Wrap-up of the Battlefords’ council candidates’ focuses and visions

“ I love walking around our community, and one of my goals is to keep that walkability and recreation going forward,” Coleman said.

David George was next. With almost two decades of experience on the council table, this time, he aims to focus on fiscal responsibility and driving continued growth while keeping recreation facilities up to good standards.

“I believe that total transparency is key to successful counseling,” George noted.

Next up was Doug Laing, who is running for a fourth term. He has prioritized advocating for a new fire hall to meet the increasing service demand. He also aims to strengthen collaboration with the provincial government to enhance the Battlefords District Care Centre.

“That’s so important for the entire region but also for the town itself,” Laing added.

After Laing was Clayton Lazar, a 15-year paramedic and firefighter with experience as a public servant, in addition to improving commercial regulations and policies, he aims to create a safer and more secure community to attract business investments.

“If I’m elected on the 13th, I will make doing business in Battleford easy and effortless,” Lazar stated.

Judy Pruden, first elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, is now seeking her third term. She will focus on improving parks and infrastructure while minimizing taxes and maintaining high-quality services like snow removal.

“So moving forward, I’d like to be part of a team that continues to adhere to a renewed strategic plan and the yearly budgets,” Purden said.

After Purden was Kevin Russell, he said if he could stay on the council table for another four years, he would hope to continue working on community projects, such as a new fire hall and arena. He also wants to keep Battleford safe, affordable, and prosperous.

“I just would like to be a part of keeping our community safe and affordable, doing business with you, raising your family, and continuing to grow,” Russell added.

Ames Leslie, the current mayor, is acclaimed to continue the following term. The three other candidates, Shelley Boutin-Gervais, Randall Cote, and Josh Pernala, didn’t attend for personal or work reasons.

“One thing that I think is going to happen in the next few years is if we have changes in our government federally, I think we’re going to start to see more federal funding coming back into the Battlefords and into the province and into western Canada, which will be good for our taxpayers,” Leslie added.

Voting is scheduled for Nov. 13 at the Alex Dillabough Centre-Main Hall. Advance polls will kick off on Nov. 6 at the Alex Dillabough Centre – Serius Room (south side).

City of North Battleford

With 13 people fighting for the six council seats, Alvin Baptiste from Red Pheasant Cree Nation started by sharing his goals to strengthen the partnership with the RCMP to tackle ongoing gun violence, gang activities, and addiction issues. He also stressed the need for more affordable housing to prevent further homelessness.

“One of the issues that we have right now is gun violence; every time I hear ‘pop -pop- bang-bang,’ I was wondering if those are guns or fireworks,” Baptiste shared.

Next up was Mercy George, the owner of Dejma’s Curry House. She is committed to making the city safer and more inclusive and aims to be a voice for those in the community who are often ‘overlooked.’

“I’m committed to listening to your concerns, advocating for practical solutions and collaborating to create a brighter and more secure future,” George said.

Following George was Bill (Thomas) Ironstand, who is now seeking his second term. He wants to be the voice to improve the taxation system for local businesses and homeowners.

He also aims to work on stamping out the ‘Crime Town’ stigma to attract businesses to invest.

“I’m willing to have discussions and arguments with people if I feel that I have the right to have my voice heard. I have no problems yelling it from the rooftops. I will continue, if elected, to be that person,” Ironstand stated.

Next up, Greg (Gregory) Lightfoot, who has spent 12 years on the council table, is now seeking another four years committed to financial accountability, keeping taxes low while maintaining the balance between growth and infrastructure replacement.

“and continue to work with all levels of government to make our city a safe and beautiful place to call home,” Lightfoot stated.

Following him is Kent Lindgren, a two-time councillor now aiming for a third term. He said he is committed to collaborating with neighbouring communities to tackle shared challenges. Lindgren also pointed out the importance of strategic solutions and community engagement in addressing the city’s issues effectively.

“I believe we’re stronger together when we work together,” Lindgren said.

After him was Dennis Mercer, a long-time educator who now teaches at John Paul II Collegiate. If elected, he said he is committed to advocating for people who struggle or feel ‘left out.’

“I’d like to add my energies, experience, and willingness to listen and learn to those efforts as an advocate for those without a voice,” Mercer said.

Then up was Donald Meriam, a two-spirited activist and recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee medal, aimed to bring fresh perspectives to the city. He focused on innovative solutions for driving economic growth while pledging to address crime to enhance community safety proactively.

“Ultimately, my goal is to foster a thriving community where residents feel secure, connected and empowered to participate in local initiatives,” Meriam stated.

Following Meriam was Dan Suberlak, a retired city employee with 32 years of experience in various roles, including working with the parks department and addressing water issues. He noted the need to address aging infrastructure, including the Civic Center and water plants.

“Even though we don’t have a new government in power, we do have a different balance of power, which, as a city, we can rally upon the provincial government for the funding that we need for these social issues,” Suberlak said.

Next up was Alan Wiese, owner of Just Giver Construction. If elected, one of his plans is to tackle the persistent issue of homelessness, enhancing the city’s appeal while providing them a second chance to contribute to the community.

“I want to start hearing the younger population speak positively about our community and to give them the opportunities and some reasons to want to stay, raise their families and call North Battleford home,” Wiese noted.

Wiese also believes it’s crucial to hold the owners of abandoned properties accountable and ensure that safe rental options are available. Landlords who fail to provide such properties should also be held responsible.

Darryl Williams, a local businessman, highlighted the need for more RCMP and Community Safety Officer patrols, especially at midnight. He argued that the current shift schedule is inadequate, leaving the city vulnerable, and aims to ensure residents feel safe during their evening walks.

“I need somebody to go out when the sun goes down and watch my stuff until the next morning. That’s what I need,” Williams explained.

Lastly, Warren Williams, two-time president of the Rotary Club of the Battlefords, said one of his primary goals, if elected, is to address fundamental issues like fixing potholes, maintaining recreation facilities, and supporting economic development.

“When I first came here in 2003, one of the reasons I decided to stay is because this city looked after itself very, very well. I’ve seen that decline over the years, and I’d like to get back to that,” Warren shared.

The other two candidates, Ross MacAngus and Rodney Felder could not attend for personal and work reasons.

Voting is scheduled for Nov. 13 at the Access Communication Centre. Advance polls will kick off on Nov. 2 at the Don Ross Center Gym, with two additional early voting dates set for Nov. 7 and 9.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com

by Kenneth Cheung

Wrap-up of the Battlefords’ council candidates’ focuses and visions

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