Business & Technology
Civic Elections Candidates for Saskatoon city council were invited to provide submissions. The following were received. Both Don Atchison & Lenore Swystun are candidates for mayor. Carol Reynolds is seeking to represent Ward 1.
Don Atchison
I
have been proud to serve the citizens of Saskatoon as your mayor these past six years. While people around the world have talked of recession, Saskatoon’s economy has created 7,700 jobs in a year. I am proud of the way we have accommodated economic and population growth. As mayor, I agree we all would prefer zero tax increases year after year. But I have also heard the citizens of Saskatoon say they want our city to be a safe city for all neighbourhoods. I have done my part to bring about the leadership change that is delivering the effective policing Saskatoon needs. As mayor, I will continue to work to ensure the city moves ahead – in a fiscally responsible way – so all neighbourhoods and all citizens get the services they deserve. Saskatoon residents know there needs to be a balance between quality city services and taxes. We have ensured that our city has moved forward with better policing, roads, libraries, parks and recreational facilities. Our capital budget has also grown to meet our city’s needs. The south bridge may cost a quarter a billion dollars when done, but national and provincial infrastructure money is covering much of that cost. The rest of it will be repaid through the tax money you spend at the pump for gasoline being sent back to Saskatoon from Ottawa. I worked hard to help land this and other infrastructure money, because I knew we can pay our share with minimum impacts on property taxes. Year after year, I have worked responsibly to find the balance between the smallest possible tax increase and a better city for all. On Oct. 28, it’s time to vote for leadership to continue this balanced, responsible approach. When experience counts, voting Don Atchison can make your vote count.
Carol Reynolds
W
ard One now includes Mayfair, KelseyWoodlawn, Richmond Heights, City Park, North Park, Downtown/Central Business District, University Campus/Lands and Sutherland; each community is very unique. Here are some common challenges in Ward 1 that Carol has heard from you, the residents: “ I am not sure how much longer I can afford to stay in my home. Property taxes are too high for seniors.” Carol’s Solution: Seniors are a very important part of our population and they deserve our respect. I will work with the City to implement a senior’s tax deferral or rebate program. Capping property taxes for seniors and deferring tax increases will allow more seniors to stay in their homes longer. “The City is wasting money on quick repairs on our aging pipe systems. Why can’t the City do it right the first time?” Carol’s Solution: Measure twice, cut once. A cost-benefit analysis needs to be done to determine how to permanently fix these problems. Ensuring consistent, efficient, safe services to our residents should be a high priority for our City Council. “Crime is a huge concern for my family.” Carol’s Solution: Residents need to feel safe and empowered in their homes and neighbourhoods; criminals and vandals need to be held accountable. Neighbourhood Watch and Citizen Patrol groups play a very important role in our community and I will encourage the City to promote these programs more actively and work closely with City Police. “City Transit is a big concern for students. It’s not efficient for students living in various areas of the City.” Carol’s solution: I support the development of the “hub-and-spoke” concept, resulting in the same number of routes, lower wait times for riders. We need to make it efficient and “cool” for residents - especially students - to ride the bus. Saskatoon’s Ward 1 deserves to be represented by a new, strong, decisive voice with a will to get things done for residents. On October 28th, elect Carol Reynolds for Ward 1.
Lenore Swystun
L
enore is committed to improving the lives of every Saskatoon resident. Her platform focuses on community, infrastructure, environmental, and economic development with a firm dedication to fiscal responsibility. People are telling Lenore that they are concerned about the direction Saskatoon is taking. Currently, Saskatoon is facing a financial crisis with a depleted rainy-day fund, property taxes skyrocketing, and a long-term debt that is at an all-time high. Saskatoon deserves better! We need a mayor with a plan to rebalance our books while working on new policies to reinvest in our neighbourhoods including recycling programs, safer streets, and better traffic networks. We need a mayor who will work to create a longterm plan to responsibly guide future growth and develop for future generations. Lenore Swystun is that candidate. Lenore is a founder and partner of Prairie Wild Consulting Co., a company specializing in community development and planning. Building from her education in sociology, community development, regional planning, and business, Lenore has worked with various levels of government, community-based organizations, and private firms. Three recent projects include developing a regional plan for the Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve; establishing the democratic engagement domain through work with the Canadian Index of Wellbeing Institute – an index developed to compliment the GDP; and, creating a community mapping and planning program for the North West Enterprise Region. Lenore has a long track record as a city councillor, award-winning entrepreneur (recipient of the Athena Award given to Saskatoon’s top business woman in 2009), and community leader. Locally, Lenore is involved in various community organizations including Leadership Saskatoon, the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, and the Saskatoon Heritage Society. She is in high demand as a community development and planning consultant, known for her collaborative, interactive, and innovative style. Lenore is a consensus builder, a proven leader, and your best candidate for mayor.
lenoreswystun.com Authorized by the Swystun Mayoral Campaign Team
Delivering results for Saskatoon Construction of the south bridge and connecting roadways and interchanges to begin in 2010. Meeting the tough challenges Worked with the housing industry to accelerate the development of new lots when demand soared. Ensuring all neighbourhoods benefit The River Landing project’s first two phases have helped erase the divisions created by freeway construction 40 years ago. Seeking responsible, planned growth Advanced developer interest in new and innovative housing ideas downtown and at River Landing. Securing services that matter Provided leadership at the Saskatoon Police Commission in supporting the police chief’s strategy to provide effective policing to all areas of the city. Leading a well-run civic operation Saskatoon maintains an AAA credit rating; led Canadian cities in GDP growth in 2007 and 2008; and placed second among 31 Canadian cities in a MacLean’s sponsored survey of financially efficient communities. For more information about all of Don’s accomplishments please visit www.atchison.ca. Saskatoon • w w w . t h e n e i g h bourhoodexpress.com
• October 21, 2009 • Section A
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