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?
I do not support the cities ownership in this project. I am not against renewable energy i just believe it should be owned by the private sector.
The obvious reality is the city does not need to invest millions of dollars to reap the benifits. We simply.let the private sector build the project and the city already having all the distribution infrastructure just buys the entire production. We meet our going green obligations and create a win, win situation with the private sector.
2. What are your thoughts on the future of the energy division, specifically the concept of turning it into a municipally controlled corporation?
I am not for the initial plan as presented. We already operate a profitable electrical generation facilty. However the gas side has liabilities that only experts can properly address.
I would like to see a hybrid proposal developed.
3. How would you look to balance taxation with the operation costs of running a city, as well as the services provided to residents?
I would support a tax freeze using money from the 700,000.00 reserves to cover the shortfall. From there I would like to see a restructuring of the cities spending habits with the goal of reducing property taxes and making Medicine Hat a much more affordable city to live in.
4. How would you approach economic development and any need to incentivize business to come to Medicine Hat?
You simply will attract economical development without creating an economic benefit. Our city has a bad reputation of high taxes high utilities.
The proof is staring us in the face, we currently have very little if any economic development. Year after year of tax increases, utilty rate increases have created virtually ZERO growth. We quite simply cannot argue with the numbers, we have a reputation as an expensive place to do business, and the results are proven by our stagnent horrible economic development statistics.
5. With the proposed north-side location for a permanent homeless shelter off the table following public concerns, what do you think are the essential priorities that a shelter location must provide?
Its a difficult issue that must be addressed. The city must listen to the passionate and experienced social net groups currently working in t
he city. Each new council cannot try reinventing the wheel. We must listen to the groups that have years and years of experience and support them with resources.
6. A lot of focus during this election campaign has been on property taxes in Medicine Hat, though a majority of residents do not own property. What can or should the city be doing to ease cost-of-living issues for those who do not own property, such as renters?
high property taxes and signicant affordability issues underimine everything the city wants to accomplish. Renters and homeowners have hit the wall with high taxes, high utilities, the well has run dry. We have no choice but to stop making affordability a catch phrase and reduce spending at city hall.
7. What are your thoughts on proposed recreational facilities such as the Southside Outdoor Aquatics Centre and Brier Run Sports Field? How much focus would you want the city to put toward adding recreational facilities?
I support additional multipurpose recreational facilities as needed. Lets just make sure we meet the needs including a Cricket facility.
