OLDS - About 120 people came out to the TransCanada Theatre in Olds for the byelection candidates forum on Jan. 8.
All seven candidates, Darren Wilson, Mitch Thomson, Sundai Cody, Rudy Duriex, Darcy Dobush, Keith Bishop and Jan Thompson, were on hand to answer questions from the audience through a moderator.
Moderating the event was Olds & District Chamber of Commerce president Mark Johnson. Popular topics for questions included the economy, business, town spending and cannabis.
One of the people attending the forum was local realtor Hugh Bodnar. He called the byelection forum a real testimony to democracy.
"To have (seven) candidates run for one position is pretty incredible," said Bodnar. "For people willing to put themselves forward in this manner is really important."
Bodnar said he wasn't surprised that most of the questions from the audience were about the economy.
"It's pretty common throughout - we're in a very tough economy," he said. "I think there were some credible answers about what is needed in this community. I guess time will tell."
Bodnar was impressed with a number of the candidates.
"Whoever gets elected, it's a big challenge," he said.
In regards to the common themes of the economy and business retention, Bodnar would like to see the town better promote the O-NET network system.
"I think we need to capitalize on it," he said. "We need to promote the heck out of it. Get the word out that we're open for business and get it out there that this is the fastest internet in Canada.
“Why aren't we capitalizing on it? To me that's a huge issue."
Another resident, Jan Nesom, was impressed with how the forum went overall.
"I was grateful that the chamber was able to sponsor it and we were able to hear all seven candidates," said Nesom. "I was disappointed, to be honest, that there wasn't a better turnout.
“It's such an important part of the process that I wish we could've had the whole town out to benefit from hearing from what each candidate had to say and where they stood on the important issues."
Nesom said she was impressed with several of the candidates, particularly the ones who did their research.
"I was appreciative that all the candidates came out and spoke well and gave us their bits," she said. "Thanks to the Olds chamber of commerce for putting it on and hosting it without a lot of time."
Lesley Winfield, Olds Municipal Library manager, attended the forum and thought all the candidates had some positive things to say.
"I think the fact that we have a forum in town where people can go out and get the information they need before making an informed decision election day is a wonderful thing," said Winfield. "I always enjoy going and participating in forums."
Winfield thought that there was a good range of questions from the audience members for the candidates.
"Like anything there is always some people who understand how different political systems and different powers work more than others but I think that's the beauty of being able to ask those questions," she said.
"I think all the candidates gave it their best for answering questions. It's great to see so many people interested in just one position."
