As a resident of Lacombe, I have been following the discussion with regard to moving Red Deer to a ward system with some interest.
I recall a civic election I voted in in Edmonton many years ago. Between mayoral candidates, council and school board, we were faced with nearly 60 names. The result was that many people voted for incumbents or used name recognition. While many of these people were hard working and did a fine job, a few were less than stellar. A slum landlord who kept getting voted in comes to mind.
I think it was after that election that Edmonton went to a ward system. While Red Deer is not yet as large as Edmonton was at that time, a ward system would certainly make it easier for voters to make intelligent choices.
Kathleen Diane Smith
Lacombe