract people to work here.
This all points to the primary long term challenge of the new mayor and council; lobbying for funding tools that let us lessen the burden on individual property owners and put more of the burden on individual visitors who demand and use the services. These are tools that resort municipalities like Whistler and Vail already have.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

One of the great attributes of this community is its ability to engage and the new council will need both support and direction when it comes to meeting these challenges.
[accordion title="Heather Young-Leslie"]1) How do you propose to improve on present municipal services?

Our current legal position means that the municipality and Jasper National Park are partners in anything to do with land use. While in the past, the relationship has been at times challenging, I see opportunities now to work towards establishing more sensible policies in the areas where the municipality and Parks share responsibility (just one example: paving backyards to add parking spaces when expanding one’s home, is counter to the goals in our Greenspace Vision Plan). Pie-in-the sky, I would love to see our codes amended so that Jasper could develop a local micro-generation regulation (similar to the province’s system). Then our town would not be so heavily dependent on the fossil-fuel that currently provides most of our electricity.
At the same time, just as we have taken stock of our physical infrastructure, and begun to implement life-cycle costing and maintenance plans, I think it’s equally important to pay attention to our social equity, which has never been assessed quantitatively. We talk anecdotally about our history and traditions, our mountain culture, our high degree of volunteerism; every business owner knows how often and how much they have donated to local causes; we know that a lot of locals have higher degrees and specialized expertise. Yet the municipality has never inventoried these assets as social investments that would be usable for community planning and development purposes. I think that is a mistake easily (and cheaply) remedied, and that the remedy can then be applied to other issues we face: like fostering meaningful employment and forecasting for jobs requiring specialized skills.

2) What values do you see as being integral to the community, that you would want to consider in all municipal decisions?

I’m ready to listen to whoever wants to talk to me. When making decisions on council, I would ask myself these questions: does this enhance, or at least not harm, community cohesion? Does it promote ecological sustainability (i.e.: no net-negative environmental impact)? Does it honour our culture and history? Does it reflect the will of the community? Is it the result of collaborative decision-making? In short, does it help us on our stated path of becoming a model of an ecological, economically and socially sustainable community?
As a Rotarian, I strive to tell the truth, to be fair and beneficial to all concerned, to build better friendships and goodwill. I would bring these ethics to my role as councillor.

The municipal election is Oct. 21. Polls will be open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the Jasper Activity Centre. There will be an advanced poll Oct. 16 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., also in the activity centre. For those who won’t be able to vote on election day or during the advanced poll, there will be a special ballot process. Those ballots are only available by contacting Beryl Cahill, Jasper’s returning officer, at 780-852-6503.