Each week in the lead up to Crossfield's Town council byelection Oct. 19, the Rocky View Weekly will ask the candidates a question that could impact voters. Each candidate has been given a maximum of 200 words to respond.
This week, we asked: Candidates have said they are campaigning on increased transparency and accountability. If elected, how will you make Town council more transparent and accountable to residents?
Jo Lambert
Transparency and accountability can be achieved by addressing issues in open public council meetings; by ensuring that council and administration are adhering to the Municipal Government Act (MGA), the Town of Crossfield’s policies and procedures and other legislation; and by keeping your door open to residents that have concerns and answering questions in a clear and open manner.
Properly detailed research into expenditures will assist in adherence to the budget, while still keeping in mind the welfare of all resident business when making financial decisions.
Council should always ensure the welfare of the whole municipality is taken into consideration. Sometimes a decision may not be the right one; that is the time to stand up and admit that an error was made and redouble the work to correct the mistake.
Kim Harris
Transparency and accountability are imperative when you are an elected official. These values are part of my everyday life and how I make decisions. Accountability is the principle that council is obligated to take responsibility for its actions, decisions and policies and that we answer to the public when decisions are made. Transparency is the principle that council will conduct its business in a clear, visible, accessible way and that its activities are open to examination by its stakeholders.
Crossfield has five councillors so decisions benefitting the Town as a whole can be made democratically. Democracy is at its best when healthy debate occurs while setting direction, policy and budget. My decisions will be made in the open at Council meetings.
Council is governed by the MGA, a code of conduct and policy. I am responsible and accountable for my own actions. All councillors must hold each other accountable, abide by policy and the MGA and host meetings that are professional and transparent.
I would like to see a consistent template for staff reports – reports written with only facts and no personal opinion. Reports must be written in a way for all to understand. Agendas can be posted days before meetings for residents, and agenda packages can be available on a consistent, timely basis for councillors to review.
Justin Gustafson
If elected, I would like to see more Town Hall meetings put into place regarding larger issues brought forward by the residents of Crossfield. I would like to see more engagement with council and residents. I think holding Town council meetings twice a month may not be enough for large projects or issues to be debated and clarified.
I also think all questions from residents should ultimately be directed to council and not Town administration. Following that, council should be engaged with administration to get resolution and answers for the residents. I think if we have a solid process, transparency and accountability will fall into place. If council can engage with the citizens of Crossfield more, council will regain the trust needed to be successful.
