Kelli Hawtin: A resident of the Battlefords since 2007, Kelli Hawtin was originally elected to City Council in a by-election in 2014.
In addition to her role on Council, Hawtin owns and operates a family business with her husband Mitch, while raising two daughters. She credits the Battlefords for providing her family with many opportunities, for work, education and family. Having spent more than six years at CITY Hall, she said she feels ready to jump right back into work if re-elected, after learning the ins and out of municipal government.
Hawtin said she wants to continue building relationships with the neighbouring Indigenous communities, assist business owners struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic and help build an even better community for future generations.
Valorie Higgs: A longtime resident of North Battleford, Valorie Higgs is looking to continue serving the community where she has raised her three children.
She spent 20 years as a newspaper employee, before spending the last few years as a professional assistant, working as an interviewer for the BBEX Awards and assisting with the federal election last year. Higgs has also worked for several organizations in the area in a variety of roles, as well with several prominent businesses.
She is advocating for seniors’ issues and for maximizing tourism revenue.
Thomas (Bill) Ironstand: A father, grandfather and lifelong resident of the Battlefords, Bill Ironstand is looking to help the multi-cultural community of North Battleford to grow.
He currently serves as the emergency management coordinator for Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs (BATC) and has many years of experience working in trades. He is passionate about working with youth and connecting them with their elders.
Ironstand is also focused on addressing racism, better advocacy for the concerns of citizens and good spending on infrastructure.
Clay Lazar: While growing up in Saskatoon, Clay Lazar spent much time over his formative years in North Battleford.
For the past nine years, he has worked as a paramedic and firefighter in the city, giving him a perspective that he said is different than other candidates. In running for council, Lazar believes in giving a voice to the unheard.
Some of his policy priorities include poverty, homelessness, crime, gangs and community pride.
Greg Lightfoot: A resident of the Battlefords for more 30 years, Greg Lightfoot is seeking his third term as a City Councillor, having been elected in 2012.
For 29 years, he has owned and operated Hein Financial Group. He has also been an active member of the community, participating in business committees, non-profit organizations and sporting teams.
Lightfoot has prioritized keeping taxes low, paying down debt and drawing in new business to the city.
Kent Lindgren: Kent Lindgren is running for his second term after being elected to council in 2016.
After completing his BA in Sociology at the University of Saskatchewan, Lindgren returned to start a career. He currently works for Battlefords Family Health Centre as the HIV Project Coordinator. In 2015, he was selected as a CBC Future 40 Under 40 for his commitment to his community and area of work.
If re-elected, Lindgren aims to focus on the reasons for various challenges, in order to make instrumental changes.
Ross MacAngus: Peace Officer Ross MacAngus is looking for solutions to community issues by studying other municipalities.
Born and raised in North Battleford, he has spent 18 years in his current role, while also active as an archery instructor. His interactions with residents have shown him that residents can provide a lot more input to the direction of the city. He also believes the community has first class schools and facilities.
Dennis Mercer: Dennis Mercer has lived in the Battlefords for most of his life, sinking deep roots in the community.
He has spent the past 20 years teaching at John Paul II, as well as coaching several high school sports and clubs, such as “Key Club’. He is confident that his experience in education would be a real asset to council.
Mercer wants to see an increased emphasis on social issues to expand social programming for all ages.
Matthew Parker: A lifelong resident of the Battlefords, Matthew Parker is entering municipal politics hoping to encourage others to follow suit.
Following his graduation from the University of Saskatchewan, Parker now works as a school counselor with Catholic Family Services of the Battlefords, working with elementary schools across the region and interacting with a variety of families. In his spare time, he also works as a swimming coach.
Parker wants to see an increase in community engagement and work to solve several social problems preventing families from getting ahead.
Geroge Plews: A letter carrier for Canada Post for two years, George Plews has spent 30 years in the Battlefords.
Over that time, he has commuted to Lloydminster and Saskatoon for work, but kept his residence here. Prior to working for Canada Post, he spent 35 years as a Flight Service Specialist. In joining council, Plews said he would like to see the work of the past few years continue.
Sheldon Rafuse: Born and raised in North Battleford, Sheldon Rafuse is running to give back to his community, where he has chosen to continue to raise his family.
He has more than a decade of experience working in the oil and gas industry as a power engineer. In running for council, he hopes to help make the city a safe, attractive and affordable place to live and raise a family.
Rafuse said his plan is to lower income taxes and focus on creating long-term job opportunities that will result in growth for the economy.
Len Taylor: Len Taylor has served North Battleford as a City Councillor, Member of Parliament, MLA, and Provincial Cabinet Minister.
As a journalist and manager in addition to his political experience, he has demonstrated an understanding of council being able to work with its citizens and all levels of government, organizations, and neighboring communities, including First Nations, to solve problems and make plans for future development.
Taylor believes the next two years will be particularly important as the city will experience reduced provincial funding, reduced revenue from city services, and increased costs for very important police and other protective services.
Warren Williams: After considering running for council in the last municipal election, Warren Williams is excited to put his name forward in North Battleford.
A longtime resident of the area, Williams has served as President of both the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of the Battlefords, with more than 20 years involvement between the two. Over the course of 45 years, he has been a business owner, employee and a community champion. He has 13 years’ experience with Bralin Technology Solutions as a Senior Account Manager.
Williams wants to advocate for residents, make the city to become more business friendly and improve its reputation.