7 Charles Turner cont. 5
The development plan between Redcliff and Cypress County is going to be a difficult process. As Medicine Hat, Redcliff, Dunmore/Cypress County all grow and expand, at some time we will have to converge. We are currently separated by a road in Redcliff and a golf course on the other side with Cypress County. We have to be cautious as to the costs involved. Running transit to Redcliff and Dunmore might be great for some, but would it be utilized and who picks up the cost? The inclusion of water and sewer could come at immense costs. As part of growth in our area, it would be practical for Dunmore’s rail yard to expand removing the one in our city. I would love to see our areas merge in all aspects as we grow; we just have to be careful to respect all parties.
4 Les Pearson cont. 3 Balancing public service delivery with spending restraint is the nub of the recent transit
fiasco. Medicine Hat is a small city that strives to match big city services. Past riches from oil and gas allowed the City to provide services that exceeded those found in other cities our size. These services enhanced quality of life for all residents, but especially for those living at the margins. They also created expectations. To maintain services amidst growing costs there are only two solutions: Cut services or raise taxes. By raising taxes even those facing economic hardship are adversely affected. Ultimately, the City’s business is public service. It must be a priority! Transit is an essential service, not only for students and low-wage workers, but for seniors and even those who prefer bus travel. Accessible recreation and culture enhance lives for rich and poor alike. Let’s find other department areas to cut!
Les Pearson
1
“Hi, I’m Les Pearson. And who are you? Even though I’ve lived here for 21 years I’m always amazed at the many new faces I encounter daily. How did you come to live in Medicine Hat? I love the history of this place. Were you born or raised here? Have you lived in other places? What are the things you like best about our city? What things annoy or trouble you? I’m a two-term Councillor who’s seeking re-election. Let’s meet for coffee. I would welcome your ideas for social and economic community development. I’d especially like to know how we can all work together to welcome newcomers and celebrate our diverse population. And, yes, I’m also concerned about the City’s debt load and spending. I have some thoughts on that topic too. “Financially Fit” is essential. But public services are vital to our quality of life. Let’s talk!
2
In the current economic climate with low oil, gas and electric markets, the City has limited resources for investment in renewable energy. Our very best effort is the subsidy the City offers to those residents who wish to install solar panels to reduce their electric costs that are certain to rise in the future. Our solar collector investment came at a time when we could afford to test and experiment. Those days have passed. As the cost of solar panels decreases, Medicine Hat should follow the lead shown by Brooks’ solar field. Wind turbines are also proven technology that merit the City’s further investment. Finally, the time is coming for a second attempt to find a developer interested in geothermal home heating and cooling. In the meantime, our natural gas resource provides the security of reliable energy for electricity, heating, and even clean transit services. We are blessed!
The key priority over the next four years is restoring the City’s historic prosperity. This will mean ending the drain on reserves to fund operational requirements and paying down our substantial debt load. The City’s prosperity has relied for too long on the vagaries of oil, gas, and electric prices. Substantial portions of profits from these assets are rightly placed in a heritage fund for future generations. The interest from this fund will finance infrastructure replacement in years ahead when non-renewable resources have failed. The task for next term Council will be attracting and retaining business and industry and the tax base they provide. New councilors need to recognize and promote tourism as a growing economic engine for Medicine Hat and area. City contract funding for the Destination Marketing Organization and Rameco (“Invest Medicine Hat”) is money well spent. Returns are already evident in new industry and new hotels.
5
The new Inter-municipal Collaborative Framework provides a three-year window for municipalities to agree on matters of common interest before the provincial government will arbitrate differences. I believe a per capita formula should be developed for Redcliff and Cypress County to share a portion of operating costs for City recreational and cultural facilities that their residents use and enjoy with our residents. Our neighbours have contributed to construction costs for the Canalta Events Centre, Esplanade and FLC, but not to ongoing operational costs. Area development plans need to take joint water and sewer services into account. Talks should also include shared economic and tourism opportunities. Finally, there is a need for collaborative thinking on “best practice” shared services for fire and policing. It’s time to leave past rivalries and histories. If we did, who knows? We may even want to discuss a Greater Medicine Hat Municipal Government! Think of the possibilities!
Dick
MASTEL Dedicated to
Catholic Education VOTE OCTOBER 16TH.
41318468/10/10/2017
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
