While many voters had already made up their minds on the provincial election, Highwood constituents had some final questions for their candidates before going to the polls.
Over 100 people attended the Chamber of Commerce Highwood Forum on April 12 at the Okotoks Recreation Centre. The forum marked the last chance, and for many the only chance, to hear from their candidates in one place.
The forum was attended by Ron Kerr, Alberta Party; Dan Irving, Alberta Independence Party; and RJ Sigurdson, United Conservative Party. The New Democratic Party candidate Erik Overland was unable to attend.
Criticism over the lack of forums provided during the election abounded, with many attendees speaking of how there was not enough opportunity to hear from candidates. One such critic was Town of Okotoks Councillor Ed Sands, who had already voted in the advance polls, but was there to show support, calling himself a “political junkie.”
“You have to have these forums, they absolutely have to be available for the public,” said Sands. “Fifteen years ago when I was at a nomination we had, I’m trying to remember, three forums where it was speeches and questions, one came nearly to blows, and then there were four speeches in communities with voting.
“Seven, seven forums in a nomination, and we get only one. The Grade 6 kids probably got more exposure to these guys than we did… it’s very important.”
For the candidates themselves, forums are important right up to election day in order to reach voters.
“I think there’s always a chance to change minds, I mean a lot of people that I have seen door-knocking, there’s still a lot of people at this point who haven’t quite made up their minds,” said Sigurdson.
“They’re still looking at all the candidates and wanted the opportunity to come out and see what we have to offer.”
Irving used the forums as an opportunity to not only talk of his platform but to talk to people and hear their concerns.
“You’re always talking to people and you’re always encouraged when people say that you have a great platform to move Alberta forward, so use every opportunity you can to talk to people and to listen to them and their concerns,” he said. “It’s been a great opportunity to hear people.”
Ron Kerr similarly expected the forum to be beneficial for attendees.
“You get a lot of polarizing comments, people are scared, and scared to vote for the wrong party,” he said. “And that’s why we’re here, to let them know that they have a choice.”
When advance polling came to a close, for many voters their decision had already been made, but for some attendees of the forum the night helped solidify any doubts they might have had.
Leslie Miller, a Black Diamond resident, was at the forum because it was the only forum available, and he was looking to hear about policies directly from the candidates.
“I like the fact that it was well organized and there was a number of questions covering a range of broad topics, and that doesn’t happen if you open the mic up… I loved the format, I thought it was very good,” he said.
Miller came to the forum with an open mind and no prior allegiance to any party, but said by the end of the forum he knew who he was voting for.
“Very much beneficial, worth an hour and a half,” he said.
A similar story came from Terry Myers, who also had not decided on his vote before attending, but said that he found the forum useful in helping to make that decision.
