With the arrival of September tomorrow, thoughts of the upcoming urban municipal elections in Saskatchewan start in earnest.
While the current roster of councillors and mayor in Yorkton have not declared their intentions to seek re-election, it is highly likely the entire slate will once again be on the ballot.
That means the potential for voters to accept the status quo, and return what is a very veteran roster. Everyone at the table has near a decade of experience in municipal politics heading into the Oct. 26 election.
Certainly experience counts for something in most all scenarios, be it sports, business, or politics.
But a case can also be made that renewal too is a good thing. With fresh faces at the table come new ideas, new thoughts on addressing old issues of concern.
One should anticipate a politician at any level of government is likely to tackle issues in the same way they have for the last two, three, four terms.
Those politicians are very much a known quantity in terms of how they look at issues such as taxation, infrastructure renewal, business retention attraction, and other issues of import.
There should be little veteran politicians put forward in terms of new ideas they wish to push for in the next term as they have had years with the opportunity to work on areas of interest.
As a counterpoint new voices should have new ideas to put forward.
Change for the sake of change is not necessarily a good thing. Voters may wish to hear some fresh ideas though, and that is what we have to hope newcomers to the election process bring forward. New candidates should have at least some focus to why they are running.
Tell voters what it is that inspired them to run. What issues are important moving forward, and what might you bring to the debate as it is discussed at Council over the next four years.
Ideally, when the votes are counted in late October, Yorkton will have an inclusive Council, one with the voices women, of younger citizens, seniors, local business and minorities all represented.
It might also be something of a blended Council, with enough veterans to be the sage advisors at the table, with newcomers adding new ideas to the conversation.
It will take a broad mix of ideas moving forward as there are issues ahead.
The economy has slowed and the growth which had helped by increasing property tax revenues are not likely to continue short term.
Aging infrastructure only grows older and the cost of renewal increase, issues that are both immediate and long term for the city.
Business retention and growth are critical, but what role does City Hall play in achieving both?
And the list goes on.
The word on the street has a significant numbers of people contemplating a run at a Council seat, although until papers are filed it’s not a sure thing. But it is good in the sense it shows interest in the process, and in wanting to have a voice in our city’s future.
This will be an important election given the needs of the community, and it is important we all pay attention to the candidates who do run, and then vote for those we feel can best ensure a vibrant future for Yorkton.
