The Town of Black Diamonds by-election for mayor is underway, and Leslie (Les) Millar is one of the two candidates running for the position.

Millar has been a big part of the Black Diamond Communities, being a part of multiple committees and organizations. Including being the chair of the Black Diamond Economic Development Committee for two years, and being elected president of the Griffith's Sr. Centre Board in January of this year.

Millar says that one of the main things he wants to bring to the Black Diamond Council is open communication with town citizens.

"I think we need more open communication between council and citizens, and citizens and council so that we can do what the majority of people want for the town."

He adds that while there is the main group of taxpayers that have brought forward the issue of taxation to light, that is just one of many that need to be addressed.

"If we communicate it will address all of the issues in town, not just the taxation, and to do that we need to engage the citizens which is a two-way street."

Along with wanting to build better communication Millar wants to make sure that any money being spent is being spent wisely as at the end of the day it will cost the taxpayer.

That is what he plans to think about when looking at the possibility of the amalgamation of Black Diamond and Turner Valley in the future, how much will this cost the taxpayer at the end of the day?

"I would like to look at if we can do it by leaving Black Diamond and Turner Valley as two separate communities with an overarching municipal government and over the course of time merge the two communities together in all other areas."

You can learn more about Les Millar's plan at the Candidate Forum being held on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Griffith Sr. Centre.

For more information on Millar click here.

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