Fernie Council candidates were asked 10 questions designed to give voters a better understanding of how they would work with others, approach difficult decisions, respond to disagreement and help guide Fernie over the next four years.
The responses received by Fernie.com are grouped below by question, with candidates listed alphabetically by surname to make their answers easier to compare.
Candidate responses were limited to 100 words and published as submitted, with formatting standardized for presentation.
1. How do you work with people you strongly disagree with?
Alleine Anselmo:
I think you can strongly disagree with someone and still respect them. I don’t believe council should be about everyone agreeing all the time — it’s about having honest discussions, listening to different perspectives and finding a way to move forward. “Seek first to understand, then be understood.”
Reto Barrington:
I try to understand what is motivating their opinion. This allows for open discussion and possibility of concessions in entrenched positions.
Kathleen Dolan:
Disagreements ask leaders to be curious, consider different perspectives, work toward common ground, and understand the trade-offs involved in different challenges. Disagreement exists on a spectrum, and it’s important to have the self-awareness to recognize where you fall. Sometimes I might disagree with something but am not going to block a decision. Other times I disagree strongly, and it’s a deal breaker. Sometimes disagreement is necessary on council. It is possible to work with people and have strong disagreements; these things are not mutually exclusive.
Tracey Audia Kelly:
Disagreement and discourse are part of a democratic society. As long as we maintain civility and a respectful environment we can disagree with each other without rancor. I am open to hearing the opinions of others and I am able to accept that those opinions may differ from my own. Differing opinions are representative of the community.
Taylor Petrucha:
I listen first. Try to understand what motivates their opinion and approach the disagreement with empathy. Attempt to calmly state my position and the rationale behind it. If needed, take the time to step away from the conversation so that both sides are able to have the conversation without heightened emotion.
Ted Shoesmith:
Usually, the disagreement relates to a particular issue. Keeping the disagreement to that issue while remaining both civil and clear is my preference.
Joshua Slykhuis:
In my personal and professional life I’ve worked with people I have profound disagreements with. In my campaign I’ve door knocked with people whom I disagree with in hopes their opinions might change (I’m sure they hoped the same of me!). The key to good relationships is separating people from their opinions on topics. Build relationships where common ground can be found, and agree to disagree where common ground can’t be found. No one is right 100% of the time so practicing humility is key.
Scott Tibballs:
Everyone has a different perspective on everything, so disagreement is a reality of life in a free country. We must all be prepared to deal with that challenge. I work with people I ‘strongly disagree with’ by accepting I am not the only person in the world and there is more to life than getting everything I want. I am always willing to listen to what others have to say, even if I do not agree with them.
2. What makes you change your mind?
Alleine Anselmo:
I’m not someone who thinks I have all the answers. I have strong opinions, especially about things I care deeply about, but I’m also willing to listen. I think it’s important to be able to say, “You know what? I hadn’t looked at it that way.” What wouldn’t change my mind is simply being pressured or being told I’m wrong without something to back it up. I’m not afraid to stand my ground, but I’m also not too proud to change my mind when there’s a good reason to.
Reto Barrington:
Facts and debate.
Kathleen Dolan:
New information, looking at the issue from a different perspective, and people sharing their personal experiences. I think it is important to understand issues from multiple perspectives before making a concrete decision.
Tracey Audia Kelly:
You must be able to come to the council table with an open mind. You are not supposed to come with a predetermined decision. Reading the reports, listening to the experts, listening to my fellow council members and listening to the community has often lead me to reconsideration.
Taylor Petrucha:
When an idea has the potential for a better outcome and is supported by sound evidence or data.
Ted Shoesmith:
Information or experience that I didn’t have before. Or, if relevant circumstances change.
Joshua Slykhuis:
Better/new information can make me change my mind. I don’t want to be married to a decision/opinion.
Scott Tibballs:
Listening to different perspectives, and learning new information can update my thoughts on issues.
3. How important is compromise in local government?
Alleine Anselmo:
I think compromise is really important in local government because you’re elected to represent an entire community, not just the people who agree with you. That doesn’t mean compromising on every issue or giving up your principles just to reach an agreement. There are things I feel strongly about, and I’m willing to stand up for them. But I also think you have to be willing to listen, find common ground where you can, and work together to move the community forward.
Reto Barrington:
Critical if solutions that benefit th community is the target. Entrenched positions based on ideological purity test are not conducive to good results.
Kathleen Dolan:
Municipal governments are a balancing act and have many responsibilities related to community services and infrastructure provision. Thus, trade-offs are inevitable in local government because we deliver practical services that impact locals and may lead to daily friction, such as drinking water, sewage, and roads. For example, the inherent trade-off of lower taxation is lower service levels. Local governments must prioritize different challenges on a daily basis, which leads to inherent trade-offs in competing areas.
Tracey Audia Kelly:
Life is full of compromises wherever we turn. Often at the council table compromise is the only option as things are rarely ideal. Sometimes the decision to be made is between options that wouldn’t be a first choice. In these cases you try to make the best choice you can.
Taylor Petrucha:
Local government is a democracy. Democracy itself is compromise, a win in democracy is the majority of a vote/group agreeing on something. It is the minority’s responsibility to accept the outcome of a vote. Every decision that council votes on is a compromise.
Ted Shoesmith:
Sometimes it’s very important, but not always. There are times to hold ground and times to give and take.
Joshua Slykhuis:
No one person or group will get everything they want out of government. It forces compromise by nature. Limited resources get spread over unlimited needs. I believe allocation should be fair and one group should not be made to sacrifice excessively.
Scott Tibballs:
Local government is all about compromise, so it is extremely important.
4. How do you respond when a decision doesn’t go your way?
Alleine Anselmo:
I’ve had to learn how to handle decisions that don’t go the way I hoped, especially when I feel very strongly about an issue. I’m not going to pretend I won’t be disappointed. I care deeply about Fernie, and when you believe something is important, it’s hard when others don’t agree with you. As an elected body of seven on council, there will be decisions that don’t go my way. I will respect the process, support the decision that’s been made, and move on to the next issue.
Reto Barrington:
Move on.
Kathleen Dolan:
There will always be disagreements at any level of government. It can be advantageous, as it can force leaders to answer hard questions, expose blind spots and biases, and create better policies. Because of the nature of democracy, I am sure there will be many decisions that don’t go my way. When this happens, I will reflect to make sure I advocated for the needs of the community, but accept that trade-offs and difficult decisions will be made, and trust that our local government is supporting the wellbeing of our community.
Tracey Audia Kelly:
Once a decision is made at the council table it is a decision of council. Councillors need to have the maturity and understanding that decisions will not go “your way” all the time. Again this is a fundamental underpinning of a democratic society. We are elected to govern and make decisions we believe are best for the community as a whole. Ego has no place at a council table.
Taylor Petrucha:
Learn from it, do better next time, move on.
Ted Shoesmith:
I accept it if there are no other honest means to try and get it changed. We have a system, and it’s designed so that we can have a disagreement without conflict. The whole thing falls apart if elected officials don’t respect the outcomes when they lose. The alternative is constant fighting, and a disservice to the voter. Besides, my enemy today on this issue may well side with me tomorrow on another issue-provided we’ve been respectful in our debate.
Joshua Slykhuis:
Holding a minority opinion is something every person should have experience in. What separates people is how they deal with winning or losing. When I lose a vote I intend to move on, as I’ve done when city voting hasn’t gone my way in the past. I believe in operating in good faith with people I’m working with.
Scott Tibballs:
By accepting the decision, and working to ensure the reasons I opposed a decision do not get ignored as we act on that decision. By accepting a decision, we can properly engage with the process to try to get the best results for as many people as possible.
5. What makes someone a good team member on council?
Alleine Anselmo:
I think a good council team member is someone who listens, does their homework, and isn’t afraid to speak up.You don’t have to agree with everyone around the table. In fact, I think healthy disagreement is important. What matters is that you can have those difficult conversations respectfully and leave the meeting still being able to work together. I’m very passionate about Fernie, and I’ll always advocate for the things I believe are important.
Reto Barrington:
Open mindedness and critical thinking applied to properly established priority lists.
Kathleen Dolan:
A good team member on council listens to and takes the time to get to know the community and other council members; they ask the right questions, they are future-thinking, and they collaborate as a team. A good council member can appreciate and understand other team members’ perspectives and experiences while having their unique take on a challenge.
Tracey Audia Kelly:
People who show up and do the work. There is a significant amount of work to do and a significant amount of reading, learning, asking questions, taking note and listening to others. It is of paramount importance that councillors are willing and able to do this work. People who aren’t willing to put the work in, who use, for example artificial intelligence, to do it for them would not in my opinion be a good team member.
Taylor Petrucha:
Authenticity, honesty, transparency, and a drive to work as a team for the benefit of the community as a whole. The function of council is to positively impact the quality of life of those living in the community they represent.
Ted Shoesmith:
First and foremost is being able to understand what’s going on. This requires reading, research, asking questions, and being perceptive. The second most important thing is being willing to engage with the rest of the council and share information. There are times when it is very handy to put aside our differences and act as a team.
Joshua Slykhuis:
What makes someone a good team member is being curios,and knowing their strengths and weaknesses. Curious people will want to know what the second and third order consequences of decisions are, and people that understand their own strengths and weaknesses are aware of their limitations.
Scott Tibballs:
From my years watching council meetings and reporting on them in Fernie and elsewhere, the best team members are those that turn up, pay attention and ask decisions to fill in the gaps in their understanding. It seems quite simple, but good-faith comprehension of issues can go a long way towards identifying blindspots that may yield surprises in the future. Everyone has blindspots – including municipalities. The best team members go to lengths to ensure they know as much as possible before making decisions, so they understand the impact of their choices on those from other walks of life.
6. How should personal beliefs and public opinion influence your decisions as a councillor?
Alleine Anselmo:
I think both personal beliefs and public opinion have a place, but neither should be the only thing driving a council decision. Personal beliefs are part of who I am and what has shaped me into the person I am today. Residents will vote for what I stand for, including my personal beliefs and values. I think public opinion is important because residents are the people who live with the decisions council makes. For me, it comes down to being willing to listen, understanding different perspectives, and being transparent about why I’m making a decision.
Reto Barrington:
They will emerge during the debate process.
Kathleen Dolan:
Every councillor brings their personal lived experiences to the table. And diversity of lived experiences is important to have a well-informed team that represents the community. My personal beliefs are informed by my education and lived experiences, and I hope to use them as a moral compass for council to make decisions that support community health and priorities. Public opinion should be treated as crucial input to help inform council’s decision-making.
Tracey Audia Kelly:
Everyone has personal beliefs and biases. It’s human. You need to be self aware and understand your own value system and beliefs are not everyone’s. You must retain an open mind. Listening to the public is an important part of leading the community but you have to have the fortitude and the courage to make the best decision for the community as a whole. For the present and the future. You will not be able to make everyone happy and you cannot make good governance decisions if that is what you are trying to do.
Taylor Petrucha:
It is impossible to remove all personal bias from decision-making, but this is why a diverse counsel is needed, to offer multiple perspectives and balance out the personal bias from the group decision. Public opinion is a delicate balance, just because you believe something doesn’t mean that you have all of the information or context related to the decision that counsel is working on. It is important to know what public opinion is in order to guide productive decision making, but a decision itself should be based on evidence/data that provides the most benefit for the community.
Ted Shoesmith:
Very tough question. I have strong personal beliefs and preferences, but I am not very comfortable foisting them on other people. An elected official is there to represent ALL the taxpayers, not just the ones they agree with. Above all else the city and its council should behave honorably and in good faith. Public opinion will never make me vote for something that I feel is dishonest, but I hope that council’s overall decision would roughly reflect the opinions of the townsfolk.
Joshua Slykhuis:
This depends on the topic. I believe public opinion matters. If we are constantly making decisions that unnecessarily divide the town we probably need to look at our decision making processes. I might want a project to go forward, but if I’m out of step with the public I would accept that and consider changing my vote.
Scott Tibballs:
We all bring our own beliefs and connections to the table in everyday life. The challenge is balancing our own beliefs and the force of public opinion with the interests of the wider community. I would want to be considerate, and mindful of experiences and opinions that were not only not my own, but not those of the present public – as in, I would want to be considerate of the entire community, and not just those that turn up to voice an opinion.
7. How should council deal with an issue when the community itself is divided?
Alleine Anselmo:
I think when a community is divided, that’s when council has to listen the most. Over the past year, I’ve seen it firsthand with how petitions, numerous packed council meetings and submitted correspondence can divide a community. Council needs to react with empathy and understand how emotional and personal community issues can become when people genuinely care about what happens in Fernie. I think you really need to listen when strong public opinion is telling you something, and show the public that you respect the trust they’ve put in you.
Reto Barrington:
Same as any other issue.
Kathleen Dolan:
When the community is divided on an issue, it is important that council looks to use public-led documents like the Official Community Plan. These documents compile data and public input to provide a community-led direction for council to take on various matters. Our decisions should support these identified priority areas.
Tracey Audia Kelly:
As I said in previous responses you have to do the work. So you must take the time to thoroughly read the reports and listen to the experts. Ask the questions you believe the community wants to hear answers to. Engage with the community through as many modalities as possible. Take all these factors into consideration and then you must make a decision that you believe is in the best interest of the community as a whole. The decision should be made holistically and with a lens on the future well being of the community.
Taylor Petrucha:
Bring factual information forward, be compassionate to people’s concerns, and focus on the solutions that will have the greatest impact. Review if the issue is something that could benefit from public input.
Ted Shoesmith:
Council should reflect the stances within the community. A councillor should do everything in their power to understand the facts at hand and the opposing position. With that understanding in hand a councillor should do their best to effectively communicate the issues to both their own side, and the opposing side. Where the differences come from a misunderstanding of the facts, council should be well equipped to share those facts. When the difference comes from beliefs or people simply benefiting from different things- it is then up to council to do the difficult task of weighing these differences and deciding.
Joshua Slykhuis:
This builds on the last question well. I wrote about this in the Free Press during the Prentice Park debate. If the community is divided we need to look for other options. This doesn’t mean a small minority can hold the city hostage, but it does mean if there is sizeable, grassroots opposition to something, we should reconsider our direction and how we did our community engagement. Dividing the town should be the very last option only done in extremely rare circumstances.
Scott Tibballs:
The same way it deals with every item that comes across the council table: By considering the facts, listening to expert opinions and those of the community, and thinking long-term in order to reach a decision that benefits Fernie now, and into the future.
8. What do you believe the current council has done well, and what should the next council do differently?
Alleine Anselmo:
I think the current council has accomplished some important things. There have been major projects and decisions that aren’t easy, and I respect the work that goes into running a city and making those decisions. Current council has accomplished affordable housing projects, daycare spaces and 100-year-old infrastructure replacements. Where I think the next council can do better is in listening to the community and communicating more openly. I think people want to feel that their concerns are genuinely being heard — not just that they have an opportunity to speak, but that what they say actually matters.
Reto Barrington:
No comment.
Kathleen Dolan:
The current council had to make some tough decisions on very divided topics this past term. They prioritized projects that support the wellbeing of our community including the new fire hall, affordable housing, and childcare projects. They also did a good job of modernizing and upgrading the development permitting process. We still have a long way to go, but they got the ball rolling on some very important projects. I would like to see the next council focus on transparency early on in the development process and ensuring communication better reaches the public.
Tracey Audia Kelly:
The current council has increased access by hosting meetings in an accessible location as well as online. Council has held annual town halls with an open microphone format. Council has also held twice monthly council cafes where people can come and directly engage with members. Council has a one stop email for all councillors. There have been multiple open houses and surveys and a new and improved Let’s Talk Fernie. My personal belief is to be as transparent as possible. The next council may wish to consider additional engagement opportunities at differing hours so that it facilitates people’s work schedules.
Taylor Petrucha:
Solving part of the host of challenges we are currently finding a way through. Key pieces of infrastructure are moving forward, and we now have starting points to address Inflow and Infiltration. The next council needs to focus on our infrastructure issues and scrutinize how effective we are at completing tasks. They need to hold teams accountable to measurable outcomes and drive our energy towards solving the highest risk issues for the community.
Ted Shoesmith:
We’ve made internal improvements. Closed our infrastructure deficit somewhat. The taxbase has been expanded. We have accelerated improving our infrastructure and have worked with grassroots organizations on things like the ODR, the summit center, Canada day, trails, and more. We received numerous grants for housing, daycare, and critical infrastructure. Next council will build on that success. I hope the incoming council focuses on repairing or replacing our aging water/sewer pipes, as well as our other physical infrastructure. In my opinion this will require a long term, focused effort spanning multiple councils and requiring careful management of our finances.
Joshua Slykhuis:
The current council did a good job orienting things in the right direction. They had multiple crisis’ (covid recovery, sewer) to deal with and laid a good foundation for the next council. I believe the next council should focus on practicality. We should be finding things that we know work and applying them to Fernie.
Scott Tibballs:
The current council has proven itself capable of working together towards the greater good of the community, even while disagreeing. I would like to see the next council commit to its council liaison roles and widen that program, so that there are more formal ways for community groups and actors to engage with the municipality.
9. What are the most difficult decisions you believe the next council will have to make?
Alleine Anselmo:
I believe the biggest challenge the next council will face is our water and sewer infrastructure. Fernie is growing, and I’m not against growth. But we have to make sure our infrastructure can actually support the community we already have and the growth we’re planning for. I think we’re going to have some difficult decisions ahead about what needs to be upgraded, what we can afford, and what our priorities need to be. Those decisions may not always be popular or easy, but they’re necessary.
Reto Barrington:
Shrinking spending, and fiscal discipline.
Kathleen Dolan:
I think one of the hardest decisions the next council will have to make is footing the large infrastructure bill and the trade-offs that will come along with it. There are trade-offs with every decision local governments make, but we must prioritize investing in infrastructure and services that will support the current and future generations’ health and safety.
Tracey Audia Kelly:
Council is faced with making difficult decisions on a continuous basis. It is a fundamental piece of governing that there are and always will be difficult decisions. Decisions which impact the long term health of the community are difficult ones and decisions that impact citizens financially are of course tough ones. One example of a series of decisions the next council will be faced with is wastewater renewal. It is complex and expensive and it won’t be an easy or quick fix and it will impact a generation if long term borrowing is considered.
Taylor Petrucha:
We don’t have the economic resources to do everything, and we have to choose where our limited finances are delivered. I believe that some people will be upset when council makes these decisions, and the hardest part for council will be staying focused on the solution.
Ted Shoesmith:
That’s hard to say. We’ll be confronted with constant pressure to spend. Both from the citizens, and city hall itself. The higher orders of government will continue to download responsibility to us, and how we manage this will be very difficult. We will also be finishing the OCP, and it is my feeling that any incoming council will want to make some zoning decisions, particularly as relates to our historic downtown core. This will be a very heavy set of decisions with far reaching consequences, and a population with divided opinions.
Joshua Slykhuis:
The biggest decision will be how to fund the infrastructure upgrades we can no longer put off. This will probably mean engaging in long term financing for whatever we can’t get grants for.
Scott Tibballs:
Every decision made by the next council that requires resources will have those resources measured against the need to invest in critical infrastructure to avoid failure. This will make every decision difficult. However, I believe Fernie can walk and chew gum at the same time – we cannot focus all our resources and attention on a single issue. To do so would be to leave everything else in neglect, and sow the seeds of future crises.
10. Why should Fernie residents vote for you?
Alleine Anselmo:
I think Fernie residents should vote for me because I genuinely care about this community. I was born and raised here, I’ve chosen to raise my family here, and I want Fernie to be a place my children can grow up and still be proud to call home. I’m not a career politician. I’m a mom, a neighbour and a community member who has spent a lot of time listening to people and paying attention to what’s happening in our city. I’m not afraid to ask difficult questions or speak up when I believe something isn’t right. I’ll listen, I’ll do my homework, and I’ll work hard to make decisions that put Fernie’s long-term future first.
Reto Barrington:
Executive experience in problem solving.
Kathleen Dolan:
Fernie Residents should vote for me because I am a new and refreshing voice. I’d like to help build a community that is future-thinking, healthy, and affordable for all generations, including those to come. My background is in rural public policy and health, which has taught me to understand issues in a broadly complex way. I would like to bring creativity to how we solve the challenges that Fernie faces, and I am wildly optimistic that we will find some great ways of doing so.
Tracey Audia Kelly:
Over four years on council, I have learned a great deal about the complex issues and challenges facing our community. I came prepared to do the work, and I do it. I read current reports and historical records, ask questions, and work to understand issues fully. I am committed to continuous learning and to being accessible to residents. I attend events, conferences and workshops, volunteer in the community, and believe giving back and building relationships matter. Collaboration is essential to successful leadership. I am fair-minded, balanced and practical, and I want Fernie and everyone who calls it home to thrive.
Taylor Petrucha:
I believe Fernie should vote for the people who will focus on the right problems and not divide our community. I plan on diverting more of our limited budget into infrastructure projects that are necessary for the safety of our community. My intention is to bring optimism and creative thinking to these conversations to improve our resilience.
Ted Shoesmith:
I will continue to focus on our infrastructure deficit, foster and support grassroots projects and initiatives, treat my colleagues with respect, be approachable, and work on improvements to city hall itself. I have a broad and deep experience of Fernie having worked everywhere from the mines, ski hill, and civic infrastructure to bathroom reno’s in town, and from being so heavily involved in service clubs and charity. I’ve worked for or with almost every type of person. I will bring this experience to the council table.
Joshua Slykhuis:
People should vote for me for several reasons. First, I’m practical. I want things that work and are ‘value for money’. I don’t want the city to reinvent the wheel when a perfectly good wheel exists. Second, on most issues I’m persuadable. If you have better information than I do, I’ll change my mind, and if I don’t, I’ll at the very least engage with other arguments in good faith.
Scott Tibballs:
I have spent my career speaking to people, listening, and explaining the actions of government from municipal to federal. My life has been spent living vicariously through people who care deeply about their communities. That passion for community has rubbed off on me, and I have chosen Fernie as my home. I want to bring my years of experience listening to the council table. I am creative, thoughtful, patient, and grounded in my approach to my work. I believe in Fernie, and I want to work with those who believe in Fernie too.
Get informed. Get involved. Vote.
Fernie residents will elect one Mayor and six Councillors to serve the community for the next four years. Take the time to learn about the candidates, consider their answers, and make your voice heard.
Advance Voting: Wednesday, October 7 and Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
General Voting Day: Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
All advance and general voting takes place at the Fernie Senior Citizens Drop-In Centre, 562 3rd Avenue, Fernie.
