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.
5.With the proposed north-side location for a permanent homeless shelter off the table, what do you think are the essential priorities a shelter location must provide?
So, a Homeless shelter priorities are basic needs like food, shelter and hygiene. We hope that the shelter also provides client centered, community-driven services that provide cultural relevance and address specific needs. The cities only obligation is to help provide a building to house the shelter nothing more. The provincial government has the obligation to have agencies that provide safety, staff training and clear policies for effective shelter operations, not the city. Problem to and for this shelter is that residents and businesses do not like to have it “in their back yard”. This problem has been going on for years so until a suitable site can be found that meets all criteria for the community it will always be a struggle. Without knowing where the city has other options available I do not have a solution for this shelter placement problem.
6. A lot of focus during this election has been on property taxes, but many residents don’t own property. How can the city ease cost-of-living pressures for renters?
Cost of living at this time is concern to all. As a city we have no control on what owners charge for rent. The city only controls utility prices and taxes that the property sits on. Depending on the rent charges. I’m really not sure how the city can dictate how much renters can charge for their rental units. I’m really not sure how to ease that pressure on renters as a city.
7.What are your thoughts on proposed recreational facilities like the Southside Outdoor Aquatics Centre and Brier Run Sports Field?
New recreational facilities such as the proposed south outdoor water park and the Brier Run sports fields are always wonderful for a community if they are able to pay for the cost of construction. Much conversation must be considered around how we are going to pay for it. Do we have grants available from the province or the Federal Government, are they matching grants where we pay a set amount and they pay a set amount. Do we have to go into our reserves to help pay for the project. It troubles me that on the city website it says without third party funding, residential property taxes could rise by 12.5 percent. This is unacceptable. Would these things be great for our community, absolutely, but I have many questions on how it’s going to move forward and at what cost. A lot more conversations must be done with our residents to make sure a good decision for all is made. Not an easy task for the future Council.
