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?
The sunniest city in Canada should allow and enhance solar energy development for both private companies and for individual homes and buildings. However, the taxpayers of Medicine Hat should not accept the risk inherent from investing directly in a solar farm. Carbon taxes can be avoided and carbon credits earned by buying some renewable power from other generators.
2. What are your thoughts on the future of the energy division, specifically the concept of turning it into a municipally controlled corporation?
The energy division in Medicine Hat has long since been a gem and source of pride for Hatters, historically providing valuable returns to citizens and flexibility in pricing for residents. I believe that ownership of this resource should stay with the City of Medicine Hat.
Initially, I looked favourably upon a Municipally Controlled Corporation as a way to bring more experience and expertise to the decision-making process. This provides some sober second thought at an arms-length with a goal of producing benefits much like EPCOR and Enmax have for Edmonton and Calgary, respectively. However, throughout the MCC conversation and consultations, it became apparent that Hatters were 1) left with more questions than answers and 2) that administration and council were not on the same page — a common theme of the last 4 years.
After speaking with and consulting with Hatters it is apparent that, if the discussion of an MCC is to come forward again, more consultation will be needed and more information on cost and structure will need to be presented to the public. The idea of a Rate Review Committee seems like a logical step in a positive direction for transparency.
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 am campaigning on a three-year property tax increase freeze. On day one, as Mayor, I would work immediately with council and administration to open up our books and look for any efficiency or cost reduction that can be made without compromising core services.
Immediately, halting spendthrift projects like road narrowing and traffic calming measures like roundabouts in residential neighbourhoods should be axed — they are profoundly unpopular ideas that cost more than they are benefitting ratepayers. That said, I would cease conversations around Saamis Solar as well and leave this to the private sector. I would also look at fees associated with out of city consultants to ensure that Medicine Hat is saving where possible, keeping spending in line or lower than comparable municipalities.
4. How would you approach economic development and any need to incentivize business to come to Medicine Hat?
Medicine Hat has so much potential. We are located on 2 major economic corridors, strategically positioned close to the US border with pristine lands and incredible people. We should be an economic powerhouse but have often gotten in our own way. As mayor, I would focus on being Medicine Hat’s largest cheerleader and salesperson, taking our message to anyone who would listen.
I want to see off-site levies eliminated for a determined period of time to attract new businesses and, with that, jobs for citizens. As it stands, with growth being effectively non-existent and new business choosing to invest elsewhere, we would not lose substantial revenue. With this, it would be imperative to look at all other fees and ensure that we are either comparable or positioned better than similar jurisdictions. I would also have administration focus on publicizing permitting data and timelines online so that we can be held accoutnable so that developers and citizens and potential investors have clarity on the process. We need to be customer service focused and a city whose goal is not to get in the way but focused on getting to “yes”. When more business comes to Medicine Hat, we broaden our tax base and attract new residents who buy/build new homes and shop at local businesses– everyone benefits. I want to make Medicine Hat a destination for skilled labour and investment — a destination for families to live, work and thrive and an attractive place for young people to stay or return to when they’ve finished their education.
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?
