News profile1. What is the biggest challenge(s) facing Redcliff into the next four years, and what is your vision for how the town should approach it?
I feel the biggest challenge is the lack of communication and transparity. This is compounded with the use of in camera meetings and incomplete recording of meetings. An easy fix to improve communication is to limit the use of in camera and private meetings to items actually requiring a certain amount of privacy. In camera meetings are required for some situations such as land acquisition, personnel or initial budget preparation etc. These meetings should be held outside of a ‘public council meeting”before or after a regular meeting would be best. Better communication would also help with staff morale as this is also a problem.
2. What is your vision for economic development in Redcliff, and how would you suggest the town work to achieve that?
I think we should look at our strengths, we should look at past accomplishments. I can purchase Red Hat tomatoes in Regina, Sask., and other communities east and west of Redcliff. It looks to me that the Red Hat Co-op is a winner. We should meet with our producers, green house operators and packers and see if they can provide contacts that might consider an operation that would provide canning or fast freeze service producing a Canadian product. How about Redcliff Tomatoes or Redcliff Mixed Vegetables sounds good to me I would buy them, this might be worth investigating.
3. What are the top three, in your opinion, infrastructure needs in Redcliff, and how would you approach seeing those to fruition?
A tough question as I don’t have the research I would like to be able to give a definitive answer. I have heard concerns with regards to only having a single source of water from the river and that would be an issue that requires some attention. It is smart to have a back up plan in this day and age. Unfortunately this is the first I have heard of these concerns and going forward I am hoping the public will be aware of these concerns and rational over before any decisions are being made. Aging infrastructure needs to be addressed as time takes it’s toll and we are better getting ahead of the problem rather that waiting for an emergency. We must map out our problem areas, this may have been done I have no idea, then do the worst fixes first as budget allows and hopefully address the problems. Projects not identified as a problem should not take precedent over these old infrastructure concerns. While recreation appears to be holding it’s own and provides good service I would like to see a forum where all groups from youth to seniors could have the wants and needs expressed, once again to increase communication in this area.
