ValleyBiz Story |

ValleyBiz recently sat down with each of the candidates in the upcoming by-election for Reeve of the Municipality of Swan Valley West (SVW). Today, we take a closer look at the two candidates and their views on several current issues.

Both candidates were born and raised in the Swan Valley and have previous experience in municipal government.

William (Bill) Galloway served as Councillor for 3 years from 1984 to 1986 and as Reeve for 9 years from 1987 to 1995 of the Rural Municipality of Swan River.

Stan Potten served as a Councillor of the Municipality of Swan Valley West for 2 years from 2015 to 2017. Potten resigned as Councillor of SVW on February 13, 2017.

Current State of the Municipality
Both candidates described the current SVW Council as dysfunctional. Here are their comments on what they feel needs to change to turn the situation around.

Galloway states that good leadership is essential and that issues between council members should be dealt with internally, not publicly.

“So, what one would want to see is at least a modicum of decorum. First, I think there needs to be leadership that is capable of trying to unify the councillors that are there.” said Galloway. “There has to be one spokesperson. Backbiting has to quit out of council chambers.” He added, “If you have an issue with a fellow councillor, then approach that councillor and discuss it. If there is an incident involved, then you go to the Reeve. There is a channel and those steps should be followed. I don’t believe it is right or proper to take shots at people on the internet and try to police other members of council. That’s not what local government is about.”

Potten would be looking for a more disciplined and professional council table along with more openness with ratepayers.

“I want to try to work with council and do some reasoning to try to get everybody back on the same page.” Potten stated. “I know there needs to be more discipline at the table – it has to be run more professionally.” “It should also be a lot more open.” he added “Right now there are very few council members you can actually get a hold of.” “I would love to work with the province and have the province work with our council to get the municipality back where we should be heading.” Potten suggested.

Position on Municipal Structure
The candidates had varying opinions on the direction the municipality should take as it moves into the future.

Potten supports working in the direction recommended by the province and taken by other municipalities.

“You hire the right people who know how to look after the municipality and the urban areas and you put those people in place. We have to start putting some of these things into a plan and we had people that knew how to do those things.” Potten said. “We have to start having long term plans. We need to start making 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 year plans and projections on where we want to go. I want to have the right people, some equipment and gravel pits and a 5 year plan in place.

Galloway favors a return to the Ward system and having Councillors more involved with the day to day operations of the municipality.

“I’m a firm believer in the statement, if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. There were ideas on council after my time that felt that council should be separate and apart from those that they represent. They went to an at large election. If a ratepayer phoned, council was not to accept the phone call other than to refer them to someone on staff. My intention and, I think, the majority on council is that we go back to the Ward system for electoral purpose. To do away with that [at large voting] and to get active Councillors involved with their ratepayers.” said Galloway.

What the Community Is Asking
There have been questions from the community regarding the commitment by each candidate to the position should they be elected. Here is what the candidates had to say.

Galloway addressed his past practice of going away for the winter.

“If I take on a responsibility, I take it very seriously and I fulfill my responsibilities as I take then on.” said Galloway. “I would be available – technology today is far beyond what it was even 10 years ago.” he added. “I will serve the people of the municipality to the best of my ability and apply all of my skills to the position. I don’t take it lightly.”

Potten addressed his recent resignation as Councillor due to health reasons caused by stress.

“Mental health, I am probably stronger than anyone has ever known me, period. This time, the only person it can affect is me. There isn’t a thing Bill Gade can come out on the radio and say about me that he hasn’t already said. I just don’t care what he says. I’ve asked people around if they would run for reeve and the biggest obstacle is the radio station. They don’t want their family destroyed.” Potten answered.

The by-election takes place July 19, 2017.