Letter: Hard to know how choices were made, but time now to prove your worth

By Letter to the Editor on November 4, 2025.

Dear editor,

The voters of Medicine Hat, some 35 per cent, decided who will be our city’s next council. The turnout was low, and the 65 per cent decided to accept the results of the voting population. The return to a rather cumbersome voting system may have turned away some voters.

The incumbent mayor was re-elected to a second term with a smaller percentage. Is she vindicated for last term’s difficulties, or was she the best of the lot, or did she get-out-the-vote more effectively? It is also interesting in the number of people who expressed relief that other candidates lost.

Then the voters sorted out the eight preferred candidates from the 39 nominees, which in itself was challenging. The News, the local Ratepayers’ interviews, the Chamber’s forums and personal websites provided considerable information on these different candidates. Many were well-qualified; yet, it is puzzling on some of the choices.

Medicine Hat is one of the largest corporations in southeastern Alberta. Wouldn’t the citizens want the most qualified people to govern in light of the important decisions to be made: new recreation facilities, renewable energy, the governance model for city power and even the regular issues, like policy development, budgeting and taxing?

Probably name recognition was a determinant when little else appeared distinguishing. Experience and/or qualifications in group dynamics, governance, finances, policy development and business management were neither considered, nor investigated.

These new, inexperienced choices have an opportunity to learn and to display they are worthy of their election. Or, will they choose to coast and ride the coattails of the other experienced colleagues?

Time will tell. If the former option unfolds, Medicine Hat will benefit; otherwise, changes again will be required in four years.

Larry Samcoe

Medicine Hat

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