Summer and byelection don’t always add up to a large turnout at the polls, but Black Diamond residents need to come out in big number for next month’s vote.
Four candidates have thrown their hats in the ring for the Aug. 22 Black Diamond council byelection. Glen Fagan and Leslie Miller are vying for the mayor’s chair, and Dave Geske and Brian Marconi are seeking a seat on council.
The byelection comes at an important time for Black Diamond as councillors face big issues that could change the course of the town’s future.
Taxes and local finances are key issues and will likely loom large in the campaign as two candidates are part of a concerned taxpayers group whose members have regularly attended council meetings paying close attention to the Town’s operations and spending. Taxes have been a sore point in Black Diamond for several years and 2016 is the first in many years council didn’t raise taxes. Tax rates are still high compared to many towns of a similar size and further relief would be welcome news to many.
Black Diamond is at a turning point in its growth and economic development.
Council will need to consider how to strike a balance between attracting new businesses, while protecting and supporting the local merchants and companies that are the lifeblood of the community.
Council will also need to figure out how Black Diamond can benefit from tourism, attracting people and their dollars to town.
Finally, the very future of the Town could be put to question over the coming months as Black Diamond and Turner Valley once again explore the possibility of amalgamation.
Black Diamond voters need to come out to vote on Aug. 22, the Town.
It’s their chance to have a voice on the future of their community.
