On Saturday afternoon, Gilford residents MJ and Jim Alain hosted a meet and greet at their home with residents and municipal election candidates.
With not enough local meet and greets happening in her area, MJ decided to host her own event. MJ says any and all candidates were welcome to attend.
"I wanted to give people in my area a different perspective of what is going on," said MJ, who believes the candidate debate held at the library last week answered all of her questions.
Ward 7 candidate Jake Tucker, Deputy Mayor candidate Kenneth Fowler and Ward 2 candidate Carol Griffin spoke with some of the area residents about their concerns with the town ahead of the municipal election.
Fowler, Tucker and Griffin say they have been campaigning on honesty and transparency and are encouraging residents to speak up to have their voices heard at the council table.
"Residents want change," said Tucker. "To have change, he community needs information. The information begins with not just a name but a face to go with it; conversations, not just a card or signs placed on the side of the road."
"Each resident I spoke with wanted assurances their voices would be heard. I gave them my word as it is my bond," said Fowler.
Some of the main concerns for the Gilford residents brought up during the event included potential plans to expand the Cooks Bay Marina, and how it will affect those living in the vicinity. Other issues discussed included the use of snowmobiles by fish hut operators in the early hours of the morning during the winter season, congestion of beaches and side streets during the summer.
Overall, MJ says the meeting was informative and beneficial for residents who attended.
Election week is Oct.14-24.
