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 number one priority is fiscal responsibility. If the project will make money for the city, let’s do it. If it won’t, let’s not. Keep ideology out of fiscal decisions. So I would need to take a close look at the projected expenses (both upfront for the construction and long term for maintenance and operation), potential lifespan, and also projected revenues. If the numbers show a profit, I’d want to do it. If they show a loss, then I’m against.
2. What are your thoughts on the future of the energy division, specifically the concept of turning it into a municipally controlled corporation?
First and foremost, no matter which operational model we chose, city council controlled or MCC, I strongly believe the city should maintain ownership of the utilities. I think that is imperative as it brings in a lot of revenue for the city and gives us a strong playing card for attracting investment to Medicine Hat. As for the operation, I understand that MCC can offer more detailed expertise and faster operational decision making, but will cost the city more money. Keeping it under city council purview gives the city more direct control but lacks some energy expertise. I would need to take a closer look at the detailed projected expenses and revenue of both models to make a final decision.
3. How would you look to balance taxation with the operation costs of running a city, as well as the services provided to residents?
Families and small businesses are stretched. Back to back 5.6% increases add up fast, and that’s on top of rising costs for everything else. My top priority is a three year municipal tax freeze. That means finding efficiencies and protecting front line services while we tighten the back office. We can do this with disciplined budgeting, better procurement, and hard looks at pet projects. One such pet project was the Division Ave narrowing, which cost over $6 million dollars! Simply by not doing that project we could have eliminated more than one year of property tax increases. So to afford my tax freeze I would protect front line services while eliminating expensive, useless projects. Why fix something that isn’t broken?
4. How would you approach economic development and any need to incentivize business to come to Medicine Hat?
Medicine Hat has many advantages: competitive utilities, space to build, and a practical energy ecosystem that reduces business risk. Let’s tell that story with intent. Target sectors we can win, like manufacturing, ag-value add, logistics, etc and back it up with fast permitting, serviced land, and clear timelines. Pair that with programs that help companies cut energy costs and expand with confidence. This is how we turn our advantages into local jobs: proactive outreach, one stop approvals, and real accountability on timelines. We need to be selling our city to prospective businesses. I’ve sold products in competitive markets. I’ll sell Medicine Hat the same way—fact based, results driven, and focused on deals that bring good paying jobs to Medicine Hat.
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? 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? 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?
