Former two-term city councillor Brian Varga has long felt a desire to serve in local government, a feeling still going strong today as he vies once again for a seat at city hall. Varga says a strong council team is needed to get things done, something he says existed when he was last in office.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
After missing the top-8 by one spot in 2021, Brian Varga is seeking to once again represent the people of Medicine Hat.
If elected, this would become Varga’s third official term on council. He said that though he did miss out in the 2021 election, his drive to work for the residents of the city and make Medicine Hat the best it can be has not left him.
“I want to get back to being involved in governing the city. The experience that I gained in those eight years will be vital and crucial for our city to move into the future with the new council.”
Many of Varga’s top priorities pertain to council itself. He says the councils he was part of were a team, even when they did not all necessarily agree on how to approach a topic.
“Council needs to work together,” said Varga. “That’s not to say that everyone will agree with all decisions, but it does mean that constructive discussion has to happen with all nine members. When a decision is made, you move forward with it; no backlash, no animosity, just forward thinking.”
Varga hopes to be part of a council that can trust each other and gain back the trust of the residents, as well as the provincial and federal government. He recognizes this may be an uphill battle, but feels confident that an effective, cohesive council will be able to earn that trust over time.
Looking forward, he would focus on cultivating a strong team both inside and outside council.
“My focus will be on working hard with our Chamber of Commerce in improving and expanding businesses that already exist within our community. Let’s look after our own house first,” said Varga, adding he would like to offer incentives to existing businesses and help them to expand and increase the local labour force within the city.
This includes reinforcing a positive relationship with the city manager, based in open communication and a strong working relationship in order to ensure the city can run smoothly.
“I would like to re-visit our city’s economic development plan in hopes of attracting new businesses, supporting local entrepreneurs that create sustainable job opportunities,” said Varga. “I am also committed to keeping our utilities and taxes affordable and fair, ensuring every resident feels the benefits of balanced, responsible leadership.”
Varga feels he is known for his honesty, integrity and accountability, someone who will consistently drive positive outcomes through clear communication and a strong sense of responsibility. This shines through his other work outside his eight years on council, which includes being a business owner and chair of the 2026 Canadian Special Olympics, where he helps to lead community initiatives, co-ordinate large-scale events and support an inclusive environment for all athletes.
He hopes to once again serve the people of Medicine Hat as a councillor, and in the weeks leading up to the Oct. 20 election, is looking forward to hearing from as many Hatters as he can in regards to what matters to them. He encourages those with questions to reach out to him, as he will do his best to have an answer.
