A Turner Valley byelection candidate says he aims to get to the bottom of the Town’s water and spending issues while supporting local businesses if elected.
Randy Williamson is one of six candidates vying for the vacant seat on Turner Valley council and is out in the community listening to the concerns of local residents and merchants.
In his conversations, Williamson said one of the major issues people have brought up is the town’s water situation.
“They built the water reservoir so Turner Valley would not have any more water issues,” he said. “Why are we dealing with water shortages and restrictions? Why are we paying these outrageous water bills?”
Several merchants have expressed concerns about the two-tiered water billing implemented last year, where users pay the same amount for water and sewer. Those with larger water meters also pay more.
Williamson said this has resulted in some businesses paying several hundred dollars every pay cycle, every two months.
“My bill was $80 for it to come in and $80 for it to go out,” he said. “This is outrageous. There is something seriously wrong with this. People really feel they’re getting gouged.”
Williamson said he’s also trying to determine the wages of the Town’s upper management positions, saying spending needs to be reduced by managing wages and overstaffing.
“Management income should be reviewed first and adjusted to sustainable levels,” he said.
Rather than cut back or terminate lower pay scale employees, Williamson said cuts should begin at the top.
“We need to look at those top people and what kind of incomes are they making over there,” he said. “I’m saying any business, and this is a business, when they start adjusting it should be from the top down, not the bottom up. If you start cutting you start cutting management.”
During his campaign, Williamson spent a lot of time in local businesses to learn their concerns.
“I’ve knocked on doors and talked to all the business owners,” he said. “I know what’s impacting the businesses because I’m a business person. I can see what’s going on with the economy. I’ve got a pretty good handle on what’s going on when it comes to businesses.”
Williamson said he has 30 years of marketing and corporate business experience in upper and middle management, including managing businesses and training managers.
As the former president of the Diamond Valley Chamber of Commerce, Williamson said he was instrumental in building the Visitor Information Centre and hiring students to operate it and direct visitors to local businesses.
Williamson and his team grew the membership by almost 100 businesses, began a referral system and updated the chamber’s website.
“We became one voice moving in one direction,” he said. “The businesses need a voice. Businesses are struggling. The businesses have to be supported.”
Williamson said when a business wants to expand, the town planner should do everything required to make that transition as smooth as possible.
In talking with local merchants, he also heard concerns about the Town allowing similar businesses into the community, killing business for some.
Part of improving the situation for local businesses is increasing tourism, said Williamson, which includes working out a deal with tour buses.
“They go straight through Turner Valley and hit Black Diamond,” he said. “We need to find a way to stop them here.”
To learn more or to get in touch with Randy Williamson contact him at [email protected].
Voting takes place April 8 at Turner Valley’s council chambers from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with advance polls on March 26 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
