Thompson’s three mayoral candidates addressed issues residents brought forward during two public forums this week.

 

Economic development, community safety, Highway 6, and the new pool were discussed at Wednesday night’s panel.

 

When asked about what they would do with infrastructure and asset management with the old and new pool and the cost to tax payers, incumbent mayor Colleen Smook says there are enough opportunities to fundraise for the new pool adding that she wouldn’t add on to the current debenture without paying it off first.

 

Former councillor Ron Matechuk says while he doesn’t know the official number on how much the pool would cost to taxpayers, he estimated it would be around 15 million dollars and that he’s not prepared to debenture that.

 

Meanwhile current councillor Les Ellsworth says he believes residents are overtaxed, and pointed to surpluses the city has seen in recent years as an option to finance costs that aren’t covered with government funding.

 

The Thompson Municipal Election is on Wednesday.