(Submitted photo/ Eric Schmalz)

By Nigel Maxwell

Rural politics

Reeve candidate promises to help tackle crime, bolster economic development

May 10, 2019 | 2:00 PM

One of three candidates running for reeve in the upcoming Rural Municipality (R.M.) of Prince Albert byelection, claims he’s in a unique position to help address issues in the area related to crime.

Eric Schmalz, who runs a farm operation just east of the city, retired from the RCMP last January.

“I’m uniquely suited to work with council and to work with our neighbouring municipal partners to develop strategies and develop prevention planning to curtail the proliferation of crime and criminal activity in the region,” he said.

Schmalz explained he retired from the RCMP to pursue business interests in both the city and the R.M. He added if elected he would work with the city through the newly formed Prince Albert Regional Economic Development Authority to attract and entice businesses into the area.

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“I think it only makes sense to do that because a broader tax base helps the R.M.maintain infrastructure, it helps the R.M. provide services to its residents and it’s just better for everyone,” he said.

When asked what sort of businesses he would like to attract, Schmalz said manufacturing and commercial equipment sales would be good fits.

The other candidates running in the election are Doug Phelps and Paul Rybka. Phelps talked to paNOW on Thursday, and several messages have been left on Rybka’s voicemail.

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell