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Candidate for city councillor: Bernadette Wright

Bernadette Wright is seeking a term on city council for the first time, but she already has some experience through a committee known for preparing people for council.
Candidate for city councillor: Bernadette Wright
Candidate for city councillor: Bernadette Wright. Photo submitted

Bernadette Wright is seeking a term on city council for the first time, but she already has some experience through a committee known for preparing people for council.

Wright has been a member at large on the Estevan board of police commissioners since January 2019. She’s hoping to continue a trend that has seen a member at large from the police board elected to council.

“The police board has been very interesting,” said Wright. “You get the ins and outs of politics and how the city’s business works. Of course, there’s the confidentiality, you have the open portion, you have the closed portion, so it’s interesting to see how it functions.”

Decisions need to be collaborative and collective in nature, she said.

Wright has been an Estevan resident for the past 25 years. She recently retired from a 43-year career in healthcare, and a faculty position teaching an online leadership and influencing change course to third-year nursing students at the University of Regina.

“I have some time on my hands, and after being on the police board, I see how busy some of the folks are, and I think I can dedicate the time and the energy that needs to be at that table to get things done and decisions made,” said Wright.

She also wants to represent the people.

“It appears council has done a good job, and they have certainly looked at various information and dialogue before they make a decision. I’ve done a bit of reading, I’ve been reading through the budgets, so I think they’ve made decisions based on gathering enough information to make an informed decision,” said Wright.

She has also been involved in various aspects of the community.

Some of the important issues facing the City of Estevan are maintaining a balanced budget and continuing to manage debt reduction; developing a robust economy and stronger infrastructure; creating opportunities for Estevan residents and newcomers; and enhancing a healthy, safe community.

The next four years will be difficult as council has to steer the city in the right direction.

Wright believes her career in healthcare has helped her prepare for city council because she learned to manage people and work within a budget.

“I understand what leadership is about and what change is about,” she said

Since filing her nomination papers, people have been bringing their concerns to her attention.

“I feel good that people feel that they can reach out to me already, and starting speaking to me about various issues in the city,” said Wright.