On Wednesday, May 30, an election will be held in Outlook in order to name someone as the newest member of town council after the seat was vacated last December by then-councillor Maureen Weiterman.
Following the call for nominations, three people had put their names forward as candidates for the role. With that, The Outlook issued a special questionnaire to each of them that asked about their views on the town and where they’d like to see things headed in the future, should they be elected.
Candidate 1 – Kevin Grotheim
Profession?
Electrician, Owner of Riverbend Industries Ltd.
How long have you lived in Outlook?
I’ve lived in Outlook since 1986, and for a short while from 2011 to 2016 lived in BC and Warman.
What made you want to run for town councillor?
I feel my experiences in life, construction and business background and plain love of my hometown can be an asset to help guide the town going forward. I also have a 4-year old girl that I would like to see have everything available to her as well as all age groups in town.
What are some areas in which Outlook is doing well for itself?
I think the town is trying to do the right thing in expanding the tax base with new lots.
What are some areas in which Outlook needs to improve?
I think we need improvement in planning; for example, a 5-year plan, 10-year plan and 50-year plan. Some things seem to be reactionary to the now and thus results on not the best decisions based on speed that are made. A little visionary planning I believe would subdue some of those issues.
If elected, what is one topic or issue you plan to bring to council right away?
We need some areas laid out for both commercial and residential lots. We also need to keep our infrastructure at a certain level as we proceed forward. There is no use expanding if we don't have proper maintenance on what we have. We should not be falling behind in maintenance of our town.
I feel I’m the best candidate for this role because:
I will always give 100 percent effort to do what's fair for the town of Outlook. We need to remember that this place will be here for generations to come and we need to think of our grand kids when we make decisions. Some might not make us happy at present but it may be in the best interest of the town, which will be here long after we are gone.
My favorite thing about Outlook would have to be:
The people in it. A lot is extended family and good friends and that makes it home for me.
Candidate 2 – Larry Pederson
Profession?
Self-employed. I run a small business in Outlook.
How long have you lived in Outlook?
We have lived in Outlook for about 15 years, and we’ve lived in the area for 35 years or more.
What made you want to run for town councillor?
I decided to run to get a better understanding of how things are done in council and hopefully be able to help the town out and make wise decisions.
What are some areas in which Outlook is doing well for itself?
Outlook is a nice place to live. It is a growing community and we have a lot going for us; recreation, health care, and business.
What are some areas in which Outlook needs to improve?
I think we need to get a better handle on spending and try to attract new business.
If elected, what is one topic or issue you plan to bring to council right away?
If elected, one topic I plan on bringing to council is getting a better understanding in the areas where our taxes are being spent.
I feel I’m the best candidate for this role because:
I put my name in to see if I can offer my help in making Outlook a better place to live. Maybe my area of experience could help. I do believe a broad range of knowledge and experience on council can only help.
My favorite thing about Outlook would have to be:
The people, hands down.
Candidate 3 – Troy Simonson
Profession?
Financial Advisor
How long have you lived in Outlook?
I’ve lived in the Town of Outlook since 2012, but I was raised just outside of town so I feel like I’ve lived in Outlook my whole life.
What made you want to run for town councillor?
I’ve always been interested in politics and I feel like this is a great way to give back to the community that has given me so much already. Being able to help people is one of the things that gives me the most joy in life and being on council would give me that opportunity.
What are some areas in which Outlook is doing well for itself?
I like that the council is coming up with a Strategic Plan. This kind of forward thinking is essential for growth. And I think the town has a great volunteer base and a strong business community. In my eyes these two things are essential for community growth and development. So many of the things that we take for granted wouldn’t be possible without the backing of volunteers and local business, like the new pool for example.
What are some areas in which Outlook needs to improve?
The basic infrastructure, like streets, waterlines, and drains in the town seems like it needs quite a bit of work. And I think we could try to do better to promote tourism in Outlook. Now that the pool is no longer in the park and Skytrail is shut down it seems like something could be added to the park to replace the pool.
If elected, what is one topic or issue you plan to bring to council right away?
I don’t have anything specific that I am looking to get addressed right away. I would need to see what the current state of affairs is first. But if there had to be one thing I would say it would be trying to figure out how to bring in more tourists to Outlook.
I feel I'm the best candidate for this role because:
I am a caring person who will always do what I believe is best for the majority of the residents of Outlook. And I feel like adding me to the council would create a nice balance of youth and experience on the council.
My favorite thing about Outlook would have to be:
The people here are awesome. Like I mentioned above, there are so many people in town that care about where they live and work hard to make it a better place. And also, its location with it being on the river. I think we are blessed to have all of the features that the river provides to us; the scenery, walking trails, the setting for the golf course, and so much more.
Advance polls to vote in this election will be open on Thursday, May 24 at the following locations: Golden Acres Hi-Rise lobby from 9-10 am, Health Centre Long Term Care main room from 10:30-12:00 pm, and the Outlook Art Gallery from 2:00-7:00 pm. The main poll will be held at the Art Gallery on Wednesday, May 30 from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.
