News profile1. What are your thoughts on city ownership of Saamis Solar, and what direction would you want to see council take with ownership of renewables?
My thoughts on this project is one of a partnership rather than a sole proprietor. The land that it would sit on is land that cannot be used for anything else but such a project. I struggle with, even though alternate energy is vital for the city, that the cost of construction and the length of time to get any return on that investment. Careful consideration must be taken and all questions must be answered before I could make a decision.
2. What are your thoughts on the future of the energy division, specifically the concept of turning it into a municipally controlled corporation?
I like the fact that the city would have professionals giving us guidance in the direction the energy division should proceed into the future with their knowledge. But since Council defeated the motion the MCC is a done deal. It may be brought up again with the next council but until it can be looked at again. I do like the idea that council be given more information from not only city staff but from professionals ingrained in the industry before Council has to make those decisions on any items that comes forward.
3. How would you look to balance taxation with the operation costs of running a city, as well as the services provided to residents?
It is very important for the citizens of this city to have top notch services given to them it is expected by all. The cost of this is very expensive. We truly have to look at budgets of costs to offer the services along with the operation cost to provide these services. We have to find efficiencies in all divisions. In order to reduce 1 percent of tax we need to find 1 million dollars in savings. Not an easy task. Since the citizens don’t like a decrease in the service standards we have to find it in all areas of operations or in reducing the cities wants. A tough but necessary direction for the new Council.
4. How would you approach economic development and any need to incentivize business to come to Medicine Hat?
In my last year of Council 4 years ago we had a group of people that dealt with economic development by way of “Invest Medicine Hat”. It was our one stop shop for potential investors or businesses that wanted to come and put down roots in Medicine Hat. They looked after all aspects of the process from permits to land and everything in between. I believe we should bring this back into effect for the betterment of improving our economic development into the future of this city.
