Four more hopefuls have joined the race for City Council as of April 20, when nominations officially closed. Voters will now have five candidates to choose from in the City by-election on May 18.
Melanie Sorensen, Cory Harkness, Cameron Weber and Andrew Kerr officially joined Winston Bailey (previously interviewed) to vie for the seat left empty by Dave Craigen, when he resigned for personal medical reasons.
Sorensen, an accountant, is taking her second crack at councillor, having run in the 2009 civic election. She said that with her two sons now in school, she would like to focus more on the community, particularly diversifying the economic base, bringing new opportunities to town, and keeping the City fiscally responsible.
Sorensen explained why she wanted to run, "Part of it is my desire to give back to the community, but I also think it would be a good fit for my experience and knowledge."
Originally from Weyburn, Sorensen moved back to town in 2006.
Harkness, general manager for Community Futures Sunrise, wants to focus on business retention and expansion in Weyburn. He said his experience with business and financial management would be an asset on Council.
"I think there needs to be an increased voice for business in Council," said Harkness. "My education and experience, I think, will fit well on Council and hopefully I could help promote all Weyburn has to offer to current and new business."
Originally from Coronach, Harkness has lived in Weyburn for nine years. He and his wife have two boys.
Weber, a school bus driver, wants to be "part of the decision making process."
Weber sits on the Weyburn Housing Advisory Committee, representing the Community Low Income Centre, in which he is a board member. He is also a founding member of the Weyburn Youth Centre and was the senior pastor of the Weyburn Gospel Assembly for 10 years.
Weber said he wants to focus on affordable housing in the city.
"I'd like to be part of Weyburn's continued growth, but I believe we need a long-term plan, not only in housing, but in traffic and the set-up of the city," said Weber.
He is currently finishing off a degree in Biblical Studies. He and his wife have grown children and have lived in Weyburn for 17 years.
Kerr, a technical analyst for SaskTel, would "like to see a few things changed" and thinks he can be "a positive influence" on Council.
He said he has a few concerns that he would like to see addressed, such as the length of time it takes to finish new houses under construction and the proposed intersection at Highway 13 and 16th Street.
Kerr grew up in Weyburn, but recently moved back with his wife and two sons a year and a half ago.
Kerr is currently organizing the second annual Campaign to End Duchenne walk/run on May 14.
