MAYORAL CANDIDATES CLASH OVER VISIONS

West Nipissing Debate Draws 200 People

STURGEON FALLS - West Nipissing has come a long way, but is the
municipality ready for a pot bar?

Judging by the response of the audience taking in a mayoral debate
Wednesday night, marijuana isn't high among the priorities - well
below employment and industry, taxes and concerns from the community's youth.

The highlight of the night was the stark contrast in opinions between
the three candidates - most notably between incumbent Joanne Savage
and marijuana advocate Michel Ethier.

The two candidates rolled their eyes and shook their heads as the
other spoke during the West Nipissing Chamber of Commerce debate at
the Sturgeon Falls Recreation Complex.

Savage took the opportunity to remind voters of the "many" successes
the municipality has gained under her leadership while pitching her
ideas for the next four years.

"The new roads we drive on and the sidewalks we walk on didn't fall
from the sky. We've created 100 new jobs in the last three years . .
. our financial affairs have never been in such good shape. Our debt
has been reduced and we've been able to increase reserves. As well,
we have $10 million in capital works projects going forward."

Ethier has a different vision.

"I would like to see a pick your own bud (marijuana) farm . . . It
would certainly be a hit and it would attract tourists to the area,"
he said to laughter from the crowd of about 200.

"I can see it now, coffee shops in West Nipissing like they have in
Amsterdam. This little seed can save our community."

He also suggested the municipality generate energy with windmills and
sell power at a reduced rate to residents and possibly to the
provincial grid. And Ethier said he favours a recycling plant in West
Nipissing.

Newcomer Claude Arcand criticized the current municipal
administration, emphasizing the need for an increase in services
without raising taxes.

He suggested creating satellite offices for services, such as
policing in Verner and Field.

Arcand said the cost to the municipality would be minimal, and it
would save money on fuel and wear and tear on vehicles.

When candidates were asked to give examples of industries they would
approach to relocate to West Nipissing, Savage took a jab at one of
Ethier's campaign promises.

"I can tell you this, the first industry will not be a marijuana
plant," she said.

"We must have an open door policy, because we're selling West
Nipissing and competing against other municipalities. We have to be
open-minded and entertain the proposals that are there."

Savage said no month goes by without meetings between municipal staff
and potential investors. She hinted West Nipissing can expect to hear
good news in the near future.

Arcand said he's frustrated the community sold its hydro distribution system.

"We still have our dams and turbines, which must stay under municipal
ownership. They can't be sold out, but to establish industry we must
bring leadership."

Ethier's main agricultural project includes area farmers.

"After we grow the stuff (marijuana) we're going to have to process
it and it's not just for making brownies. It can create jobs," he said.

Ethier said it's also a solution for the farmers who are faced with
losing their farms because of high taxes and problems with property assessments.