Shelly Veroba wants a second term on Estevan city council.
Veroba, the manager of Creighton Lodge, was elected to council for the first time in 2016, finishing first in the councillor race out of nine candidates. This term proved to be a great learning experience, as she enjoyed being part of the decision-making process.
She believes the purchase of the former Murray GM dealership building and the renovation into Estevan’s fire hall was one of council’s biggest accomplishments.
“It saved the community quite a few millions of dollars, because the plan was to eventually build a new one,” said Veroba. “I think by refurbishing that building and turning it, it has become a centralized fire hall.”
Local firefighters put in sweat equity as part of the refurbishments, too, she said.
The city has also made improvements to the lighting on Fourth Avenue South, and now it is safer for people to walk in the evenings.
Properties have been cleaned up, improving the city’s appearance. Parks have received upgrades. And the city hasn’t had a tax increase the past two years, while managing to pay down the net debt.
In the next four years, Veroba wants to see Estevan move forward in a positive direction.
“There have been job losses, especially in the oilfield sector,” said Veroba. “I think moving forward, hopefully the oilfield will start to become stronger.”
Council has heard Canadian oilfield companies that are here are now stronger because of the efficiencies they have found in their operations; moving forward, she wants to see the patch remain strong in Estevan.
She also hopes to see the coal mines remain open in Estevan.
“In the next four years, I think we have to be realistic to what other industries we can bring to the Estevan area.”
The daughter of a nickel miner in the Thompson, Man., area, she recalls that she always heard of the mine’s demise, but ultimately some jobs were saved.
Veroba said she has heard a lot of great ideas from people stepping forward, and she would like to see them happen. She also would like to see council continue to be more transparent and ensure that dollars spent are done so efficiently and wisely.
If she’s re-elected, Veroba looks forward to working with the new members.
“I have faith that the voter will vote for the people that they want to represent them, and I think we will work well together again,” said Veroba.
