Kevin Russell is looking to continue learning and working as a member of council. (Submitted photo/City of North Battleford)

By Josh Ryan

Seeking To Grow

Incumbent Russell looking for second council term

Oct 29, 2020 | 9:00 AM

In running for a second term on town council, Kevin Russell wants to further his knowledge with municipal politics.

The incumbent council candidate, who also works in sales for Valley-Ford North Battleford and is involved with several local organizations, said he’s enjoyed the last four years as a councillor and has found it invaluable in learning about the ins and outs of how the town operates. One of the most important lessons he’s learned is the specifics of how money is spent and how to deal with budgets, keeping living costs low while still making investments.

“Trying to find different ways to build infrastructure, getting government grants, stuff like that,” Russell said. “So you’re not knocking on everyone’s door for tax money.”

He said he also wants to see a number of projects through that were undertaken in the last few years, such as the lagoon project, the restoration of the St. Vital church and work with the old bridges. The latter in particularly is on the forefront.

“They need a lot of work, because it’s a significant staple of our community,” Russell said.

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(Submitted Photo/Kevin Russell)

He also feels there’s more to do, such as investing in youth. Russell said he’d like to have a facility beside hockey rinks and ball diamonds that youth can use, such as a skate park or outdoor swimming pool.

“Youth is on the forefront, you want to keep them involved in your community and you want to keep them active,” he said.

Another potential project Russell is looking at is arena expansion. Since it was built 1978, he thinks it’s time to give it a new shine.

“Bigger dressing rooms, a bigger lobby maybe, stuff like that,” he said. “Just to give it a facelift, because it is one of the nicest arenas in our area and it would be nice to continue to have it like that.”

And like many residents, safety has been on Russell’s mind.

“Continuing to work with the RCMP and residents to have a safe community and keep building a safer community to raise their families in is huge for everybody.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports