Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce, Candidates Forum - listener supplied photo
FORT MCMURRAY, AB. — With less than three weeks until election day, a former long-serving municipal councillor says the crowded field of candidates in Wood Buffalo reflects both public dissatisfaction and heightened expectations for local leadership.
Sheldon Germain, who served 19 years on council and frequently topped the polls, said the sheer number of names running for Ward 1 and school trustee seats points to a strong appetite for change.
“The large number of candidates for both the municipal and school board elections becomes a different level of challenge,” Germain said. “Even getting enough space to put a sign up and have proper site lines becomes awkward. It’s really important that people are courteous and not put signs in front of other people’s signs.”
Germain said campaigners at this point should have their signs placed, advertising in order and be well into door-knocking. He added that surveys from interest groups are a growing trend, though often a heavy time burden on candidates.
“You really want to be clear on your campaign and your platform and continue to hit those three or four bullet points in all your messaging,” he said. “Overly complex campaigns and platforms tend to not resonate with voters.”
Labour unrest is also shaping the races for trustee. Germain said last year’s CUPE strike, which disproportionately affected children who rely on educational assistants, and the looming possibility of a teacher strike, have driven more trustee candidates into the race.
“As we go into a possible teacher strike candidates are going to be challenged on what they will do as a trustee to help advocate for public education funding,” he said. “Incumbent candidates are at benefit from name recognition but also could be wearing some of the CUPE strike issues.”
On the municipal side, Germain noted that education is primarily a provincial responsibility, but council can still support schools through recreation partnerships, parks development and advocacy.
“The municipality does have a role in supporting education,” he said. “Parent councils in other areas of Alberta have to fundraise to raise money for a new park. Here we’ve had council step up.”
Germain, who was known for running disciplined campaigns, said he once calculated that every lawn sign equalled at least 100 votes and targeted 500 signs in an election.
“Developing a system of door knocking and getting lawn signs is a simple way to focus yourself on a controllable,” he said. “Also remember an election should have an element of fun and you should be interacting and developing an understanding from residents on what they want to see for the region.”
He warned campaigns not to burn out before election day.
“Three weeks out from election day you need to keep a lot of energy in the tank,” he said. “I remember many elections coming in on fumes exhausted from the daily door-knocking. You need to always run your campaign like you’re 100 votes behind.”
Advanced polls open Friday, but Germain advises voters who are unsure to wait until election day.
“That way you’ve been able to determine who is the best candidate to represent your beliefs and vision for the community,” he said.
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