Independent the
Stettler SERVING THE
Sports
Heart
Story on P16
Community Agricultural nostalgia re-lived over the weekend Story on P2
District Help needed for arena concession Column on P9
$56,975 MSRP
Chevy Silverado 2500 DBL Cab Stk# 15098 SAVE OVER $13,500 OFF MSRP!
STETTLER, ABLERTA
VOLUME ONE-HUNDRED NINE NUMBER FORTY-ONE PM40011853 R08546
$1.09 Plus GST
OF CENTRAL ALBERTA FOR 108 YEARS
Election debate enthusiastically followed
STACEY LAVALLIE INDEPENDENT REPORTER
Lightning suffer double loss over weekend
October 14, 2015
The federal election debate hosted by the Stettler Regional Board of Trade and the Stettler Library on Tuesday, Oct. 6 saw the Stettler Community Hall comfortably full, with almost all the seats set out full of people from the riding, including a strong contingent of students. In addition to the incumbent Sorenson, the NDP candidate Katherine Swampy and Liberal Party candidate Andy Kowalski attended while Green Party candidate Gary Kelly didn’t, due to what was described as personal obligations, but the CEO of the Green Party’s Battle RiverCrowfoot association, Nora Abercrombie, stood in for Kelly. Sorenson led the pack with his practiced spiel, clearly on top of information about the riding he has represented, in some form, since first being elected 15 years ago in 2000. Sorenson spoke easily about the various
Moush Sara John/Independent reporter
Kevin Sorenson, the MP for the Battle River-Crowfoot riding, stands and speaks during a debate in Stettler last week. He is running for re-election. From left are Green Riding CEO Nora Abercrombie, Liberal candidate Andy Kowalski, Kevin Sorenson and NDP candidate Katherine Swampy. topics broached at the debate, referring to notes only when seeking specific numbers in answer to questions. On the other hand, Swampy, who hails from Maskwacis, sounded somewhat scripted and at times lost in front of
the crowd. While passionate about child care and post-secondary education, she struggled to persuade the audience who insisted that the $15/day childcare plan promised by NDP leader Tom Mulcair wouldn’t work in a rural setting
and would only benefit urban centres. Kowalski for his part appeared clumsy when he banged his knee every time he stood up. He failed to convince the audience that he had an understanding of the community and his
knowledge of the Liberal platform seemd to be lacking details. His answers to the questions appeared to be off the mark, frequently involving personal anecdotes rather than factual statements. More often than not, he relied on personal attacks on either the candidates or Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s record. More than once, the fellow candidates at the table would correct him when he provided inaccurate information. Sorenson’s biggest challenge came from the only person at the table not running. The Greens’ Abercrombie, speaking much like Sorenson — not needing to refer to papers, sounding genuine, and not scripted, sent her message home in clear terms. While she managed to connect with some people, her rejection of the coal industry entirely, as well as some of the Greens’ other plans, drew reaction from those following the debate.
Council discusses Parkland Regional Library ties STACEY LAVALLIE INDEPENDENT REPORTER Stettler Town Council met for a brief session on Wednesday, Oct. 7 and discussed matters concerning Parkland Regional Library budget, which almost all central Alberta communities contribute to. Parkland Regional Library (PRL) stocks the Stettler library and council voiced their appreciation of the ser-
$66,120
vices offered by PRL while all the members also shared a concern, raised by Councillor Darcy Bachman, the library’s desire to operate on single-year budgets. Currently, the library, as well as the town, create budgets for three years at a time, so they can look down the road to upcoming projects and necessities, and see how current projects and future projects impact the budget. PRL, however, has now asked
$71,855
MSRP
Stk# 15314 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew Cab Stk# 15223 Chevy Silverado High Country SAVE OVER $13,500 OFF MSRP! SAVE OVER $13,500 OFF MSRP!
MSRP
to go to single year, and council unanimously appeared to share Bachman’s concerns. While the town intends to keep PRL in the library here, staff were directed to open communication with PRL management regarding the budget matter. Council recently attended the Alberta Urban Municipal Association’s conference, and spoke a bit on the different meetings they went to, including meetings on waste
management, recycling, roads, health and more. While there were a lot of familiar faces in the way of councils and staffs from other Alberta cities and towns, several of the ministers sent by the new NDP provincial government were new. Most earned cautious praise from council as they commented on how they listened and kept an open mind. The next council meeting is Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m.
$59,760 MSRP
GMC Sierra 2500 Crew Cab Stk# 15241 SAVE OVER $13,000 OFF MSRP!
Savings off MSRP price include GM NSC and Loyalty incentives, savings are model specific and may vary between customers, all prices subject to GST. Standard rate financing available with cash incentives. Contact dealer for details
CHEVROLET BUICK GMC & Detailing Service
403-742-3407
www.Stettlergm.com m