Outgoing mayor, Ryan Bater. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Looking ahead

Bater appreciates progress from time on council, hopes for good things to come

Nov 10, 2020 | 5:07 PM

While Ryan Bater was not successful in retaining his position as mayor of North Battleford in last night’s municipal election, he said he is pleased with the progress made during his time on council.

Bater served four years as the mayor, and before that another four as a councillor.

“I’ve had eight great years on city council,” he said. “I’m proud of the work we have done.”

Bater phoned to congratulate mayor-elect David Gillan last night when the votes came.

“I also let him know if there is of any service I can be during the transition I am available,” he said.

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Bater said he wishes Gillan and the new council success, and hopes for all the best for the city.

Bater recalls he was the youngest mayor in the city’s history when first elected to the position four years ago.

He said council accomplished a lot over the last few years, but also had a lot of challenges.

But he is proud of their successes.

“I’m really happy with the relationships I’ve been able to develop,” he added. “I have no hard feelings whatsoever. And, now my watch has ended.”

Just days before the election, Bater dealt with some issues when he was alerted that a number of his election signs had been vandalized throughout the city.

Police are investigating, and requesting the public’s help to locate the culprit.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Jason Teniuk said anyone who has any video surveillance of the incidents, or can identify the suspect is asked to contact the RCMP.

“These signs are paid for by these individual candidates,” he said. “They are the property of these candidates. Any kind of damage that would happen to them is indeed a crime, and that would be constituted as mischief.”

Bater said many of his election signs were defaced. He said he is grateful to all the people who reached out to volunteer to help him clean them up early Saturday morning.

With the election now over, looking forward Bater said he plans to continue with his career at Destination Battlefords.

“I never saw politics as a career,” he said. “This was always a temporary public service. I had hoped it would last longer, but I guess it won’t. That’s just fine too.”

Bater said he plans to continue his work in economic development, adding that “now I get to devote more time to my family.”

—

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW