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2017 ELECTION PREVIEW 4
Julie Friesen
1 I would introduce myself as “Hi, I’m Julie Friesen,” being proud to use the names I
have been honoured with by my family of origin and my husband. If the dinner party participants were from municipal councils or government convened to have both social and business discussions, then I would introduce myself as “Hello, I’m Councillor Julie Friesen from the City of Medicine Hat.”
2
Having had the privilege of serving on Council, especially the Energy Committee, I have learned much over the years and become very committed to diversification of our holdings such that we are not dependent on any one form of energy. Renewable energy is absolutely imperative as one of the pillars of our strategy moving forward in order to be sustainable, but not the only one. Renewable energy technology advances are always forthcoming and our holdings in this regard should be prudently considered in the total context of new opportunities, cost, appropriateness, fit with the rest of the energy portfolio and benefit to the people of Medicine Hat who own the entire energy package.
3
Our Financially Fit initiative was tailored specifically to examine the balance between spending and public service delivery. Although primarily driven by the economic downturn related to our gas and oil holdings and their dividend to the tax base, we can no longer be dependent on those dollars. Financially Fit was also a much broader initiative that allowed the residents of Medicine Hat to have input into what and how much they felt should be spent with respect to priority of public service delivery. I am committed to spending restraint because we hold a strong responsibility to the people of Medicine Hat to be stewards of their money and further acknowledge my equal commitment to making sure we make decisions that reflect the public service delivery needs of those we serve.
5
Several key priorities come to mind reflecting upon this question and the top ones for me are fiscal responsibility and a commitment to financial sustainability, diversification and innovation in our energy holdings to help ensure we leave a legacy – just as one was leſt for us, and economic vibrancy for our community. Our city needs to be poised and ready for economic, innovative and trending industry opportunities with true entrepreneurial spirit. A safe community is highly valued and our police and fire protection is stellar. We must keep our commitment, one of which I am proud, in assuring sound infrastructure in the ground for years to come. Youth leadership needs to be a strategic focus and also an environment where citizens are encouraged to be engaged and heard. And finally, but certainly not least, is my strong, unwavering commitment to people and their quality of life in our wonderful city.
The City of Medicine Hat, Cypress County and Town of Redcliff demonstrated leadership and commitment to an Inter Municipal Development Plan a number of years ago and I was personally proud to have worked along with them at the table as we negotiated a successful agreement while keeping a strong, established relationship with our valued neighbors. It is time to update the plan, not only because it is the right thing to do but also because the amendments to the Municipal Government Act will require more formalized regional relationships. As we work through our agreements, it is imperative we respect the spirit and intent originally articulated with such important aspects like contiguous boundaries, planned development without residential leapfrogging, the cost of recreational facilities and other city services, water agreements and road agreements plus other items important to any of the municipalities.
Brian Varga
2 1 I would introduce myself as Councillor Brian Varga from Medicine Hat, Alberta. I am a first term
Councillor and that I am very proud and honoured to represent the people of Medicine Hat.
Renewable energy is well on its way and Medicine Hat is an innovator in the renewable energy process. Grants are offered to those people who would like to get their businesses or individual homes equipped with renewable energy. I would be committed to continuing with the programs that have already been established by our city. I would also look to the Federal and Provincial Government for programs and grants to help city operations or others in our community.
ELECT Immanuel
MORITZ
CITIZENS FIRST • POSITIVE CHANGE • FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
COUNCILLOR #immanuelmoritzforcouncil
3 4
5
I think the way we do that is to continue with the program that we have already established in “Financially Fit.” Keep pulling the levers to help the city move forward into the future. Stay the course already started.
I believe we have to continue looking for ways to diversify our commodities. We have great people in our organization that know the business of oil and gas and electricity. We have to use that experience to move the corporation into the future. We have to continue to strive to make money in areas that have made Medicine Hat a one of a kind City that has made us great over the past 100 years. Diversification is a key priority.
What needs to be included is the sharing of services. Instead of each looking to do their own thing we have to share ideas and not duplicate services or facilities. I really believe that Cypress County and Redcliff have to realize the benefit of having top calibre facilities within their grasp. Some sort of agreement should be made to help support and pay to use. Just as it should be if Redcliff or Cypress County had a service or facility we to should have to help in using that entity. This will be a tough agreement to realize but I think it is beneficial to all three parties.
41318470/10/10/2017
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