It is a different way to serve his community. Roger Nordick, a former fire chief of Humboldt, will have his name on the City Council ballot for the October 24 election. Nordick decided to thrown his name in the ring because he feels, being semi-retired he now has time to do his part to help the community he lives in. "You hear about the complaints, you constantly hear about elected officials not just at the municipal level, but at the provincial and federal level," said Nordick. "I think people who have such strong views should step up to the plate and help their community in their municipal election. I think everyone has something to offer." A lot of the issues close to Nordick's heart are due to his emergency services background. "In my platform, I mentioned my key aim is based on my lifetime experience in emergency services," said Nordick. "It is public safety (that is important). There are a number of aspects to public safety." The first issue Nordick finds important is the city's infrastructure, particularly roads and walking paths. "One is the condition of the roads in the spring and summer and snow removal (in the winter)," said Nordick, adding by making sure the roads are in good condition could help eliminate accidents. He is also concerned with other aspects of Humboldt's roads. "It is also the intersections," explained Nordick. "There are some intersections that are key, are critical intersections in this city that I feel need improving." Another important priority for Nordick is the lack of walkways in the community. He said there is lots of talk about Water Ridge Park and how it is a great place for families, but there is no walking trail out to the park. "In the wintertime, the sidewalks, anybody who wants to walk that way east of town to Peavey Mart or any business in that area of even to Water Ridge Crescent, they have to walk on the highways because the ditches are full of snow," said Nordick. "I think that is a critical one."He thinks there needs to be at least one, if not more, safe access routes to the park. "There is lots of talk about studies, a lot of communities I've been in there is talk of study after study and I just want the shovel in the ground, I want something done, that's what I would really like to see ," said Nordick. "It doesn't need to be done in a year. Everything that I talk about needs to be done in reasonable budget constraints."Another important issue is safe water, said Nordick. "Water consumption I think is important because we have to maintain and ensure there is longevity to our water supply," said Nordick. Nordick is also a strong supporter of the fire department and police service in the city. "I think policing and fire service are extremely important," said Nordick. He would like to make sure both services continue to stay strong.A lot of his concerns are focused on seniors and children. "I think we have had incidents in the community recently where the seniors have got the short end of the stick and we have a lot of seniors in this community," said Nordick. He would also like council work towards a long-term budget for the community - like a 45 year plan. "It takes all the peaks and valleys out of purchasing and since you know it is coming up, it also allows you to budget and buy better because you have lots of time to work on it," said Nordick. His last concern is making the city more friendly to newcomers and visitors. "I hope to accomplish a little bit or have a positive effect on all the things I have mentioned for the period of time I'm in council," said Nordick. "I believe I will have to do a lot of work to get to that point and I am prepared to do that."
