Merlin Seymour will be running for mayor this September. (Nikita Ganovicheff/meadowlakeNOW staff)

By Nikita Ganovicheff

Byelection Q&A

A Q&A with mayoral candidate Merlin Seymour

Jul 27, 2019 | 10:00 AM

Mayoral candidate Merlin Seymour answered questions given to him by meadowlakeNOW ahead of the Sept. 18 byelection. As part of our coverage for both the vacant mayoral and councillor seat, meadowlakeNOW will reach out to all candidates as they are announced and pose similar questions. Some answers were amended for clarity.

There’s been commercial growth in Meadow Lake as of late. How do you see that growth continue?

Any new business that comes to Meadow Lake provides not only for our residents, but area residents, more opportunity for shopping within our community. It will hopefully attract people from northern communities to shop in Meadow Lake, rather than heading to Prince Albert, North Battleford or Cold Lake.

During the summer, residents often leave Meadow Lake. What would you like to see happen to keep people in Meadow Lake during the summer?

We are very fortunate to have the Meadow Lake Provincial Park only 30 minutes away. It attracts people from all over Saskatchewan and Alberta to enjoy water sports, camping, fishing and boating. Along with that, the city’s new recreation director, Robin Mitchell, has been tasked by city council to keep our recreation facilities busy. The bouncy castles and the new pickleball courts in the arena are a couple of things to do in Meadow Lake during the summer.

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Meadow Lake has a close relationship and partnership with First Nations like Flying Dust. How are you going to keep those relationships and partnerships strong?

I will attempt to communicate with Chief Norman and Flying Dust Council as best as I can. We are close neighbors, basically the same community, and should work closely together to ensure that our residents have access to clean water, sewer, and recreation facilities. Mutual respect is very important.

Crime prevention is something residents are worried about. What are you looking at to keep residents safe?

Education is front and foremost. Leaving vehicles, homes and sheds unlocked leaves an easy opening for things to get stolen. Keeping valuables out of sight and locks locked will deter most invasions. Keeping an open eye in your neighborhood for anything suspicious, and notifying the police if you see something going on will also help.

What’s your stance on the number of for sale signs on residential houses in Meadow Lake?

For sale signs can mean a few different things. Some people may be looking to sell their existing home, and upgrade or built new within the city. Moving for work is another reason for selling. Some people may be looking to downsize, etc. I am not concerned right now because we are fortunate to have a diverse economy in and around our community.

You’ve now had some experience as deputy mayor and acting mayor, do you think that experience will help you if you become mayor?

I feel the experience that I have gained since being elected to council has prepared me for stepping into the mayor’s office. As well, the existing council has been very supportive. They have stepped up and volunteered to help out with any functions that I am not able to attend. As acting mayor, I have enjoyed the time since Gary has resigned, although he has left some big shoes to fill. I am up for the challenge though.

What will you do differently than previous mayors?

I only had experience with Gary Vidal as mayor. With his accounting background, his expertise with the budget process proved invaluable. But with our current council and great administration team, I am confident that we can carry on with some projects, keeping the best in mind for our residents. I would love to say that we will not raise taxes for the next few years, but unfortunately, if we as a city intend to grow and work on our infrastructure challenges, the money must come from somewhere. We will continue to be fiscally responsible and transparent to our residents and business people.

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nikita.ganovicheff@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @Nikitaganov