13 5 The inter-municipal development plans now mandated by the Provincial Government


Bill Cocks


1 Hello, my name is Bill Cocks. I’m a recently retired lawyer and I'm currently seeking


re-election to our City Council. I’ve lived in Medicine Hat all my life, except for the years I spent at university, and my family goes back three generations in this city. This is a wonderful city to live in - great climate, affordable, many services and a dynamic cultural life, which I have enjoyed participating in - theatre, choirs, service organizations. We have many advantages here and I believe my actions as a City Councillor have contributed to maintaining those advantages and opportunities.


2


I am committed to renewable energy but we must recognize that we can't reliably deliver electricity to our municipal customers without having a sufficient supply of gas fired generation to back it up. The winds don't always blow and the sun isn't always shining so any electric utility must be able to supply all of our needs, both residential and industrial. Wind and solar technologies are improving and the City of Medicine Hat has appropriately incorporated renewable energy generation into our mix. It's a balancing act, made even more complicated by the fact that we cannot construct or acquire more generation capacity than we can demonstrate a need for within in our service area, i.e.. the City and our few adjacent customers.


3


We have the lowest property taxes in Canada and deliver services of a range and quality that is the envy of many communities. This has been made possible by our ownership of a valuable resource, our natural gas fields; however, the collapse in the price of this commodity has challenged our ability to continue to deliver these fine services without a significant rise in taxes. We have been reviewing all service delivery options and seeking realistic and practical ways to offer services at reduced costs. We are also seeking to adjust our revenue base with better returns on the investment of our reserves, realistic and affordable service charges, and by challenging our gas and oil production division to find new sources of revenue from conventional oil drilling and helium production.


4


The key priority for me will be to return NGPR (City's natural gas and petroleum resources division) to profitability. A plan and staff to implement it have been approved by the current Council. Overseeing the implementation of that plan and giving strategic direction at decision points along the way are now what is critical. We have embarked on a plan to drill for oil (conventional drilling in targeted areas) and also for helium. These commodities can, and I believe will, return NGPR to a financial place where it can once again contribute significant dollars to our tax supported operations. We have established a heritage trust account for these profits to be directed so that they won't necessarily be used to support our day-to-day operations, but will be held for special purposes that make our City stand out from the rest in terms of the variety and quality of public service which we provide to our citizens.


through the amendments to the MGA should, in my opinion, include shared costing for a number of services provided by the City of Medicine Hat but which benefit residents, business and industry in Redcliff and Cypress County. Two vital things which need to be included are the costs of roadways, used by everyone, and the operation (not just the capital construction costs) for things like the Family Leisure Centre, the Canalta Centre, our pools, skating rinks and other public services.


• A passionate ambassador for the City. • Proven leadership on numerous committees and boards. GM of Medicine Hat Chamber of Commerce, Alberta Urban Municipalities Association - Chair of Finance, Special Forces Pension Board, Highway 3 Association Chair. • Fiscally responsible.


FOR MAYOR


• 100% accessible to the public. • Dedicated to ‘giving back’ through volunteer service in community non-profit organizations: Past President Shrine Club, Past President Safety City, Past YMCA Chair.


• John’s career takes in occupations including: Engineer, Pilot, Aircraft Mechanic, Millwright, Military Service, Entrepreneur & Business Owner.


Communication is key to our growth, together we can make this city even better.


HAMILL JOHN


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