Ames Leslie was acclaimed as mayor of Battleford long before this week, but he was still closely watching on election night, Monday. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Municipal Election

Battleford mayor weighs in on new council, leadership change in NB

Nov 10, 2020 | 2:39 PM

Municipal election night Monday, was a busy time in the Battlefords. And perhaps no one between the two communities was keeping a keener eye on the developments as they transpired, than acclaimed Mayor of Battleford, Ames Leslie.

That’s why battlefordsNOW caught up with Leslie Tuesday to get his thoughts on the evening’s outcomes.

On Battleford Town Council:

Four of the five incumbent council members running for re-election will return, as Kevin Russell, Judy Pruden, Shelley Boutin-Gervais and Doug Laing will retain their positions. New faces Alexis Christensen and David George round out the six elected.

Leslie, said he likes the composition of council this term. He said having so much experience return to the fold is always helpful.

2024 MUNICIPAL ELECTION

City council candidate focuses on North Battleford's image

7m ago

Riderville

Click Click Boom - Riders Make the Playoffs Interesting

2h ago

MOTEL FIRE

Undetermined cause of Best Canadian Motor Inn fire on Monday night

4h ago

“We have a pretty astute council coming forth with four of the incumbents coming back and the additions of Alexis Christensen and David George,” he said. “Unfortunately elections are always at the same time as budgets, so after an election everyone has to roll up their sleeves and get right back on the budget, [but] having experience still around the table, definitely helps to not lose momentum of getting the budget out in a timely manner.”

Leslie also said it’s nice to see the continued diversity amongst council representatives, with a nice mix of both male and female councillors.

“We’re one of the few communities within the province who can say their council is 50 per cent female and that’s something I’m quite proud to see,” Leslie said. “I’m glad to see the number of female voices who are willing to come out and be part of the municipal government in the town of Battleford.”

Gordon Yarde:

The lone incumbent running for re-election to not be returned, was town council veteran, Gordon Yarde.

Leslie, who has spent the last eight years working alongside Yarde in council, said he wishes his friend well in whatever venture he may take on next, thanking him for his years of service to the community.

“It’s going to be different to look around the table and not see Gordon,” Leslie said. “He and I have been on council together for the last eight years, and Gordon himself has had a few decades of serving the people of Battleford that can’t go unnoticed. We definitely thank him for his time and his input, as he has left his mark on the community over the last few decades.”

Mayoral change in North Battleford:

The biggest development in the local area from election night was unquestionably a change in leadership at the North Battleford mayoral position.

Former finance minister with the town, David Gillan was elected mayor of North Battleford. Not only will it be a new mayoral dynamic between the two communities of Battleford and North Battleford; but the town will also need to find a replacement to fill Gillan’s shoes at his former finance position.

Finding a qualified replacement for the post is something Leslie said the town hopes to do quickly.

“The advertisement [for the position] is out, and the recruitment is on to try to find somebody as quickly as possible,” he said. “Our new CAO has the ability to cover off a lot of [the duties] and our team here is of course very strong, so I think we should be able to cover well in the short term. But hopefully we’ll have someone in the seat here shortly.”

Leslie said he believes the existing relationship between Gillan and himself can only bode well moving forward, as the ties between the communities of Battleford and North Battleford remain as important as ever.

“I think [with] whoever sits in that seat, the relationship between the town and the city is imperative,” Leslie said. “We need to work together to find prosperity, and I look forward to the conversations we will have. Getting our councils [on the same page] to try to find the best way to move forward, independently but prosperous, is very important to help each other out.”

—

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1