Cathy Kirkpatrick
Question
What are, in your opinion, the biggest challenges that Lafleche had faced in last few years? And what are the challenges that it will face in the coming years? What would you do to overcome them?
Answer
I think that for the community one of the biggest challenges is why can’t we retain employees for the town the water plant and the administrative assistant. I would like to speak with past employees about thier experience working here and ask them why they left and what can we do as a community to enhance the jobs or increase interest for employment here.
I would also like to get some kind of welcome wagon started so that new people to the community would get info on doctors and dentist also who does nails, cleaning the churches , shoe repair etc.info on the lake golfing and club house and any kind of businesses are available and thier hours. Also organizations they could join to meet new people and get involved in the community.
Question
If you had an unlimited budget, what are three things that you would do to imrpove the lives of the residents of Lafleche? If, more realistically, your budget was limited, what's the one thing that you'd do?
Answer
I would fix the roads, bring in more entertainment like maybe a drama club that could do small plays maybe 2 or 3 times a year. I would love to bring back crazy Canuck days or do more fun days or some kind of annual event. More realistically I would start a town lotto to generate funds to support the town in its endeavours.
Question
By looking at the candidates, it's easy to see that we will have for sure a new Mayor and a brand new Council (apart from a couple of members that might be re-elected). Are you worried about the idea of getting into a new role like this and possibly not having the support of people with current experience and knowledge of what has been done in the last few years? Is there anything that you hope will be different, when the new Mayor and Council are elected?
Answer
No I think the past years have been kind of stagnant and we need some new ideas and some new strength to get things moving in the right direction.
Question
What's your idea about transparency when it comes to institutions? Do you think the current administration is doing a good job at communicating with the people? Is there anything you would change in how the Mayor, Council, and Town Office communicate with people?
Answer
I don’t think the town has been very transparent with thier decisions. I would like to see the town meeting be on Facebook so anyone could watch to be better informed about what is being discussed. I would also like to see some kind of forum where people could discuss some ideas and grievances without it being deleted. Just because someone presents a negative opinion doesn’t mean it can’t be discussed and a positive outcome come from it. I also think that maybe some decisions should go to referendum for the community to decide.
Question
How do you think that your knowledge, skills, and work experience would benefit the Town, if you are elected?
Answer
I have lived in this community for over 40 years and have been employed within the town and have also had a store at one time and also raised my children here. I feel my kind , easygoing and patient attitude will be an asset to get ideas and projects going. I work very well with others.
Question
Do you think the Town should look at ways to improve the economy? If so, what are your ideas?
Answer
Yes and I think adding interest in the area could be beneficial to the people and the businesses. It is something that should be discussed with the community to see what the interests are and how we could draw others from surrounding areas to participate.
Question
What do you think could be done to improve retention of the Town's employees?
Answer
Like I expressed in question 1. We would have to find out why they left and what we could improve to make them feel valued and respected to make working for Lafleche a great experience.