Lacombe Forum Questions

Question 1:

Topic - Social Issues:

 

Municipalities are increasingly taking on programs related to social issues, beyond their legislated mandate, such as:

How will you ensure our municipality focuses on delivering those initiatives required under the Municipal Government Act while addressing these other socials issues that are brought forward to municipalities? 

 

Question 2:

Topic – Municipal Services balanced with Fiscal Responsibility

 

Lacombe needs to balance keeping taxes affordable while maintaining existing services, investing in key services like recycling, libraries, and emergency housing.  If elected, how would you decide where to cut and where to invest to balance city fiscal responsibility and investment in key services? 

 

Question 3:

Topic – Vision & Legacy - Municipal Strategic Planning

 

Please name one or two items of the existing strategic plan that you feel should be focused on in the next 4 years, and how should residents be able to describe the direction Lacombe is heading because of your initiatives? 

 

Mayor Candidate Question:

Topic - Council and Administration

 

We have received questions concerning the existing relationship between council and city administration.  In your opinion, what should the relationship between City Council and municipal administration look like, and how can that partnership help move Lacombe forward while supporting staff morale, retention, and stability in the operations of our City?  

 

Question 4:

Topic – Council and Administration

 

Lacombe’s Chamber would encourage economic programs facilitated by a strong City Economic Development Manager.  What steps would you take to fill the role of a Lacombe Economic Development Manager, and more specifically what importance would you place in this position? 

 

Question 5:  

Topic – Community Recreation Support

 

Lacombe is working to stay vibrant and attract families while keeping taxes affordable.  How would you balance investing in recreational facilities and programs like inclusive recreational programs, arts & entertainment, historical museums, all with the need to keep the city’s budget responsible?  

 

 Question 6:

Topic – Local Business Relationship

 

Lacombe is lucky to have a history of extremely engaged and supportive businesses in our community.  How will you foster the relationship with these businesses into the future?

In addition to the questions candidates will be asked during tonight’s forum, we have provided them with the following written questions. Candidates are invited to submit their responses (500 words or less per question) to the Lacombe & District Chamber of Commerce by Friday, October 10. Submitted responses will be posted on our website under each candidate’s profile by Tuesday, October 14.

 

Question #1
There is currently a renewed push for “shop local” from all levels of government and business groups across the country, unlike anything we have seen in recent years. Please consider the City of Lacombe’s RFP/tendering process — including the procurement of goods and services for the City — and the process City administration uses to determine how to execute procurement and/or make recommendations to City Council.

• Part A: Should the City of Lacombe include a component in its decision-making process that gives weight to a supplier’s locality and/or community involvement?
• Part B: What level of involvement should City Council — as a whole or as individual councillors — have with administration in the selection and awarding process for City RFPs or supply contracts?

 

Question #2
Businesses and taxpayers deserve clear insight into how their dollars are spent. How will you improve accessibility, clarity, and transparency of municipal budget reporting and financial decision-making?