With just one day left before the nomination deadline in Battleford, there remains no challenger yet to incumbent Ames Leslie in the race for mayor.
But the race for council looks competitive. As of Tuesday afternoon the following candidates have filed their papers: Kevin Russell, Judy Pruden, Doug Laing, Richard (Rick) Zarowny, Gordon F. Yarde, Shelley Boutin-Gervais, and the three latest nominees Alexis Christensen, Mark Coleman, and Cory Schaffer.
Christensen, who works for BATC as their director of communications, said on her Facebook page that her platform includes youth recreation initiatives, economic development, community events and initiatives, history preservation and serving the community.
Coleman holds degrees from Wilfrid Laurier University and Nipissing University and moved to Battleford in 2015. According to his profile at the town’s election page he is passionate about “safeguarding a positive future for our youth; ensuring fiscal competence; and feel we as a community have a tremendous amount of potential for growth.”
Schaffer has lived in the town since 2002. At his profile posted on the town's election page, Schaffer states: "I believe in a strong work ethic as well as an honest, responsible and respectful approach to people and problems. I feel strongly that we as citizens of the town need to have a council that is open and willing to deal with all issues the town may face. The Town of Battleford is a beautiful place to live. I humbly ask your support to elect me to council so I may work for you to make it better."
Russell, Pruden, Laing, Yarde, and Boutin-Gervais are all running for re-election, and there will be at least one open seat available on council with the departure of Susan McLean Tady, who is not running again.
The nomination deadline is Oct. 7 at 4 p.m.; municipal Election Day is Nov. 9.
