The Gibsons Legion hall was packed to standing room for the Gibsons council all-candidates meeting on Nov. 6.
Written questions, randomly selected from numerous entries, were posed to the candidates seeking seats at the next council table.
After brief introductions, the first question was drawn, incidentally one pertaining to the highly contentious Gospel Rock development. The mayoral candidates were first to offer their view on balancing development with the area's delicate ecosystem.
"I will not change my opinion," said Mayor Barry Janyk while calling attention to the definitive role the issue has played in this campaign. "I believe that this community strongly supports the preservation of the waterfront of Gospel Rock."
His opponent, current Coun. Wayne Rowe, sought to remind the crowd about the piece of land the Town stands to gain in the deal.
"The trade off would be that the 70 per cent in the middle, that would become Town property," he said. "We would then preserve that in perpetuity."
A later question asked the candidates about their thoughts on revitalizing the lower part of Gibsons.
The Gibsons Landing Business Association needs to be woken up and the harbour plan completed, suggested Hammy McClymont, adding that consideration for the water is also needed.
"Integrate the two so that we can go to work making the jewel of a harbour the greatest little asset this town ever had," he said.
Supporting a higher density of housing in Lower Gibsons was Daniel Bouman, who ventured that it might serve to revitalize the area.
"Can we do this without changing the character of Lower Gibsons?" he asked.
Concern was raised at the forum regarding the current Gibsons staffing situation, suggesting Town administrators might be overstretched in their efforts to carry out duties, produce detailed reports and help guide the decisions of council.
The candidates were asked if they felt a change in the organizational structure might be necessary.
The Town has been efficient in its attempts to foster communication between staff and citizens, Coun. LeeAnn Johnson said, pointing to the active involvement of community members on committees.
Coun. Gerry Tretick agreed, saying staff are more than capable of doing their job.
"They do not need a council that tells them how to do it. We spend way too much time focusing on little details when we should actually be creating policy," he stressed.
As world economic challenges continue to mount, the candidates were asked how they would approach the task of balancing job creation with the need to counter climate change.
Brian Sadler sought to convey his feeling that the future of employment on the Coast will be tied to education.
"That would satisfy the densification. That would satisfy the lower affordable housing requirements," he argued.
Brian Hubenig pointed to the area's cultural development to raise the prospect of an art school playing a role in the region's future.
"We have commercial units available. I say let's invite some of the bigger companies to play," he added.
When asked if he was in favour of less government, Coun. Bob Curry raised the spectre of creating a District of the Sunshine Coast and streamlining operations in the region.
Bringing a close to the evening was Charlene SanJenko, who said she wanted to give the Town's younger demographic a voice in government.
"There is a place for us at the council table," she said.
Mayoral candidate Arthur Shaw did not attend the event.
