Council Candidate Ross MacAngus wants to see new initiatives taken in addressing crime in North Battleford. (File Photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Josh Ryan

New ideas

Council Candidate MacAngus stresses need for new crime initiatives

Oct 8, 2020 | 3:21 PM

Crime prevention has been brought up frequently so far in the North Battleford municipal election and like many of the candidates, Ross MacAngus is looking for new ideas to address the issue.

The longtime peace officer and archery instructor believes that reducing crime is the top priority for the community to grow and attract new businesses as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. MacAngus thinks the answers can be found in other municipalities.

“I think we have to look elsewhere to get positive results, to make the community a safer place that people want to come to,” he said.

MacAngus said there are towns and cities across the prairies worth examining in making decisions. One solution would be involving residents more directly in preventative measures.

“Perhaps we could possibly [work to get] more citizens on patrol,” he said. “We have to look other communities, whether it’s in Saskatchewan or Alberta, to help curb that issue.”

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His time as a peace officer is where MacAngus draws on most of his thoughts on the issue. He said residents are able to provide a lot of insight, provided they have the opportunity to do so.

“I’ve dealt with a lot of the citizens of North Battleford and taken the time to listen to them,” he said. “Biggest thing is to stop and actually take the time to listen to the people and their concerns, then go about trying to find a way to rectify those problems.”

MacAngus said there are a number of departments within the city that could use improvement.

“I think they need to be dealt with down the road,” he said.

And thinking outside the box is something MacAngus said will help the city adjustment further challenges from the pandemic, including picking solid bets for infrastructure projects, taking advantage quality facilities and help foster growth. However, he said that hinges on first dealing with crime.

“The status quo is not changing too many things, so we need to look at new initiatives to make this community a safer place,” he said.

MacAngus is one of 13 council candidates and one of nine individuals looking for a first term. Election day is Nov. 9.

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports