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By Cam Lee

Remaining candidate profiles

Wrapping up: Final list of remaining local municipal election candidates

Nov 12, 2024 | 2:00 PM

A few local candidates in Wednesday’s municipal election did not respond to northeastNOW’s request for a candidate profile interview prior to our deadline.

MELFORT:

Melfort council candidate Darryl Benson is seeking to return to chambers.

Benson served on council for one term, from 2016 to 2020, and said in his candidate profile on the city’s website that he “gained valuable insights into the city’s operations and functions.”

The owner of Melfort Transmission has been in the city with his family for 39 years. Benson said he and his wife Brenda sought out a safe, stable community with a low crime rate that was a good place to raise a family.

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Benson said in his profile that his prior council experience and extensive mechanical background would benefit the taxpayers of Melfort.

“My focus would be on identifying and addressing any efficiencies in the city to help maintain reasonable tax levels,” Benson said in his profile.

He said a forward-thinking, inclusive team will be essential to effectively balance the city’s infrastructure, upkeep expenses, and affordability.

HUMBOLDT:

Harley Bentley is running for mayor in Humboldt.

Bentley previously ran in 2020, finishing third behind Lorne Pratchler and winner Michael Behiel.

He is one of three candidates running for mayor in the 2024 election.

NIPAWIN:

One of three candidates for mayor in NIpawin is Brian Starkell.

The former fire chief in NIpawin also served on the Village of Codette’s council for eight years.

Starkell ran for mayor in the 2023 by-election, prompted by the resignation of Rennie Harper.

He finished second, less than 100 votes behind winner Marlon Zacharias.

TISDALE:

Devon Schwanke is running for mayor in Tisdale after long-time mayor Al Jellicoe chose not to seek re-election.

Schwanke’s profile on Tisdale’s website said he wants to be the town’s voice as mayor.

Schwanke grew up in Tisdale, graduating in 2003. He returned full-time from splitting time in Saskatchewan and Alberta, and now works at Triple S Construction.

“My roots run deep in this town. Anyone who knows me knows I love Tisdale, and it has always been my home,” said Schwanke in the town profile.

He said being mayor would be a great way to contribute to the town being the best community possible.

Roy Skoglund is the other candidate for mayor in Tisdale.

He has been a community member for over 60 years, and he and his wife Sandy have owned several businesses, including Winmar Property Restorations.

Skoglund said in his profile for the Town of Tisdale that his family’s commitment to the community extends beyond business.

“We have played a pivotal role in replacing the score clocks at the local arena and have generously supported the Tisdale Healthplex,” said Skoglund. “We have also been a strong supporter to the various clubs in and around the area of Tisdale.”

Skoglund was also a ‘Rockin the Square Committee’ board member for 13 years, a board member for the Tisdale Riverside Golf Course, helped organize the Tisdale Citizens on Patrol program, and was involved with the start of the Tisdale Snowmobile Club.

“My mission as mayor is to approach office with an open mind, honouring our current commitments while looking forward to a brighter future,” said Skoglund in his profile. He said he will have an open-door policy to promote transparency.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK