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The last word: Pitches from Fernie candidates

The Free Press collected final pitches from Fernie candidates ahead of the October 15 vote
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Composite of all candidates for Fernie City Council at the 2022 municipal elections: Ange Qualizza, Nic Milligan, Jesse Mould, Kyle Hamilton, Troy Nixon, Ted Shoesmith, Patrick Burke, Zuzana Simpson, Blaine Fabi, April Montague, Spencer Gough, Jonathan MacGregor, Tracey Audia Kelly, Kevin McIsaac, Harshan Ramadass, Bob Langfield. (contributed, and file photos)

The Free Press reached out to all 16 candidates running for public office in Fernie for their last pitch to residents on why they are running, and why they should be elected.

They were asked to summarize their comments into 50 words or less, as if making closing remarks at an all-candidate forum.

In alphabetic order (with the office they are running for), here are the responses of the candidates that submitted answers by deadline. Their comments are provided verbatim.

Nic Milligan (mayor)

It has been humbling to see residents’ commitment and willingness to work for the betterment of Fernie. I will respect that commitment with engaged local government that includes the community’s voice. We have challenges ahead, but our collective intelligence and experience will generate solutions. I promise to serve Fernie honourably.

Ange Qualizza (incumbent, mayor)

We have infrastructure projects that need our immediate attention, I want to continue to drive investment into Fernie, support our asset renewal projects, advocate and use my voice at UBCM to ensure Fernie is represented on all issues at the Provincial level. My priorities are housing, childcare, and climate action.

Tracey Audia Kelly (council)

Fernie residents deserve better! Better services, reliable infrastructure, and attainable housing. I have a long record of public service and volunteering. I am experienced in governance, interpreting legislation and obtaining funding. I will work hard for our community.

A community thrives when everyone is well served. Let’s move forward together!

Patrick Burke (council)

I believe in working to provide cost effective solutions to Fernie’s needs, this can beachieved by spending on preventative maintenance. I feel the people have lost their options to communicate with council and if elected I want to reconnect with the public. Please vote Patrick Burke for Council.

Blaine Fabi (council)

I was born and raised in Fernie and I remember the amazing town it was. I have lived Victoria, Toronto, and for 15 years in Australia so I have seen how other cities / countries are run. I loved living in Australia but moved my family to Fernie because our son is 10 and I wanted him to have the same experience I had. It’s been two years and I am quite sad at the state of affairs in the city. Residents have been marginalized in the search for the all mighty tourist dollar. That needs to stop. It’s great having tourists and everything they add to the city, but the price being paid by Fernie residents is too high. We need to find a balance, and I know we can.

Spencer Gough (council)

The city is currently facing many major issues and it is imperative we have a responsive council, I believe i would be one such councillor and i hope i have your support in the coming election.

Kyle Hamilton (incumbent, council)

When I ran 4 years ago, it was on a platform of improving the City’s policies, processes, and procedures that impact infrastructure. The work isn’t glamorous, but, having continuity, clearheadedness, and consensus building at the table will keep our community moving in the right direction. Vote Kyle Hamilton for Council.

Bob Langfield (council)

Councils duty is to keep an open mind in all matters considering the welfare and interests of the City and community members and to make responsible collective decisions regarding the development and evaluation of policies and programs respecting primary services and other activities. If elected I will always consider the best interests of the community.

Kevin McIsaac (incumbent, council)

Seldom has Fernie had such contrast between voting for those who excel at fault-finding and those labouring to find opportunities. For more than twenty years I’ve been volunteering my time organizing events and supporting community groups to find opportunities. Vote for me and I’ll continue to do just that from council.

April Montague (council)

I have specific things I’m passionate about, and I hope voters will connect with my people-centred solutions - diverse, accessible housing that is sustainable and builds community. I will do my best to support youth, seniors and families. I will do my best to support people.

Jesse Mould (council)

As a city councilor I have 3 main rocks to stand on.

1 City infrastructure, fernie has fallen behind and its holding us back.

2 Community interaction, we need to be here for the people.

3 Personnel assessment, the right people in the right places with the right skills.

Troy Nixon (incumbent, council)

I’ve attended reconciliation walks, I have participated in Remembrance day ceremonies, Pride celebrations, I’ve read thousands of pages of documents, I’ve attended council meetings, budget meetings, CAO interviews and have tried to learn as much as I can about Local Government. This election is about experience. Vote for experience!

Harshan Ramadass (council)

The challenges and opportunities are many. The decisions on bylaws, sewer, firehall and housing will determine our future. You need a problem solver , an active listener to people’s voices on the council. I am that person to serve you for the next four years. Vote Ramadass!

Ted Shoesmith (council)

If you feel that Fernie needs councilors grounded in reality, that represent of the people who actually live and work here, that understand running a business, with a long track record of community service, then consider Ted Shoesmith for council.

Two candidates, Jonathan MacGregor (council) and Zuzana Simpson (council) did not respond by deadline. Candidates received the question (and a follow-up reminding them of the deadline) via the same email that they had been communicating with The Free Press for the duration of the entire campaign.

READ MORE: Fernie election: Coverage of candidates and questions



scott.tibballs@thefreepress.ca
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