Neepawa mayoral candidates face off

Details

Published on Thursday, October 16, 2014

(L to R) Adrian du Groot and Bob Durston. Photo by Eoin Devereux

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson

The Neepawa Banner

There were lots of smiles but no decisive victory as Town of Neepawa mayoral candidates Bob Durston and Adrian de Groot faced off last Thursday.

The debate was sponsored by the Neepawa Chamber of Commerce and was the only public forum in this year’s election. It provided a chance for the candidates to respond to questions from the public as well as points made by the other candidate. 

Questions from the public were taken in person, by phone and through social media.

As they have throughout the election, Durston focused on his experience within the community, while de Groot highlighted his status as a newcomer to the community.  One of the major questions voters will have to answer come election time is whether they want local experience or change.

Both candidates expressed the desire to see economic growth in the next decade as well as a more open council, that works with residents and other municipalities in the region.

When it comes to economic development, Durston favours a focus on supporting existing businesses with a council that is ready to accommodate their needs. De Groot said the community needs to have its “ducks in order” as well as to facilitate entrepreneurship for new ideas and apprenticeship programs.

A few long-standing planned projects were brought up through questions from the public. The first was the location of the proposed new regional hospital. Both candidates said that the location, between Neepawa and Minnedosa, has been chosen by the provincial government.  De Groot called the decision “dated” and said that while a location has been chosen, if elected, he would throughly investigate the decision. 

The development of the former CN property was also raised during the debate.  Durston stressed that moving the development of the property forward would be a high priority. De Groot mentioned that it would be a wonderful location for a new hospital.

Both candidates supported re-examining the decade-old functional design for upgrades to Highway 16 through Neepawa. 

Both candidates said they view the role of mayor as that of leader, consensus builder and ambassador within and outside the community.

When it comes to strengths and challenges, de Groot said that Neepawa’s biggest strength is its people, while its challenge is collectively moving forward and healing wounds with partners. Durston believes that the town’s strength is its people and community. He adds that the challenge will be to meet the unforeseen needs of the region.

In his closing remarks, de Groot noted that his biggest strength is working with people. He said that if elected, he wants to see a review of agreements as well as plans for Highway 16 and the new hospital.  He vowed to listen and act. “I am a very thorough person,” he said.

The final word went to Durston who said he would work with council to develop a strategic plan.  He stressed that his strength is his experience with the community and the surrounding municipalities.