One of the most experienced members of Estevan city council hopes to return for another term.
Brian Johnson, who was first elected in 2000, has submitted his nomination form for councillor. In the last election in 2012, he finished fourth in the ballot count in the six councillor race.
Johnson believes council has completed a number of tasks and ideas have been presented to move the city forward during this past term.
“Working with this council has been a real pleasure,” said Johnson. “It’s been a good group.”
During the 2012 election campaign, roads were a big issue, and Johnson believes council has made progress. Souris Avenue North and 13th Avenue were resurfaced. Funding from the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program was used to resurface the Estevan Regional Airport runways.
Johnson is also pleased with the management team they have in place. There has been significant turnover in some of the departments, and they dismissed two different city managers.
“We’ve got a very good nucleus now of department heads who are in place,” said Johnson. “They’re carrying out these tasks, they’re doing an excellent job at it, and I think we’ve found what works in Estevan.”
When he talks to people on the street, they’re happy to see what’s happening in Estevan, and they’re seeing improvements in the services.
“We’re making sure that we go back to these areas that are deteriorating, like Royal Heights Park,” he said. “We spruced that up. We bring in new pathways, we put in new trees, we put in that spray park for the kids.”
But there is a lot of work that needs to be completed in the next term. King Street needs to be resurfaced, and it needs to be widened between Petterson Drive and Pine Avenue, in front of the Estevan Shoppers Mall.
He also wants to see the new Estevan Regional Nursing Home proceed. Council needs to look at how they can help make that project happen.
Council also needs to continue to pay down the debt, although Johnson is pleased with the debt reduction efforts of the past four years.
He is pleased Estevan has been able to host big events, such as the 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games and the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup junior A hockey championship, and Johnson hopes additional big events can be brought to the city in the future.
“It showcases Estevan and it brings a lot of pride to the community,” said Johnson.
Johnson hopes to see a healthy contingent of candidates for this election campaign. All of the current members of council have submitted their nomination forms, or have said they would run again, and Johnson finds that encouraging.
He looks forward to seeing at least one new face on council.
“It shows an interest in the people who want to run,” said Johnson. “It’s not an easy job. It’s a commitment. It’s a big commitment. You reap a number of wholesome rewards. It builds personality. It strengthens your mind and it strengthens you as an individual when you’re involved and engaged in the community.”
