21
Jamie McIntosh cont. 3 Balance is the core of what City Council does. A significant amount of investment
has gone into Fire Services, Recreation, and our underground infrastructure over the past few years. The coming term must be a time of constraint. Many of these projects are either completed, fall within our current budget cycle, or are infrastructure investments that are supported not by taxes but by the ratepayer who uses the services.
Each City department is currently working towards finding efficiencies to save the taxpayer money, yet still provide services that meet the needs of our community. While some in our City are prepared to accept higher taxes to maintain service levels, others feel that taxes should be frozen and services minimized to balance our budget. How the next team at City Hall finds that balance will depend on who is sitting at the table.
4
My focus, if elected, will involve three main priorities. The first is fiscal responsibility. A significant gap still exists between expenses and revenue. We unfortunately cannot rely on energy revenue to make up this gap. I can ensure sound decision making as the City continues on the path to being financially fit.
The second priority is economic development. The approach of Invest Medicine Hat has been to identify our strengths and target business that can thrive in our environment. I support this approach, and this team, as they will continue to both diversify our economy and grow business in our area and region.
The final component is tourism. Over the past few years the Destination Marketing team put Medicine Hat on the map as a tourist destination. Opportunities exist to expand what we offer the travelling public. Supporting private industry to enhance what we can offer will be vital.
5
The current Council, with the support of the County and Redcliff, has begun to develop those incredibly important relationships with each other. It would be safe to say that all of the current Councillors, Reeves and Mayors see this as a foundation that needs to continue to develop, as we all agree that our region, and communities will be stronger if we are pulling in the same direction.
Cypress County recently provided a grant to the City of Medicine Hat of $200,000 that went towards our recreation facilities, as they recognize that many of their citizens use the City of Medicine Hat Facilities. Working together to solve the issues of South Boundary Road is another area where the City and the County worked together to find a financial solution that worked for both groups. Having these types of agreements formalized, will make doing business together that much easier.
Find full coverage and up-to-date election details daily in The Medicine Hat News or online at
www.medicinehatnews.com You can also like us on facebook
4 5
Ryan Regnier
1 Hello there, I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Ryan Regnier and I am one of the
new nominees campaigning for a seat on City Council. I have always had an interest in politics and economics, am eager to gain the confidence of the community and would appreciate your vote on Election Day.
2 3
Oil plays an important part in modern society; however, to sustain a renewable future, our energy must ultimately be provided with a new and more efficient resource. It is our responsibility to ensure that this commitment is met for future generations.
The city is in a deficit and no matter what cuts are made it will affect someone. Therefore, I would encourage necessary city expenditures and to focus on economic development; for instance, downtown development incentive programs and Infrastructure rehabilitation programs are crucial. It would be in our best interest to avoid future situations such as the rash decision to construct the Canalta Centre. Some of the suggestions I would put forward are minimal cuts to the city's beautification, put a temporary freeze on recreational upgrades, and perhaps increase bus fare rates from $3.25 to $3.50 or $3.75. I feel public transportation is an indispensable service and would like to avoid any unnecessary changes.
A key priority for the city over the next four years would be increased focus into job diversification and development. The majority of the existing concerns in Medicine Hat would be more easily solved with an increase in employment opportunity. For Medicine Hat to expand, develop and prosper, we need this focus to promote a growing populace.
The updated development plan should include the approved changes to the Municipal Government Act (MGA) that directly affects the IDP.
RE-ELECT PETER GRAD CATHOLIC EDUCATION
• PROMOTING GOSPEL VALUES • ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE • SUPPORTING FAMILIES • BUILDING COMMUNITY
Questions? Call or text 403.780.9030
FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD PRESERVING
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32
