Almost 200 people filled Black Diamond’s senior centre to hear the candidates in this month’s byelection tackle topics ranging from amalgamation to alternative energy.
Mayoral candidates Leslie Miller and Glen Fagan and council candidates Dave Geske and Brian Marconi took turns answering a series of questions from residents in the Griffiths Senior Centre Aug. 9. Voters will cast their ballots in the municipal building basement Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Amalgamation was a hot topic after Black Diamond and Turner Valley recently received funding for a feasibility study on the possibility of merging the two towns.
Geske said bringing the towns together has its benefits, but the decision should be left up to citizens.
“As we study this we need tremendous citizen consultation,” he said. “If the facts show we need it, we need citizens to vote. If the facts show we shouldn’t, why waste the time.”
Marconi said a plebiscite should be held if there is significant savings to taxpayers in both towns. If not, amalgamation shouldn’t be considered, he said.
“It’s not up to the town council to make the decision,” he said.
Fagan expressed concerns Black Diamond residents may have to compensate or subsidize taxation in Turner Valley and supports amalgamation only if there is savings for taxpayers in both communities.
“It has to be that everybody is getting a break,” he said. “If there is no benefit to it financially we shouldn’t do it.”
Miller said it’s tough to say whether amalgamation is right or wrong without knowing the results of the feasibility study.
“If the Province wants to spend the money let’s let them spend the money,” he said. “As a council, staff and citizens let’s decide what to do. If it’s good for Black Diamond, the answer is simple.”
The four candidates had varying views on the topic of energy conservation.
In recent years, Black Diamond installed solar panels on its municipal building, Oilfields Regional Arena and Scott Seaman Sports Rink, using money from grants and savings in its power bills since the panels were installed.
Fagan said he believes the return on investment is too long to make solar power worthwhile.
“I see children in this room today who will be paying for these solar panels when they are 18,” he said. “I think the money spent on solar panels may be better invested in other green initiatives that might have a quicker return.”
Fagan added he wants to see figures that show how long it takes to get a return on investment for solar energy.
“That investigation needs to be done before we spend the dollars we are spending today on solar panels,” he said. “If we are going to move down the path to be sustainable make an explanation to the community with facts and figures.”
Marconi said a business case should be presented to citizens showing the benefits to taxpayers.
Geske said council needs to look carefully at those investments, particularly during such tough economic times.
“The payback, if you take into consideration increase (costs in power) is 18 years,” he said. “With the carbon tax the payback would be less. I believe that our sustainable committee is an excellent place for you to get a handle on this.”
Miller said he sees Black Diamond as a shining light for sustainability in the next 10 to 15 years and these initiatives could attract more businesses and residents in the future.
As the candidates were asked about their plans for youth in the community, Marconi said it’s important to find out what youth want.
“If it’s job opportunities we’ve got to be able to bring in some other businesses that will give them some opportunities,” he said. “Let’s sit down with the youth and find out what they really want.”
Miller said there is always room for more activities and services for youth and it’s important to keep youth busy.
“As the old saying goes if you keep them busy you keep them out of trouble,” he said.
Fagan said such initiatives should be driven by residents.
“If you come to council with the expectation that council should pay for these things I am not in favour of that,” he said.
“The Town can provide land, buildings and support mechanisms, but not everything can be done by the Town itself.”
Geske said residents with youth know their needs best.
“We need to harness what they know and what they want and prioritize those things and work with the citizens and all of the groups to ensure all of the opportunities are here for our youth,” he said.
When someone asked about commercial development outside of Black Diamond’s downtown core, Geske said it’s important to pay particular attention to the town’s distinctive downtown area.
“We need to preserve the look and feel on the way in and we want to preserve the look and feel on the way out,” he said.
Miller agreed, saying growth needs to be managed so Black Diamond’s unique character is not spoiled.
“We do have a gem so we need to keep it,” he said.
Fagan said he doesn’t support big-box stores, yet he said business development is inevitable.
“We do have to recognize some business is going to creep in Black Diamond outside of the downtown core because a lot of them are looking to highway traffic,” he said.
Marconi agrees sustainable growth is critical and that big box stores aren’t the answer.
