(Submitted photo/Lorne Practchler)

By Angie Rolheiser

Humboldt City Council

Councillor Pratchler hopes to step into role as mayor of Humboldt

Oct 12, 2020 | 10:00 AM

Current Humboldt city councilor Lorne Pratchler wants to take the next step in politics by putting his name on the ballot for mayor in the upcoming election.

Elected to council in 2016, Pratchler said he has enjoyed being part of a successful group and wants to continue the progress that has been made.

That progress includes the city paying down over $2 million in debt.

“Our cash and investments now are twice as much as our debt so we have put ourselves in a very good financial position,” Pratchler said.

When Mayor Rob Muench informed council that he would not seek a second term, Pratchler said it was just natural that he wanted to step into a higher role.

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Other significant improvements that Pratchler has been part of include the Centennial Park ball diamonds, walking trails, and trees, as well as the paving project around the Elgar Petersen Arena. Following the downtown study in 2017, council implemented some of those strategies and that includes utilities and new pavement, new sidewalks, and trees on Seventh street.

“On the southeast corner of the city, there is a new lift station which was close to $1 million and that will allow us to grow in the residential portion combined with the new wastewater plan we have in place,” Pratchler said.

The wastewater project is a $34 million projects shared between local, provincial, and federal governments.

“We have a plan on how we can satisfy our financial responsibility, provincial has approved theirs and we are just waiting for the federal side to give us their approval,” Pratchler said.

Protective services have seen a heavy rescue vehicle upgrade as well.

There will be a Humboldt rebrand launch according to Pratchler with a new logo and new feel.

“I look forward to the continuity on people returning and this new council will bring great ideas with them, I know they will,” Pratchler said.

Along with wanting to see current projects come to completion, Pratchler wants to see the community through the pandemic.

“We know there are some businesses that have been struggling and we are keeping that very much in mind when we make decisions,” Pratchler said.

A program is in place for those that struggle with paying taxes, they can call city hall and share their story and council will do their best to help them.

Pratchler grew up on a farm near Muenster, moved into Humboldt in 1986, and currently works in the agriculture sector.

Saskatchewan municipal elections take place on Nov. 9.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser