Judy Pruden was first elected to the town council in 2016 and got re-elected in 2020. (submitted photo/Judy Pruden )

By Kenneth Cheung

2024 MUNICIPAL ELECTION

Judy Pruden vying for third council term

Oct 23, 2024 | 12:33 PM

Town of Battleford council candidate Judy Pruden is getting ready for the third municipal election campaign and her focus this time is to advocate for new buildings for the local fire department and Battlefords District Care Centre (BDCC).

Pruden noted the current fire department facility is inadequate due to increased numbers of firefighters and equipment.

“We need to upgrade and get a bigger building to facilitate the department,” she explained.

Regarding the BDCC, she pointed out its nearly 100-year-old structure. While she commended the staff for their exceptional service, she believes enhancing the facility’s interior and overall environment would significantly improve residents’ experiences.

To make her visions a reality, Pruden aims to raise funds through community fundraising initiatives and apply for federal government grants with the assistance of the town’s new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Todd Francis.

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“We can get creative, as other towns do. They set their sights on a goal and achieve it together through different activities. We have a new CAO starting this week, and I’m confident he can get creative and help us apply for grants,” she said.

Having served two terms as a councillor, she pointed out that enhanced parks, an expanded cemetery and campground, a new pump track, and the refurbishment of the Finlayson Island Northbridge are the results of past councils’ planning and advocacy. She believes by looking ahead and planning led to the upcoming street and sidewalk upgrades as part of a five-year plan.

“When around the council table, I do the required research and try to make decisions on what is best for the community as a whole. Some decisions are not easy or popular, and sleepless nights may accompany them, but they are necessary for constant forward movement, which is key to maintaining a thriving community,” she said.

First elected to the council in 2016, she secured re-election in 2020. Pruden has represented the town on several key committees, including the River Valley Committee and the Fort Battleford Working Committee, where initiatives for collaboration with local elders are being actively developed.

“I’ve been here for my whole life,so this is where my roots are. And so I want to see the town continue to be a safe, prosperous and friendly community to live in,” Pruden said.

Looking ahead, she also aims to be a leading force in implementing a renewed strategic plan and yearly budgets. She aims to improve parks and infrastructure while minimizing taxes, all while ensuring high-quality essential services like snow removal.

Voting will take place on Nov. 13 at Alex Dillabough Centre in Battleford. Other confirmed candidates include Clayton Lazar, Doug Laing, Shelley Boutin-Gervais, Randall Cote, Josh Pernala, Kevin Russell, Mark Coleman and David George.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com