It is a sizeable and competitive field in the council race in the city of North Battleford.
Here is a rundown of the 13 people who have come forward to fill the six seats available on city council, in the order of their nomination filings at City Hall.
Matthew Parker literally couldn’t wait to run for council. He was the first candidate to officially file his nomination papers to run soon after the nomination period opened.
In a candidate profile, Parker described himself as an “advocate for real change in North Battleford. Real change doesn’t start at the top of a city government, it starts in your home. I want to make that easier for you.” He is born and raised in North Battleford and has been active in the community through work as a counsellor in the local schools and through coaching for the local swim club.
Incumbent councillor Kent Lindgren is seeking a second term on council. In a news release, Lindgren said he has a firm belief in local challenges and issues being dealt with through community created solutions; through his career and extensive local volunteerism, Lindgren said he strives to address critical underlying problems in the community such as health care, food security, gender equity, supportive housing and Indigenous relations through reconciliation.
“Until we address the reasons we have our challenges, we will never be able to make the instrumental changes and create solutions as needed,” said Lindgren in his statement.
“I am running for a second term on council, because we have accomplished much in the last four years, but there is more to be done.”
Incumbent Kelli Hawtin is seeking a third term on council, having first been elected in a byelection in 2014.
In her statement at the city’s election page, Hawtin said: “We have some challenging systemic issues which can only be addressed through regional cooperation, solutions, and advocacy. I have proved to be an inquisitive representative, and will continue to ask questions that are essential in good decision making. I will continue to respond to residents on matters of concern and will support reasonable property taxes to allow a balance of addressing affordability today, and the needs of the future.”
Warren Williams, a senior account manager with Bralin Technology Solutions Inc., has been heavily active in community organizations. He has previously been president of both the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce as well as the Rotary Club of the Battlefords.
In his profile at the city’s election page, Williams has pledged to “advocate for the citizens of North Battleford and address their concerns,” to “assist in making North Battleford a more business-friendly city” and to “find productive solutions for serious social issues.”
Dennis Mercer’s profile states that he has devoted the past 20 years to teaching at John Paul II Collegiate, coaching high school sports and clubs, and sinking roots into the community for his family.
“Despite its rough reputation, I believe North Battleford is a great city to lay down roots, to grow and prosper, to raise a family. I am keenly interested in serving on council in support of this ideal.”
Clay Lazar has worked as a firefighter and paramedic in the community and has identified poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, crime and gangs as issues. On the city’s website he states “I will bring the focus on providing resources for these issues, so we can help and support the people that need it most. When the core of a community is stable, our community and people can prosper.”
George Plews works as a letter carrier for Canada Post and previously for Nav Canada as a Flight Service Specialist for 35 years. He has lived in North Battleford the last 30 years.
According to his profile at the city’s website he says he would like the city to be more business friendly, says tax increases “have been reasonable and I hope they stay that way,” and wants to change the city’s image.
“North Battleford has been seen negatively in the media, and I want to change that.”
Incumbent Greg Lightfoot, who owns and is senior financial advisor at Hein Financial Group, is seeking his third term.
At his city election profile Lightfoot states: “My commitment is to make North Battleford a safe, comfortable, and attractive place for all, and to continue to draw new business and residents to our community. With my experience in budgeting and fiscal responsibility, I will work to keep taxes low and continue to pay down debt.”
Len Taylor is also seeking a third council term, in addition to stints as an MP and MLA. In a news release, the Taylor campaign noted the last four years on city council have been challenging because of funding issues, senior administration staff changes, and the unexpected COVID circumstances, but Taylor believes “the next two years will be even more important in the city as it prepares to recover from COVID closures and other challenges, because the city will experience reduced provincial funding, reduced revenue from city services, and increased costs for very important police and other protective services.”
The news release also states the most important benefit Taylor will bring to council “is an understanding of the city’s past, present, and future with experience as well as a proven history of community commitment and common sense.”
According to the profile of Thomas (Bill) Ironstand at the city’s website, Ironstand is a lifelong resident of North Battleford and his platform includes: “clearly identifying the effectiveness of the Community Crime initiatives; spending money on infrastructure that makes sense to all citizens; asking questions of leadership when citizens voice concerns; youth initiatives.”
Ross MacAngus has worked as a peace officer for 18 years in North Battleford and most recently in Battleford. Among his priorities listed at his city candidates profile: MacAngus supports upgrading infrastructure but “we must make sure they are picking the right projects,” and says that “making people feel safe and growing our community are things I will focus on if elected to council.”
Sheldon Rafuse has also filed papers to join the council race. Rafuse is born and raised in North Battleford and according to his election profile he wants to see property tax addressed.
“We have all witnessed an increase in property tax and crime rates, and if elected, I want to focus on lowering residential and commercial property tax. It is crucial for North Battleford to offer reasonable residential and commercial tax rates in order to attract and retain families and businesses. My plan is to focus on creating long-term job opportunities that will result in growth for our economy. I am passionate about working for the people of North Battleford and will strive to attain a safe, attractive, and affordable city to live and raise a family.”
The final candidate to file, Valorie Higgs, is a longtime former employee and manager of the Battlefords News-Optimist sales department.
On her candidate profile page Higgs points to that experience as an “excellent and rewarding opportunity to connect with our business community. This allowed me to come to understand its concerns, challenges, and vision. As a newspaper employee, I also connected with our citizens and listened to and related to their concerns. Presently, I am self-employed and can now devote my time to work for and serve our community.”
