There may be a touch of fall in the air these days, but despite cooler temperatures starting to prevail, municipal election races are heating up across the province.
After completing his first three-year term, Coun. Brian Hagen has decided to run again as an incumbent for the Town of Vauxhall council in the upcoming Oct. 18 municipal election.
Hagen said there is still much left for him to contribute.
“I was first elected in 2007 and feel that, as a council, we had so much on our plates at first that it felt like we were spinning our wheels. But now we are finally getting to some major projects and I would like to see them through to completion.”
While aspirations abound, Hagen admitted a major challenge in the next term will be securing funding for these projects.
“There will be lots for the new council to work on. Most will involve decisions on how and where to find funding for numerous projects coming up. Examples are what can we do to prevent sewer backups we experienced this spring, new housing lots needing to be developed, though the sanitary lines and waste lagoons were not the problem in the spring sewer backups, any growth in the town population or commercial development east of the highway will require expansion of the sanitary and sewer system, the community hall and recreation complex is showing its age and needs major work. This is to name just a few, and this is in addition to regular capital needs like equipment upgrades, fire protection, recreation and street improvements.”
Improving interrelationships between council and citizens would be a goal in the new term.
“I feel also that there is a disconnect between council and the citizens,” said Hagen. “This could be improved upon by having councillors more involved in the various working groups. An example of this would be the new cemetery committee. We as a council absolutely supported the committee but I don’t think the committee felt that.”
Working for youth and spearheading recreational initiatives was an impetus for getting involved, as well as safeguarding fiscal responsibility.
“I felt I had something to offer council with my background in working with committees and boards. I knew we had a very limited tax base and wanted to make sure we had proper fiscal management. I have a real interest in recreational activities, especially for the youth, and that was high on my agenda,” said Hagen.
Attracting new business and revitalizing the downtown area is imperative as Vauxhall moves forward, according to Hagen.
“There have been current and past members of council, and from the community at large, who have put a lot of effort into bringing new businesses and industry into town — this needs to continue. The residences cannot continue to cover the tax base required to make major capital improvements in the town which are going to be needed whether the town grows in population or not. The downtown area needs a major improvement project. I am hopeful that with new council members coming on board and working with the Vauxhall Business Society, we can make something happen in regards to downtown.”
The current council has served the community well, added Hagen.
“I think this past council has been very productive. When we first came on there was a real urgency to stabilize the financial workings of the town and to remove the revolving door in the chief administrators’ position. We have accomplished both with the hiring of the current CAO. She has taken on the leadership role and also holds a degree in accounting. It is difficult to read the communities feelings about council. I assume the silent majority is pleased or at least OK with the work of council, but it is the minority few with negative comments that makes being on council hard at times.”
With the large turnover of representatives being contemplated in the council chambers this election, Hagen encourages community members to step forward and take on the role.
“With so many councillors and the mayor not running again, we need people to step forward. Serving on council is a special commitment to the town and though it should not be taken lightly, there is not one person in town who doesn't have something to offer and I encourage every citizen to seriously consider serving.”
Currently, Coun.(s) Lee Green, Peter Van Uden, Clay Farnsworth and Mayor Lois Maloney will be stepping out of the public spotlight on Oct. 18.
Coun. Green resigned his position earlier in the year, while Coun.(s) Gordon Brown and Deanna Glas have not announced their intentions to The Advance.