Fort Frances mayoral candidates Ken Perry (l) and Andrew Hallikas answered questions at the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce municipal election debate, Oct. 13, 2022.

The municipal candidates in Fort Frances have put their election platforms on the table.

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce gave them the avenue with a debate at the Townshend Theatre last night.

Mayoral candidates Andrew Hallikas and Ken Perry answered questions put forward by the Chamber.

Hallikas says he’d champion the need for a fair share of provincial funding.

“We need to band together, municipalities, First Nations, Fort Frances, and speak with one voice to the government to make sure that there’s a level playing field, and we get the funding that we deserve so that we can invest in our communities and move forward together,” says Hallikas.

Perry says railway taxes, and residential and industrial tax rates are on his agenda. His top priority is roads.

“There’s one on the books since 1989. Thirty-three years ago they took a petition forward to the town of Fort Frances to fix the road, put a surface on it so we can drive on it. It’s worse today than ever was. It hasn’t been touched. So that’s number one for me,” says Perry

The mayoral candidates also highlighted leadership as a key issue.

“I want six of you (candidates for councillor) and myself to be the team that works together. The integrity commissioner should fall by the wayside. If we can’t settle something in the back room, there’s something wrong. If you have a problem with me, come to me. If have a problem with you, you know I’ll come to you,” says Perry

Leadership also important to Andrew Hallikas

“One of my goals as mayor would be to provide leadership and stability to council so that it can work together without distraction for the benefit of all residents,” says Hallikas

The candidates for councillor also took part, each providing a snapshot of their reasons for running in this year’s election.

Election day is October 24.