Battleford council candidate Cory Schaffer hopes to use his life experiences to help taxpayers. (Submitted Photo/Cory Schaffer)

By Josh Ryan

Identifying Inefficiencies

Town council candidate looking to find efficient strategies

Oct 13, 2020 | 10:02 AM

A growing interest, over a long period or in recent years, has helped drive the decision to run for council in the Battlefords. For Battleford Town Council candidate Cory Schaffer, it’s not different.

The former service advisor and seeding season loader has always had a lifelong interest in politics, locally and beyond. Having lived with his family in the Battlefords for 18 years, Schaffer said he wants to take life lessons he’s obtained over that time and put them to use, such as knowledge regarding equipment repair costs.

“With the experience that I’ve gained over my lifetime, maybe I can address some of the concerns that other people have mentioned to me when I’ve hinted that I may be running,” he said.

Bringing down the cost of living for families is a key for Schaffer. He said the increasing of annual expenses for residents has concerned him for some time.

“Tax increases, fee increases, service charge increases,” Schaffer said. “The Battlefords is a great place to live in, but I’m concerned, like with every other level of government, every time there’s a percentage of change, the tax payers are on the hook.”

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Schaffer said he’ll look to find inefficiencies in the use of city sites and facilities to help bring costs down, such as doing more to tap into Fort Battleford Historic Park and improving and enhancing the Eiling Kramer campground. One fix he would make is to make more of an incentive for campers by adding deposits on campsites, instead of having people be unable to reserve a spot when others don’t follow through on their own reservation.

“That site sits empty for the duration and the town loses out on the revenue that it should have been generating,” Schaffer said.

Other possible efficiencies Schaffer is interested in exploring include snow removal, fuel tenders and arena use. He said that with many people without work because of COVID, he believes the city has to be prudent in keeping the town going.

“I’m not out to bash anybody or run anybody down, I’m mostly happy with how council has done things,” he said. “I just think with there’s things that can be improved.”

As Schaffer himself is between jobs at the moment, he said that will give him the time to devote fully to the job and find the most effective and ethical solutions to them. He said he’s also wanting to increase the link in communication with townspeople and council, something he has found somewhat lacking, such as making himself available to discuss anything by encouraging residents to come forward and reach out.

“Ask questions, offer advice,” Schaffer said. “Bring forward concerns and stuff that we may be able to help with.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports