Municipal Election
Preview
astephenson@medicinehatnews.com
For watchers of local politics, 2010 is a big year, with a municipal election set for Oct. 18. The News asked the current mayor and aldermen wheth er they have decided to run again, and what they think the heated issues will be as the campaign gets underway.
Ald. Ted Clugston
Clugston said he will be running again for alderman, and plans to run on a stance of fiscal conservatism — at the same time promoting his idea of a Heritage Trust Fund that would put away a portion of proceeds from the city’s natural gas business for future generations.
Clugston said he expects the Event Centre and the controversial dealings around the 603 First Street property to come up again at election time.
“Also the economic downturn, and what we’ve done to help the city get through that,” Clugston said.
Clugston added he wants to see renewable energy become an election issue, and he plans to push hard for further city investment in wind and solar projects.
Ald. Jeremy Thompson
Thompson confirmed he will seek a second term as alderman, but acknowledged there could be a lot of others in the race.
“This council is a council in transition, and I think we’ll see a lot of new faces run for office this time around,” Thompson said.
Thompson said there are a few hot-button issues that are guaranteed to have a high profile throughout the campaign.
“I think you’ll see energy again, it’s always an election issue,” he said. “Most likely, the Event Centre. And who knows what else could come up in the next eight months?”
Ald. Ty Schneider
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Schneider said he hasn’t decided yet whether he will run again, but said taxes and utilities will undoubtedly be the big election issues.
“I think the big key is going to be dealing with our electric and natural gas prices and what we make with our Prodco,” Schneider said. “Those will be the issues, because somehow that’s got to be managed differently than it is now, because it’s going to start costing if prices remain as low as they are now.”
Ald. Julie Friesen
Friesen said she does plan to run again, and she hasn’t ruled out making a run for mayor.
“I’m still weighing my options when it comes to the mayoralty race, but I think it’s no secret that I’m interested,” Friesen said.
While Friesen said the Event Centre will likely come up at election time, there are other issues she considers equally if not more important — like the long-term viability of the city’s public utilities, water quantity and quality, and ensuring the city has the educational, employment, and recreational opportunities necessary to attract young families.
“Also, we need to step up our advocacy and lobbying role with the province — and the federal government to some extent,” Friesen said. “Because things like the hospital expansion and advanced education are absolutely critical to the long-term health of our community.”
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