Council hopeful Kirsten Spek has made her beloved Medicine Hat home since moving here more than a decade ago, and the local businesswoman says she will bring that passion for the community to city hall.--Submitted Photo
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Twelve years ago, council candidate Kirsten Spek came to Medicine Hat and fell in love with the city, and now she hopes to encourage others to do the same.
Spek is the owner of Couture Hair & Beauty, which she purchased roughly 10 years ago; after moving from Fort McMurray seeking something new for herself and without a concrete plan, she would find an opportunity to set down roots and establish herself as an entrepreneur.
It’s a desire to see stronger representation for people like herself, says Spek, that has spurred her to put her name in for the upcoming election.
“I’ve lived in the city for nearly 12 years, and I’ve been in business here for about a decade,” said Spek. “I kept kind of waiting to see some, you know, representation of our small business community step forward to run on city council. And it’s something I had been thinking about for quite some time.”
She says she had even considered running in the previous election, but ultimately waited until the timing was better for her family and she could dedicate herself more fully to the role.
Spek has a number of priorities she would bring to council, focusing strongly on what she believes is most needed to move the city forward.
“So property taxes is one. You know, keeping taxes fair and reasonable so individuals, families and businesses aren’t overburdened, is a pretty high priority for me,” said Spek. “I don’t necessarily agree with the tax increase that they’re proposing, so I think there are ways we could look at that and mitigate it. Obviously, I don’t know all the information, but I do think we should be looking at whether it is necessary to raise our property taxes by almost six per cent.”
She proposed that where the money is being spent needs to be reviewed, to see if there are other ways to better balance the budget outside significant tax increases.
In a similar vein, she believes there should be a focus on supporting and attracting business, both in helping small businesses thrive and in being an appealing locale for larger industry to settle in the area, bringing jobs and economic growth to the city.
“If we want that though, we need to be looking at our recreation so that there’s more to do in the city outside of work,” said Spek. “I do feel sometimes that we’re lacking as far as options, especially for young families. We should be investing in our parks, arenas, trails and programs, and while we’re doing that, we should be keeping people of all levels of ability in mind.”
Social supports such as public safety, housing options, mental health supports and inclusivity are also high on her list.
“Our city deserves leadership that listens, acts responsibly and plans for the future. I will bring accountability, balance and a strong voice for the people of Medicine Hat,” said Spek.
In the weeks leading up to the election, Spek will be taking the time to speak with as many people as she can, in smaller groups or at public events as she learned what residents of the city are looking for in a council.
