9


Robert Dumanowski


1 If I were invited to a dinner party and didn’t know anyone in the room, I would take the opportunity to approach people (casually) and personally introduce myself by my first


name – Robert. I enjoy getting to know other people, especially if we’re at the same function for a common purpose. I really appreciate making the acquaintance of other people I don’t know (whether it’s on a personal or professional level). The fact is, I find it quite easy to approach others. I’m always curious how I might be ‘connected’ to them – whether it be through family, friends or work. Perhaps they are even new to the community. What a wonderful opportunity to get to know new people. I’m especially curious about their background, their family and work. And who knows, by approaching them (and in time), perhaps I’ll have the pleasure of calling them a new friend.


2


When it comes to our utilities/energy sector, I am adamant that we have no option but to ensure that they stay ‘public’ and strong. They have managed to be viable and have served this community for well over 100 years. We must be prudent with our investments. A clearly defined plan by our senior administration has led council to make some difficult, but unquestionably necessary, decisions about the future of our energy sector. Because of those decisions, revenues are starting to rebound and are moving in the right direction.


Renewable energy advancements in the last few years have been robust. The carbon credits offset by the other levels of government make it more prudent to invest in solar voltaic and wind technologies. The City of Medicine Hat must be vigilant and ensure that our renewable and non-renewable investments are well-managed and allow us to remain steadfast and competitive.


3


Financially Fit is a good example of how our City responded to a downshiſt in commodity pricing all around the world. This sudden shiſt challenged every level of government to ‘do more with less.’ The City of Medicine Hat responded by making measured cuts and reductions that would ‘tighten the purse strings,’ but not put us in a precarious position. Some staffing reductions were also achieved through attrition. The fact that the majority of our unions understood the need to do their part for Financially Fit, is not only unprecedented, but to be applauded.


There are core services in every community that must remain whole. Transit is a good example of one of those fundamental services that every community (regardless of its size) must maintain. We can and must do a better job of ensuring that the maintenance and delivery expectations associated with our public services are reasonable.


4


A new election oſten brings out frivolous spending promises by the candidates. The prospect of new infrastructure is not only appetizing, but exciting. The fact is, we have had significant capital achievements during the past few years. We have state-of-the-art facilities to call our own (which are the envy of other mid-sized communities).


One area that we have made great strides in (out of necessity and foresight) is in our Corporate Asset Management Plan. The proactive maintenance and replacement cycle of water and sewer lines the last few years has put us in really good stead. Likewise, sidewalk replacement and road overlays are done where most needed, or where the City is able to access the majority of the funds from other levels of government (via MSI funds). The preservation of this Corporate Asset Management Plan (and its timeline) is a “key priority” for the next four years.


5


The Tri-Area Intermunicipal Development Plan signed by Medicine Hat, Cypress County, and the Town of Redcliff in 2010 has served all of our communities very well. The IDP regional framework allows all partners to plan in a systematic way.


The Province has made strong overtures during the past few years that they would like to see enhanced “regional” collaboration between communities (by proximity or otherwise). We are fortunate that none of the partners sees this as a threat – rather, an opportunity.


Regular reviews of the IDP serve every party equally. An upcoming IDP review will allow all us to identify and strengthen our ties even more. Shared topics of interest such as transit to Redcliff, access to (additional) potable water, and shared (proportionate) funding for capital projects, and ongoing operational support for facilities that are accessed by all of our citizens, will be front-and-centre in the next IDP review.


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