Ahead of the Sept. 21 by-election, The Agassiz-Harrison Observer asked mayoral and council candidates five questions concerning their platform, qualifications and what they will bring to the council table, if elected.
Council candidate Ed Wood did not reply to any questions from The Observer.
What is your understanding of the role of councillor/mayor?
John Allen (mayor): The Mayor must comply with Sec 116 of the BC Community Charter: “Responsibilities of mayor. (1) The mayor is the head and chief executive officer of the municipality. (2)In addition to the mayor's responsibilities as a member of council, the mayor has the following responsibilities: (a) to provide leadership to the council, including by recommending bylaws, resolutions and other measures that, in the mayor's opinion, may assist the peace, order and good government of the municipality.”
So a mayor is required to perform all the duties and functions of a chief executive officer. The mayor, alone, also has the exclusive authority to “recommend bylaws, resolutions and other measures…” to the council . As your CEO, I will manage the executive branch of the municipal corporation properly, openly, honestly and in the public interest. The mayor is also designated as the leader of the council. In that role, I will ensure that all council conduct and meetings are properly managed and that the civic rights and interests of the public are protected at all times.
Greg Dykstra (mayor): We utilize the weak mayor system in BC. A mayor’s responsibilities under the Community Charter include the same responsibilities as councillors and, in addition, must provide leadership to the council to ensure effective governance is conducted for the community. Other duties include ensuring there is open and effective communication with the council; participate in a variety of meetings and events while upholding the will of the council; chairing council meetings to ensure focused, orderly, respectful debates and conduct are adhered to; create standing committees with appointments; and provide the CAO or other municipal officers the information necessary to reflect the intent of council. Overall, the mayor supports the council and community through leadership practices while ensuring legislation is followed, the community’s interest is held in the highest regard, and is always mindful that their conduct as a mayor reflects upon the community as a whole.
Teresa Omelus (council): The role of an elected councillor is to provide fair and ethical local governance for the current and future needs and interests of the community, and to consider the wise use of financial resources of the village in the provision of services by council as a whole. Councillor responsibilities are defined under the Community Charter. A councillor must abide by the rules of all applicable legislation, the Code of Conduct, and the Village Rules and Procedures. A councillor is also bound by confidentiality if participating in an in-camera session. Once the Oath of Office is taken, the councillor must legally, morally, and ethically uphold their duties. A councillor attends council meetings and participates in decision-making by deliberating and voting on issues. Other councillor duties may be assigned such as committees, outside meetings, and policy analysis.
Mark Schweinbenz (council): A councillor is there to provide input on procedures, policies, initiatives and plans that are tabled to council, and as required, to vote on these. A councillor must follow the Community Charter and bylaws when conducting official business. A councillor may also table their own motions and initiatives, with input from staff, in order to further provide benefits to the community. A councillor should find common ground and collaborate with fellow council members in order to set a positive tone to staff and to the community.
Fred Talen (mayor): The mayor should consider the interests, concerns and well being of the whole village. The mayor chairs Village Council meetings, is the head of the Village Council, and on behalf of council, gives direction to the village administration. The mayor, when chairing council meetings, is responsible for ensuring council deliberations are respectful and fully consider matters before the council.
Gary Webster (council): To me, the primary role of a councillor is to represent the best interests of the residents in a transparent and open way that ensures all are treated fairly and equally.
What would be your first priority, if elected to office?
Allen: My first priority will be to consult with my three line officers and get up to speed on all ongoing village business. I will ensure that the council meetings are well-planned and that the transition goes smoothly. I am very concerned about the current lack of financial controls and will ensure that proper oversight of spending is restored. Since we are near the year-end, I will prepare a financial report for council and the public which reviews our year-to date performance.
Dykstra: Review council's existing Strategic Plan; it is imperative that at the halfway mark of the term, we collectively revisit the plan and determine what has been done, what needs to be done, and what, if any, updates or changes are required. In tandem, my priority will be to meet with each councillor individually to discuss how I can support them in their role, meet with the CAO to discuss how we will support each other in our roles, meet with leaders in the region to initiate professional relationships; discuss with council and staff a strategy for community communication; and meet with committee chairs to determine their committee support needs. These individual meetings will ensure a personalized approach and initiate a productive, meaningful, and collaborative two years ahead in a supportive and respectful manner for everyone going forward.
Omelus: My priority is to restore the trust of voters by continuing to be a valuable and honest representative for the community by allowing council to function effectively by dealing with business and not distractions. My first task will be to restore a sense of safety and calm among council, staff and contractors. standard first-aid and non-violent crisis intervention training will be provided along with enhanced safety and security measures in the village office. A portable defibrillator will be provided, and staff will be trained in its use. I will provide a mother’s room. I will continue to build upon my previous campaign goals and current undertakings. I have many amazing and inexpensive plans for Harrison and some larger ones. I will give my heart for Harrison in everything I do! I will aim to restore our tarnished reputation with the province. It will be an honour to serve.
Schweinbenz: We have to ensure that we have five strong, creative and independent councillors who can spend the next two years finding common ground when tackling issues, solving problems and seizing opportunities to advance our community. I will seek to set a tone of collaboration with all council and staff. My plan would be to immerse myself in getting to know the administrative and key operations personnel in order to better learn the functions of the village. I plan to delve deeper into long term planning for key areas; The Waterfront, The Civic/ Commercial Corridor, the Urban Landscape including trails, the Miami River and a review of the Emergency Planning procedures and Climate resilience. I believe working as council to envision a re-branding to guide sustainable development in our commercial and tourism sectors is crucial, alongside encouraging investment in our heritage assets.
Talen: As incoming mayor, I will have multiple priorities on day one. I will quickly gain a greater understanding of all matters presently before council. I will meet with the councillors to get to know them better and get a sense of their priorities, as well as being briefed on matters discussed at this week’s UBCM conference. I will also expect a briefing on the state of village finances and the Official Community Plan. I will meet with the village administration and learn about what they would like to bring to council’s attention. In addition, I will seek a meeting with the Chief of the Sts’ailes and the mayor of the District of Kent to introduce myself as Harrison Hot Springs’ new mayor.
Webster: Thanking the electorate for voting. Making a promise to fulfill my role as best I can. Then my first two priorities would be to put forward motions to ensure that the resident parking pass program is in place for 2025 and to ensure that the recommendations in the Urban Forest Master Plan, including actions required to increase the tree canopy cover in the village are acted on. We are rapidly becoming a treeless urban environment. There is so much that can be done with space and trees to increase the attractiveness of the village.
What have you done to prepare for office?
Allen: I have attended almost every Harrison council meeting for almost 50 years, either as mayor, councillor or interested resident. In addition, I have studied and practiced good governance in many organizations and have learned how to manage meetings effectively. My professional training in in 30 years of real estate has given me the expertise necessary to understand how to manage village-owned and tenured properties and how to ensure that Harrison gets all the benefits of good developments.
Dykstra: I am prepared to be mayor because of my career and volunteerism. My experience includes business, risk management, loss prevention, health and safety, and transportation. Owning a business solidified my understanding of decisions and the bottom line. My public safety background allowed me to work with all levels of government, various personalities, and conduct extensive conflict resolution while on duty or as a trainer on the subject. I am a well-balanced individual who embraces the complexity of leading change. I am a life-long learner. Before deciding to run for office, I researched the position of mayor and the required responsibilities to council and staff. I've attended council meetings for many years. I've researched current municipal issues and sought mentors to clarify matters when needed. My family supports the time and dedication required for me to be an effective mayor, as they did during my successful policing career.
Omelus: To prepare for office, I have read the following: Community Charter, Vancouver Charter, Local Government Act, Harrison By-Law 1164, and various local government resources. I watched various provincial government videos. I attended the UBCM in 2023, have spoken with various leaders from around the province, attended local council meetings for almost four years now, consulted with the Office of the Ombudsperson, have reached out to LGMA persons for advice on training resources, and spoke with a Washington state government official recently while campaigning. In general I follow politics, world and current events, and discuss issues with voters, local First Nations, neighbouring communities, and remain open to all opportunities to learn. I have previously dealt with the Healthcare Act of BC and various policies and procedures, laws and regulations. I also have experience with MOTI regulations as a traffic control person, and I successfully completed the lane technician course.
Schweinbenz: Throughout the past many weeks, I have met with hundreds of citizens and stakeholders, where ideas transpired towards three main guiding principals in decision making. All policies, procedures and initiatives should: 1. Enhance the safety, security, quality and enjoyment of life for citizens both current and future 2. Enhance and protect both our surrounding natural environment and our urban environment 3. Display open and transparent, independent yet collaborative decision-making that is fair, balanced and reasonable, including having a hallmark of collaboration and healthy debate that keeps the entirety of the community as the main interest and goal.
Talen: First, during this by-election campaign, I have been throughout the entire village, knocking on almost every door and speaking to many residents. In doing so, I have learned a lot about the priorities and interests of the residents of Harrison Hot Springs. This, to me, is the most important thing I could have done to prepare for the role of mayor. The village exists for the residents, not the other way around. These one-on-one conversations have provided me with firsthand knowledge of what is important to the people that live here.
I have also carefully reviewed the village’s Official Community Plan, Code of Conduct and Council Procedure Bylaws, and provincial legislation concerning local governments. I have attended council meetings, Age Friendly Committee, and Environment Committee meetings. I attended the Agassiz-Harrison Community Services Society AGM and met with the board’s president. I have learned about the important work that the Miami River Streamkeepers do. I have also met with the fire chief and toured the fire department to hear more about on-going emergency preparedness.
Webster: With over two decades of municipal experience including 18 years at the Vancouver Parks Board. I know how transparent, local government can and does work. Since moving to the village as a full-time resident three years ago, I have regularly attended council meetings often asking questions, making suggestions, and advocating for transparency. In addition, I am active in community service in the village, as a member of the Environmental Committee, Block Watch, Citizens Patrolling, Snow Angels, and a new member of Miami Streamkeepers Society.
Why are you the best candidate for the job?
Allen: Primarily because I’m the only candidate with any actual experience in doing this very specialized job. I’ve been Harrison’s mayor four times already and have also served as a councillor several times. This, and my interest in local history, geology and environment equips me with a unique set of skills and the extensive local knowledge which is essential to the good governance of Harrison. I live just across the road from the village office and can be there in a couple of minutes when required.
Dykstra: Harrison Hot Springs needs a leader who focuses on the issues and develops fulsome, effective, inclusive plans that benefit the community. My career in business and public safety was dedicated to identifying opportunities and issues, building relationships, and implementing plans. My experience in operations management, controlling costs and sustainable profit margins, operational continuity, disaster management, mitigation and recovery, crisis situations, and chairing meetings has added depth to my skillset of balancing calm with action. I know the community well due to my policing career, lengthy volunteering history, and local committee involvement. I have sound and valuable experience leading teams and developing individuals for success. I am proud and humble of my broad skillset; however, combined with emotional intelligence, I am the leader who will ensure the community, staff, and council are supported, heard, and encouraged as we collectively honour the past and plan for our future.
Omelus: I am the best candidate for the job because of my solid foundation, with a wide and diverse skill set and background to draw on, a dedication and focus to helping others, and a generosity of spirit for service. My commitment and dedication to Harrison voters extends to almost four years now of unpaid attendance at council meetings. That is evidence of almost one full term as Councillor had I been elected. I am not a flash in the pan that came from nowhere wanting my name on a ballot for the sake of it. Having a friendly, engaging and outgoing personality that centres around people makes it easy for me to listen, dig deeper into issues and find solutions that others don’t even consider. I am a straight shooter that has dealt with incredible circumstances others would run from and have been able to solve problems that others haven’t been able to.
Schweinbenz: I believe my humility makes me the best candidate for the job. I understand that I am one person and everyone has their own passions towards our community and I intend to listen to them. It is about moving forward, together.
Talen: I have a record of building a consensus among multiple parties and developing solutions that meet the interests of all parties. I have chaired many meetings as President of a not-for-profit Society, chaired tripartite Indigenous rights modern treaty negotiations and am very familiar with the rules of procedure associated with formal public meetings.
I am confident I can defend and advance the interests of Harrison Hot Springs in high profile meetings. I have over twenty years of experience directly advising five NWT premiers on Indigenous rights. I have participated in cabinet meetings making recommendations and receiving direction on negotiating positions.
Whether advising the highest levels of government, meeting one-on-one, or leading a negotiating team, I believe being thoughtful and acting respectfully complements being firm and standing up for the village. I will confront bullying and do everything I can to stop unfounded threats and accusations. This type of negative behaviour does not inform a discussion on issues, and in my view ultimately leads to poor decision making.
I also believe the mayor needs to listen to Village residents, and work together with Council to make informed decisions that are in the best interests of Harrison Hot Springs. I am always willing to listen, consider proposals, and collaborate to so that Harrison Hot Springs is a vibrant and prosperous community.
Webster: I will let the people judge if I am “the best” candidate or not. What I can tell you is what I offer that is different from the others. I am engaged in the community and understand the issues. With municipal experience including my years with Vancouver Parks Board, I understand how local government works and how to get things done.
What else should voters know about you before they vote?
Allen: I’m well-educated, well-travelled, well-dressed and well-spoken. Many years of successful leadership in many fields of endeavour combine to make me almost ideally suited for this job. My dedication and contributions to the success of this community have been well demonstrated over the past 48 years. I am very intolerant of bullies and dishonesty. I am not afraid to stand up for what is right and I am very protective of Harrison.
Dykstra: I pride myself in being honest, respectful, kind, and humble. I seek input from all parties and ensure that everyone feels included and valued. I enjoy learning people’s perspectives and personal stories. My leadership style is about dignity, empathy, listening, encouraging, reducing barriers, and building success. I am not afraid to make tough decisions and hold people accountable, but most importantly, I recognize hard work, solid ideas, and people’s needs. Overall, I have a calling to serve our community that I call home and do so with my ethical and morally based personal standards. I am approachable, friendly, knowledgeable, full of interesting stories and I follow the rules. I walk the walk and talk the talk with substance, understanding, compassion for others, and always with a sense of humour!
Omelus: Voters should know that I am a well-rounded person that likes to laugh and make others laugh. I laugh at myself often! I enjoy public speaking and have presented in front of children, adults, classmates, seasoned professionals, church and community groups, and impromptu gatherings. I am serious and professional when I need to be and can adjust myself to the audience in a variety of ways. There’s still room to improve. I strongly dislike social media for many reasons. I prefer to speak with people in person, over the phone, or in writing. I believe that hard-work and perseverance will take you far in life, and that a sense of entitlement keeps you from true success in life. I have plans to write a book and I have written a children’s book I hope to see about publishing. It would be an honour to serve on council. Thank you.
Schweinbenz: Julie and I have been coming to Harrison for 30 years, later with our two boys, to enjoy the surrounding nature and recreation. Six years ago, through the loss of our dear friend Frank, we were able to renew a small business on the waterfront that attracts people from the region and beyond. This allowed us to make this our home. We see the potential, the problems, and the opportunities. Through the “guiding principals” itemized from my campaign pillars, and with the corporate management experiences of teamwork and collaboration, I hope to serve the community in a fair, balanced and reasonable manner.
Talen: I have thoroughly enjoyed campaigning, meeting residents of Harrison Hot Springs, and hearing about their priorities. I am very grateful for this opportunity, and for the kindness so many people have shown me, inviting me into their homes and taking the time to talk with me. It would be a privilege and an honour to be mayor of Harrison Hots Springs. If elected, I will do the job of mayor in way that upholds the Oath of Office and respects Harrison Hot Springs’ Council Code of Conduct.
Webster: I am really excited about the opportunity to represent and work for the residents of Harrison Hot Springs. I believe my skills and experience will be an asset to council and the community. I am confident, I can help Harrison heal at the same time as I help council produce results that will renew and revitalize the village.
Polls open on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 8 a.m. at Memorial Hall (290 Esplanade Avenue). Stay connected to The Observer for the latest by-election info.
