Craig Peterson
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
The biggest issue Lafleche has had the past few years is having no one at the helm. Lincoln was our Mayor but failed to lead. Our council did not appear to have the information to make informed decisions and any business can not function this way.
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
With an unlimited budget our roads would all be paved with new pavement, Our school would get a much needed upgrade as without a proper education our children can not grow to their full potential, and I would see a roadside attraction built. Realistically the only thing we can do on a limited budget is to put our community on the map. Our towns name is LaFleche...which is "The Arrow" in french. I propose (and am already putting a PowerPoint and project sheet set together, even if not elected I would still present it to council) that we install a giant arrow, with a large metal arrowhead half stuck in the ground as the support mechanism, and up to a 200' lodgepole pine made to look like an arrow. Since we are on the Red Coat Trail we can tap into the rich history of the area. This is a project that will cost little and will reap economic dividends to the town.
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
I am not particularly worried about stepping into a new council, with a new direction. I owned my own construction company and as such I am accustomed to working with a team. I have my Masters in Project Management but am now retired. Projects like the items we have discussed are right up my alley.
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 have no issues communicating with the town office or the Mayor, however, the Town Office has a Mayor's Office, if the Mayor was in his/her office members of our community could more effectively speak with the Mayor.
Communication is key in any relationship if you expect it to work or last, honesty, transparency and visibility are all components of this. Each elected official especially the Mayor is joining in a relationship with every other person in this town. And if the relationship is to be a productive and long lasting one transparency and communication are vital.
Open town halls could be organized and will be one way for citizens to bring their ideas or concerns directly to council each 4 months.
Question
How do you think that your knowledge, skills, and work experience would benefit the Town, if you are elected?
Answer
As a Project Manager my skill set will be an asset to our community. As a businessman of many decades I have an understanding in civic planning and layout. I understand the inner workings of a communities infrastructure and I believe I can help as part of this team.
Question
Do you think the Town should look at ways to improve the economy? If so, what are your ideas?
Answer
Economic growth is absolutely vital. Anything this town spends our slim budget on Must offer a monetary or economic return to our town. The propose disc-golf course could be coupled with a small bird sanctuary offering more for people to do when stopping in LaFleche. Of course we need folks to stop, which is where the "World's Tallest Arrow" comes into play. If we have a roadside attraction it presents a reason for tourists to stop here on their way through. Many people will plan vacations around roadside attractions or will travel great distances to visit a bird sanctuary. With an addition of a small blind for people to view from the small wetland behind the old compost can attract many types of wild bird and thus many tourists.
Question
What do you think could be done to improve retention of the Town's employees?
Answer
As the owner of a construction company and as a project manager I learned how to treat employees. Every employee on paper is just another piece of equipment, and you maintain your equipment, if you use any gear to hard or abuse it, it will break. This is the same with employees. They are human beings and deserve the same level of respect that you request from them.
Once the town understands that the people who clean our streets are just as human as those who govern we will have no retention issues. Everyone has feelings regardless of rank, job title, skin color or religion, and everyone has hopes, dreams and aspirations of their own. Once we treat All town employees as equals we will have a much more harmonious workplace and community.