A number of issues will be weighing on the minds of Flin Flon voters when they elect a new city council later this month.
Among the five councillors seeking re-election are Tim Babcock, an account manager at Acklands-Grainger, and Bill Hanson, a carpenter at the Flin Flon General Hospital.
Also up for re-election are Karen MacKinnon, recently retired from sales and promotion at The Reminder, and Colleen McKee, an employee of Workplace Education Manitoba who works as the regional training coordinator for Northern WEST Centres.
Seeking re-election as well is Ken Pawlachuk, an electrician / refrigeration mechanic who, having retired from Hudbay, now works for a local
contractor.
Entering the race from the outside is Leslie Beck, a retired RCMP officer who now works as an educational trainer for the Northern Health Region and a safety and health home business consultant.
Also hoping to join council for the first time is Tom Davie, a Hudbay employee who is currently full-time president of the United Steelworkers Local 7106 union.
The Reminder posed the same seven questions to all candidates. They were given up to 170 words per answer. If a candidate went over this limit, The Reminder condensed the answer.
Today we bring you the first in a two-part series providing candidates’ answers. The remaining questions and answers will appear next week. The municipal election will be held Oct. 22.
REMINDER: What is the number one challenge facing Flin Flon and how would you address it as a councillor?
TIM BABCOCK: The number one challenge facing Flin Flon today is the cost of fixing and maintaining our aging infrastructure and facilities. As councillors, we are faced with tough decisions every day. When you have a list of $10,000,000 in projects that are deemed as priorities, and you only have $1,000,000 to spend, it can seem like there are no right answers. No matter what you choose to spend the money on, you know that 10% of your problems are going to go away but 90% of them will get worse.
We spend months working with our staff to come up with a plan, and just when you think you’ve got it worked out, another leak is sprung and another street needs to be dug up or roof needs to be replaced. You have to have the guts to do what you feel is right, which rarely turns out to be what is popular.
LESLIE BECK: The simple answer is partnerships. However, the understanding of who and what those partnerships are is complex! Understanding what it is I/we can do for those partnerships and what they can do for us/themselves can be as challenging as it is rewarding. Knowing when you have to take a position, as opposed to stepping back to just listen.
Flin Flon is also one of a few communities that must exist within two provincial governments, whose borders share people deeply rooted to the area. The people have built a strong relationship, but the need remains for a balance with government and business.
My goal, as both a vested person who has lived here since 1986 and wanting to be a part of the municipal government, is to use my experience though years of working with people, industry and government to support and grow the partnerships we have as well as reach out to potential ones whose goals are the same, thus making the area stable, economically strong and supports diversity.
TOM DAVIE: The number one thing facing Flin Flon is infrastructure and cost associated with this. All we can do is look at cost, where and how we can utilize the existing funds available to accomplish things, either through cheaper vendors, scheduling and, can our workers do it cheaper? We need to have more accountability for large projects. If we did this I believe we would not need the increases that have been forced on the
taxpayers.
BILL HANSON: Not sure what the number one problem is. There are a number of them, but I will speak what’s on my heart. One of the numerous problems facing Flin Flon is our ability to get more money from the province and the federal government. These same governments mandate us to build and maintain infrastructure that is very expensive to operate.
The other problem is, we are a regional centre that is funded on a municipal basis. Unfortunately, all we can do about this is lobby for more money. Our aging infrastructure is our Achilles heel and we just need to keep replacing and renewing so we can ensure everyone has their basic needs met. The city has too many pressing issues to fit into 170 words.
KAREN MacKINNON: There is no number one challenge facing Flin Flon; like most communities there are many. We have failing infrastructure, the need for more senior housing and declining population, just to name a few.
I do not want Flin Flonners to think all we have are challenges; our city has so many good things going for it. Council’s responsibility is to make sure Flin Flonners have a high quality of life by providing the services needed while at the same time being fiscally responsible with tax dollars to provide these services. I feel that as a councillor it would be my duty to continue to work hard for solutions to all our challenges and build on the advantages we have in our wonderful community.
COLLEEN McKEE: The number one challenge we are facing as a community is how to manage funds in an environment consisting of a tax base that’s declining and possesses antiquated infrastructure.
To address this issue as a councillor, it is critical to ensure spending accountability, infrastructure needs prioritization, tax base stabilization and long-term planning that addresses systematic replacement.
KEN PAWLACHUK: The need for provincial support to help financially with the serious need for senior housing and aging infrastructure, and that the province replace the low-income housing that they took away from us.
REMINDER: Would you support an application by the City of Flin Flon to annex cottage country if cabin owners fail to pay the municipality a fee it deems suitable? Why or why not?
TIM BABCOCK: I have a tough time answering this question. This is an onion that has so many layers, and to me there is no easy clear yes or no answer. What I do know is that like it or not, we are all part of this community and if the Community Hall or the Whitney Forum were to close, it closes for everyone. If our options came down to closing the Whitney Forum or Aqua Centre, or applying for annexation, what would you do?
As taxpayers in Flin Flon, should we be expected to pay the entire bill for facilities that are used by everyone? Our job as councillors is to do what is best for the taxpayers of the City of Flin Flon. No one wants to go down this road, but when plans A, B, C, D, E and F have failed, you keep moving on until you find something that works. If we don’t, then why are we here?
LESLIE BECK: This topic is not new; I spent 21 years working with the RCMP and know the challenges of having discussions around whom and how the bills for service get paid in undesignated territories and/or living in a designated provincial park.
My opinion on the topic, now and for the foreseeable future, is that the lead should have come from the provincial government, developing dialogue between the involved parties. The question takes us back to the answer to your first question. I cannot answer or predict what my answer would be without having all the information; at this time all I know is from the newspaper and those whom I have spoken to on the street from both sides. If the matter is still before council after the election, I would want to read the minutes and speak with all parties involved and make suggestions on how I would want to have council move forward.
TOM DAVIE: I have to admit I’m not up to speed on the annexing. It is my understanding annexing and fire protection are two different issues. I think the parties are at a crossroads and I’m hoping personalities are not coming into play. If they are at an impasse, the parties should file for mediation through the Manitoba government if that is available. If it is just a cost for fire protection, then submit an actual figure to take it or
leave it.
BILL HANSON: As these negotiations are ongoing and your question quite divisive in our community, I will not be answering this at this time.
KAREN MacKINNON: If annexing is the best option for the city and it is what taxpayers want, yes; if it isn’t, no.
I hope that it never has to come to this. The reasons I agreed that council approach the cottage country for a suitable contribution before pursuing annexation are: It is not fair that city taxpayers foot the whole bill to continue to offer all the services and facilities to Flin Flon and surrounding areas; many Flin Flonners have cottages in cottage country, I do not want to make it impossible for them to afford this pleasure if their cottages were assessed; good friends live in cottage country, I do not want to make it unaffordable for them to continue to live there. A suitable fee would be less costly than their taxes if their homes were assessed, if annexed.
It would be great if the city and cottagers would work together to lobby the province to step in and provide a solution to this province-wide problem.
COLLEEN McKEE: Quite frankly, I am disappointed with this question as it only serves to create division amongst our community. There are many factors that play into a decision of this kind. I think while a negotiable issue like this is still on the table, it would be unfair of me to go into great detail in the newspaper. I believe that as a cottage owner and a taxpayer I am able to see both sides of the issue clearly. The one thing I do support is resolution of this issue. Hopefully, that will be in the very near future. I am interested in working with the cottage association to lobby for the greater good of the entire region.
KEN PAWLACHUK: It would be unfortunate if the city is forced to take that route because the reaction would be a lot worse than the action. I speak both as a cabin owner and city taxpayer, and I feel it is only fair that Flin Flonners don’t subsidize fire protection and other services for the cabin owners.
REMINDER: What’s going right in Flin Flon and how would you capitalize on that as a
councillor?
TIM BABCOCK: We face a lot of challenges; we have a lot to be proud of, too. We have the Whitney Forum and Flin Flon Bombers. Our arts community is second to none. Our school system is first-rate. We have good employers with good opportunities. We are surrounded by nature. How about community initiatives such as Channing Beach or the skate park?
This past weekend, the toughest decision I had to make was whether to go to the Habitat coffee house, Bomber game or Kinsmen and Kinettes Oktoberfest. There are so many opportunities here that it’s hard for me to keep up. If you can’t find something that you love about Flin Flon, you aren’t looking
very hard.
As a council, we can’t take credit for many of these things. Sometimes we can get involved, but much of the time all we can do is cheer from the sidelines. Whatever we do, it is important that we all work together to make Flin Flon a better place to live.
LESLIE BECK: I was transferred here in 1986 with the RCMP with the option of leaving in four years. I am 28 years a better person for having been given that opportunity. I met my husband, raised two wonderful children and I have friends and acquaintances that make me feel sometimes I was born here. We are a strong community; we cannot be un-done by any other place. Yes, some have moved on, but when they are needed, they come back time and time again. It’s this sense of community that keeps us positive about our future.
TOM DAVIE: One thing I’ve always loved about Flin Flon is the community support. There are so many organizations that help out or just promote our great community. We should do more in promoting these great organizations. Maybe an appreciation BBQ or an award of acknowledgement for all the hard work these groups do. Saying thank you goes a long way.
BILL HANSON: What’s happening in Flin Flon right now is a very vague question; the election is happening. There does not seem to be any new funding provincially or federally, but with elections coming hopefully we will see some funds come our way. Administration is already working on the new year’s budget and as a councillor hopefully I can participate in what gets done where and how there are too many projects to list.
KAREN MacKINNON: I’d need more than 170 words to cover all that’s going right; there is plenty! A young mother recently commented to me that she wished she lived in a big city as there is nothing to do here, only swimming in the summer at the lake, pool in the winter; and sledding in the winter, quad in the summer.
I told her people in large cities would love to only drive five minutes to go swimming in one of our surrounding lakes; they don’t know what it’s like to drive out of their yards with their snow machines and quads and into the bush. Most Flin Flonners only drive five minutes to work! The city, arts council and service groups are always providing activities / workshops / events for people of all ages to take part in, at an affordable cost.
For a community this size, it’s amazing what is available. We have to continue to support and help everyone who makes Flin Flon such a great place
to live.
COLLEEN McKEE: One thing that has remained constant in Flin Flon is the spirit of the people. The people of this area have demonstrated their ability to pull together for many causes and have done so successfully. It is very impressive. I would love to see this kind of effort and teamwork in action when it comes time to take on a project that we can all support.
Secondly, another thing that I think is going well is the number of high-calibre entertainment opportunities that are delivered here. The talent in this town is incredible and we are very fortunate to witness it. To capitalize on this is to continue to support these endeavors and market our community in the most positive light we can.
Lastly, as difficult as it may be, we are facing challenges head-on. Change is inevitable; how we respond is up to us.
KEN PAWLACHUK: We are trying to keep all the services, like the bus service, recreational facilities and capital upgrades to recreational facilities, and we are trying to fix infrastructure in Flin Flon, having worked on several major streets and upgrading sewer and water plants, etc.
Flin Flonners have a wonderful spirit of community and support with events such as hockey, arts and culture, and generously support many fundraising events like no other community.
REMINDER: Someone walks up to you on the street and asks, “Why should I vote for you over someone else?” What do you tell them?
TIM BABCOCK: I always try to put myself in the voter’s shoes. I don’t like candidates who stand on their soap box and make a bunch of promises they have no way of keeping. If you have a platform, chances are good I’m not voting for you. If you want to earn my vote, you need to be passionate about your community.
Every candidate runs for a different reason, and I think it’s pretty easy to tell the difference between someone who is running because they are in love with their community, and someone who is running for personal gain.
I’ve worked hard these last four years to learn as much as I can, and I take this job very seriously. Some day, I’d like to represent Flin Flon as mayor or MLA. I hope that on election day, people share my enthusiasm for this community and can’t wait to put an ‘x’ beside my name.
LESLIE BECK: I am involved in the community, I believe in the community and I want economic diversity and stability for Flin Flon and area. My work and personal life have given me the diversity needed to address the issues to bring and use a strong voice on behalf of the citizens of Flin Flon. I am not afraid to speak up, nor am I afraid to admit if I’m wrong. I work hard and never give up if I believe in something.
TOM DAVIE: I tell them I want the opportunity to help represent the people of Flin Flon. I think we need a change in the way we operate. If we keep continuing down the road we are on, I’m very concerned about what we are going to have left for a town/city. I believe I can help maintain what we have without large increases to the taxpayer.
BILL HANSON: I believe the answer to that is history; this will be my fifth term as a councillor if elected. I’ve never seen a new initiative that wasn’t an old idea in a new dress, good, bad or indifferent. I believe new blood on council is needed and necessary, but I also believe you need to know history and consequences to action. I have seen many good and bad ideas implemented, and unless someone is there to explain what happened last time, people don’t know.
Last and not least is the people that know me and work with me know I’m a practical guy and a problem solver. I believe in the KISS philosophy of “keep it simple, stupid.” My favourite quote in the world is from Albert Einstein when he said, man can accomplish anything if he doesn’t care who gets the credit.
KAREN MacKINNON: I would tell them that I have made the decision to run again because there is still work that has to be completed. I also know that my eight years of experience being a councillor will be beneficial for the work that has to be done going forward. I have shown in the last eight years that I am committed and care deeply for Flin Flon and its people.
My husband Barry and I have raised our family here and have made the decision to retire in Flin Flon. Our daughters, Chrissy and Maggie, son-in-law Brad and granddaughters Mattie and Hollie Clarke all live in Flin Flon. So you know that I will work very hard, for my family and yours, to make sure that Flin Flon continues to be a great place to live and raise a family.
COLLEEN McKEE: In the political arena, I never forget who I work for, you, the people. My commitment to my community, my home, has never wavered. Through my experience, I have garnered confidence in becoming a strong voice.
As a third-generation citizen, and as a volunteer for 35 organizations in this community in various capacities, I have a full understanding of the needs of the people; the need to live in a safe community that offers opportunities for youth, families and seniors, while maintaining fundamental services. I have demonstrated through my actions my undying obligation to the community and its people.
KEN PAWLACHUK: I have gained some insight and experience as a councillor and feel my work is not finished. We need to aggressively lobby the provincial government for seniors’ housing and infrastructure upgrades.
