The two candidates for mayor in the upcoming civic election in Estevan gave their thoughts on a number of issues facing the community during a candidates’ forum Thursday night.
Incumbent Roy Ludwig and challenger Ray Walton were each given one minute for an opening statement, a minute to answer each of the prepared questions from the chamber, a minute for each question from the public, and a one-minute closing statement.
Prepared questions from the chamber focused on why they would run for mayor during a challenging time for the community, and how the city can assist with economic development.
Both prepared questions came from the public.
Walton said he decided to run because there has been an economic downturn for some time. It started with oil and continued to the mines and power generation. Hospitality and retail sectors have also felt the pinch.
“Someone has to step up. I feel that I am that person. I have worked in the oil, power and farms most of my life. I have friends and family who work in this community,” said Walton.
Ludwig noted that it is important for the city to support economic development to retain and grow jobs and investment in the community.
With the closure of Unit 4 at the Boundary Dam Power Station in 2021, and the closure of Unit 5 in 2024, Ludwig said it’s important for council to continue with its efforts.
“As we work through these challenges, I believe my experience will be an asset. We already have in place the start-up incubator which will help new business begin and provide needed office space. Also our rural tech hub is getting off the ground.”
The focus then shifted to the questions from the community. Chamber executive director and moderator Jackie Wall randomly drew questions that were submitted from the community before the forum.
During the questions from the public, one question dealt with the amount of discussion that takes place behind closed doors during council meetings, the second was asked about support for first responders and other city employees dealing with mental health issues, particularly in light of Estevan Police Service Const. Jay Pierson’s well-document court battles regarding post-traumatic stress disorder; and the third was on physician recruitment and retention.
Ludwig took issue with the assertion about discussion behind closed doors, saying in camera discussions are for staff and money issues. He noted they spent nearly an hour disussing one issue during the final council meeting before the civic election.
“As much as some of our public may feel that we do too much behind closed doors, I cannot agree. Sorry. I believe we have been a transparent council, and if re-elected, we will be a transparent council.”
Walton said he would be a very accessible mayor, and he hopes council would take the same approach.
“One of the biggest complaints that I’m hearing when I’m campaigning is there’s no openness in council,” said Walton.
On the mental health front, Walton said the police chief and police board need to develop a program to deal with these matters, because they are significant, not just in policing, but in other workplaces.
“I hope we can come to some type of mutual agreement that will satisfy everyone involved, and maybe set the groundwork for the future of this type of complaint,” said Walton.
Ludwig, who is the chairperson of the police board, said they take the mental health of everyone seriously, especially first responders. He noted that everyone is not privy to what is discussed, and details cannot be made public.
Finally, on physician recruitment and retention, Ludwig said it’s tough to recruit doctors, and the city has been helping with physician recruitment.
“Although it is a battle to keep our doctors and get more, especially the specialists, we have been making inroads,” said Ludwig.
Walton said when doctors come to Estevan, they need to feel welcome in the community.
“We have to make sure there are special events and things they like to go to, things that their families have been involved in in other cities,” Walton said.
Each candidate then gave a one-minute prepared statement to close out the evening.
