By Katherine Svenkeson

Mayoral candidates address platforms at Chamber of Commerce event

Oct 20, 2016 | 10:34 AM

A week before election day, municipal candidates for both the Town of Battleford and City of North Battleford gathered at the Chamber of Commerce building.

The candidate’s reception held last night, Oct. 19, gave both mayoral candidates for Battleford a chance to address their policies and platforms, and the acclaimed mayor of North Battleford his first public address.

Both Battleford candidates, David George and Ames Leslie, shared some similar ideologies on their platforms.

They both agreed the post office needs to stay downtown.

Amalgamation was also addressed by both of them. It is something neither candidate is in favour of.

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“At this point in time I don’t believe in any amalgamation and not in the near future I can see,” George said.

One of Leslie’s campaign posters reads: “No amalgamation. I believe this is the best small town in Saskatchewan and would work to keep it that way!”

Crime was also on both of their lists as last year’s crime wave led to a spike in vandalism and theft. The candidates said Citizens on Patrol or similar programs may need to be considered.

“Let’s get together with our community, whether we have to start a Citizen on Patrol, or whatever it may be and get that rectified a little bit,” George said. “The RCMP are stressed out, I understand that, but at the same time we need to get that going.”

Leslie focused on increasing downtown development, like bringing in businesses and keeping the liquor store in its downtown location.

“Downtown Battleford is a beautiful place. We have a lot of history there. I do believe that as a mayor and council we need to focus on our downtown,” he said. “The big focus for Battleford moving forward is how do we grow sustainably with businesses, and our history in mind, and make the town continue to be what it is?”

George said if elected mayor there will be no tax increases and completion of the opera house project. He spoke of his previous 17 years which included his positions as chairman of the administrative committee and municipal services.

“I’ll bring transparency and accountability to our community,” George said. “Experience, experience, experience. I have that. I think I can lend that to our community going forward. Leadership, dedication and time.”

Election day is Oct. 26 at the Alex Dillabough Centre.

Katherine.svenkeson@jpbg.com

Twitter: @ksvenkeson