Candidates speak out in Ste Rose
- Details
- Published on Sunday, October 19, 2014
By Banner Staff with files from Donna Wildeboer
The Ste. Rose candidate “Meet and Greet” evening staged on Oct. 14 was facilitated by the Ste. Rose Business Association and emceed by Donna Wildeboer.
Robert Brunel was called upon first to speak as the new Head of Council for the amalgamated municipality of Ste. Rose. He won the seat by acclamation. Brunel spoke about his years on the Keystone Agricultural Producers board and his willingness to work for the betterment of the entire community, including Ste. Amelie and Laurier, and the need to promote our youth, businesses and agriculture.
All the speakers were very positive and acknowledged the many challenges facing the new partnership that was formerly the Town of Ste. Rose du Lac and the RM of Ste. Rose. It was pointed out that many resources are already shared including recreation, the medical centre, library and fire department so amalgamation is a natural progression. The need to look forward to the future and not back was stressed repeatedly.
The municipal candidates who spoke were as follows: (9 candidates put their names forward for 4 council positions)
Emile Bernardin, who has been 15 years on RM council, said he was a true believer in amalgamation.
Alain Ingelbeen , 8 years on council, currently on RM Council, said “There will be challenges and with that comes opportunities.”
Robert Killam (resident of the town, and business owner in the RM) said he was “Looking forward to a positive approach with the amalgamation.”
Noel Labelle (volunteer with Knights of Columbus, Kinsmen and fire department) stated that he, “Believes that leaders solve problems and lead by example.”
Victor Stinson (currently on town council) is a retired businessman and said, “I have the time to devote to the amalgamation.”
Maurice Tardiff (current town councillor) gave his regrets as he is away on holidays, but his presentation was read aloud stating he has a vision and an open mind to deal with and work with the newly formed Municipality of Ste. Rose.
Armand Verhaeghe (four years on council, currently on RM council) said he “would like the opportunity to see the health unit built and a chance to integrate programs for youth in business, agriculture is key to our area as well.”
Michel Verhaeghe (on RM council in the past, volunteer with fire department) lives and owns a business in Laurier. He said, “I would like to focus on the challenges that will come with amalgamation.
Ivan Worrall (been on Council for the past 22 years for the Town) said he was, “ proud of the many accomplishments done jointly with the RM and many projects completed by the Town. Worral believes in moving forward.
“We need to focus on one of our greatest strengths with is health care, be it the hospital, ambulance, Dr. Gendreau Personal Care Home, Rose Inc as well as assisted living houses.”
Candidates for the Turtle River School Division Board of Trustees Ward 1 spoke as well. There are four candidates for two board positions.
Daniel Delaurier said, “I have the education of children at heart.” He’s on the board currently and would like his past track record speak for itself.
Fabian Gingras (8 years as a trustee) said, “My mission/agenda is to provide the best education to the children, bilingual English and Francais and has been part of the implementation to reinstate board visits to the Schools to view the conditions of our facilities.
Karey Wilkinson (9 years on the parent committee of the Ste. Rose School) said she has,” a sincere interest in education and open communication as she has two children in the school system currently.”
Pamela Vandepoele (two children in school) stated, “There are two important characteristics that should be common to all school boards. One, they focus efforts on improving student achievement. Two, they are in regular and meaningful contact with the communities they serve.” She asked if we feel their current school board trustees have these characteristics and do they meet their expectations. These are her goals if elected.
The school board trustee candidates spoke passionately on the importance of the education of our children and open communication.
Once the speeches concluded, an informal meet and greet was held where the attendees were able to question the candidates one on one.
