More names have come forward in the race for the six city council positions in North Battleford.
At least seven individuals have filed nomination papers in the council race as of Monday afternoon, and more were expected to file before the Wednesday 4pm nomination deadline.
So far four incumbents have filed papers to run again: Don Buglas, a school principal and council veteran seeking his fifth term; Kelli Hawtin, a licensed practical nurse who is seeking re-election after winning the 2014 by-election, and financial planner Greg Lightfoot and speech-language pathologist Cathy Richardson, both of whom were elected for the first time in 2012.
But there are also some challengers running for council and they include some familiar names in the community.
One of the most familiar names on the ballot will be Len Taylor. He has been active in politics going back to 1988 when he was elected to Parliament, and then again as an MLA for the Battlefords from 2003 to 2011 -- which included a period as the province’s health minister.
If elected Taylor would be returning to council, having previously served for one term from 2000 to 2003 before moving to provincial politics.
“I haven’t lost any of my interest in public service”, Taylor explained, who believes his “experience at all levels of government” will be beneficial over the next four years.
As for issues, Taylor is particularly concerned about the relationship with the province.
“We’re seeing a pullback of support for municipalities because of the downturn in the provincial economy. That pullback is going to force council is going to force the next council to make some significant decisions”.
He particularly pointed to the cutting of funding to the River Valley Authority. “That was hard fought-for and the citizens of North Battleford have enjoyed the benefits of receiving those funds,” said Taylor.
He was also critical of the request made to council by Prairie North Health Region for a levy to fund furnishings and equipment at the new Saskatchewan Hospital, calling it “another downloading of costs to the people of North Battleford.”
Water security and changes in the water supply was another issue Taylor identified as important to the next council. -
“In order to secure our future we’ve got to have a good understanding on what’s happening around us in the rest of the province - provincial issues and how they affect us in the city of North Battleford,” said Taylor. He believes his experience can help council “communicate as best as possible” their concerns to other levels of government.
Another candidate filing to run for council is Darren Olson, an executive director of the non-profit charity Global Missions, Inc. His community involvement included work on the city’s Centennial committee during 2013.
In speaking to the News-Optimist, Olson acknowledges he is new to the political process and as such, doesn’t come with too many “preconceived notions”. Instead, he wants to work with others on council to help the community grow.
“I really love the city and just think it is potentially an opportunity to work along side other council members and administration,” said Olson, to put forward “a vision the city could work towards.”
He particularly wanted to see better relations between aboriginals and non-aboriginals in the city. “I would like to be able to listen carefully to the aboriginal community because they have a strong voice at the table for the city,” said Olson.
Olson is supportive of downtown revitalization and sees potential with the arrival of the new theatre chain downtown.
“There’s a real opportunity to capitalize on that and create an environment that would be really attractive for businesses to move close by.”
Olson planned an active campaign and has a website already up and running at www.darrenolson.ca.
One more candidate for council who has now officially filed to seek a seat on council is Steven Cormons.
Cormons has worked in social services and justice with the province and his community activities have included organizing a popular community block party for a number of years on the city’s east side. Cormons is no stranger to council contests, having last appeared on the ballot in the 2012 municipal election for council.
As for the mayor’s race, it was still in search of a challenger to Ryan Bater as of early Tuesday afternoon.
He was still the only candidate filed to run for mayor, but there were still time left for other candidates to come forward before nominations close the next day, Sept. 21, at 4pm.
