The RM of Portage la Prairie is helping candidates and the general public get ready to run or vote in the election on October 26 by way of an online presentation that will provide answers to your questions. 

CAO Nettie Neudorf says it's a virtual election session taking place on Monday, August 22, at noon.

"It's information for candidates or perhaps those who are considering what a councillor or the reeve of the RM of Portage does," says Neudorf. "This information that is being held before the election is to help educate them, answer some of the questions that they have about local government and particularly about the RM of Portage. Hopefully, we'll answer their questions and help them make up their mind whether or not they want to run for the RM of Portage la Prairie council."

She explains you will be able to interact during the session.  

"It'll be held on the Zoom meeting platform, so that they can provide questions while the session is being held while I'm presenting the information and, as well, a chance to ask questions later," continues Neudorf. "It's set up in a way so that they don't have to identify themselves. Some of them want to inquire, but do not make it known that they're even considering running at this time. We want to allow them to not have to identify themselves and have the freedom to explore the information without people knowing that they're considering to run at this time until they are ready to make that announcement themselves."

Neudorf says they did this type of presentation before in an in-person format during the last by-election. 

"This time, having it done in a virtual format, will allow it to be recorded and provided so they can access it in a way that works for their timeline in their own privacy, without having to attend it," adds Neudorf. "We won't even know who's watching it at this time. So, I think this way, it will have more views. It is not being held in person, it's just being held virtually. So, we'll see how it goes for that this round. And if we find that people, in the end, did check it out, that'll be good feedback for us in terms of how beneficial it was."

If you'd like to join in, you can send Neudorf a request to her e-mail address info@rmofportage.ca to receive the meeting link, or call their office number (204) 857-3821 Extension 1 to receive the audio-only phone number. 

Using the audio-only connection, you'll only be to hear it and not see the slides that she will present. 

"There is a bit of a disadvantage that way, but the information will be explained so they can still get a benefit out of attending this session that way, as well," adds Neudorf. "It's tied in such a way that if you want to run for council, the information that's presented will be helpful for that. But any citizen who's just curious about local government can also receive the information in a way that helps them, as a citizen, understand how local government operates, understand what the RM of Portage is all about, the services that they provide, the strategic direction that they've taken, and the role of council and administration. I think it's helpful for everyone, so hopefully, there'll be those that are just curious about the RM of Portage that will tune in, or check out the link later on."

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