Shelly Veroba has completed her second term as councillor and is now seeking re-election for a third term. She has enjoyed her time on the council, stating that representing the Estevan community is a role she cherishes.
“I made the decision to run because I enjoy being on City Council. I enjoy representing the population of Estevan, and I still have a desire to continue doing so,” she said.
Veroba believes her experience will be an asset to the next council, especially considering the anticipated turnover among members.
“I think there's going to be a lot of turnover. I’m committed to serving the next four years if re-elected,” she added.
During her next term, Veroba plans to focus on community safety. Recently appointed co-chair of the Estevan Community Wellness Committee, she is dedicated to addressing various issues in the community.
“One issue I see not just in Estevan but all over the world is that we tend to keep to ourselves. We need to build our community and ensure we know our neighbours. We need to get to know each other better so we can feel safe and proud of where we live,” she explained.
Veroba aims to bridge communication gaps that have led to divisions within the community. She noted that effective communication is crucial for resolving controversies surrounding local issues.
“One of the biggest issues with the controversy surrounding different matters in Estevan is that communication is not always effective on both sides. No matter which side of the issue you look at, it's essential to truly understand what the other side is saying, what we aim to accomplish, and to work for the masses. As a city councillor, my main goal is to work for the people of Estevan and make our community the best it can be,” she said.
She acknowledged that making tough financial decisions is part of the role but added that it also involves seeking opportunities for growth and improvement.
“That can come in the form of grants, new industries, and ensuring that whatever we do is in the best interest of our community,” Veroba said.
Veroba’s strength as a councillor stems from her enjoyment of interacting with community members.
“I enjoy talking to people, and I have an open mind. I try to listen to the issues they present, but I also look for solutions. Often, if someone has a problem, they also have a solution that they believe will work. If it’s something that hasn't been considered before or hasn't been tried in 20 years, I think it's worth looking at,” she explained. “I believe I bring those community issues forward with an open mind to find solutions.”
In discussing her priorities and goals if re-elected, Veroba emphasized the importance of getting to know the new council members and understanding their views to improve communication and collaboration. She highlighted recent positive events, such as the ICE Conference held at Southeast College, and her goal to continue bringing such opportunities to Estevan.
Additionally, Veroba mentioned upcoming projects like the new nursing home and the introduction of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which are crucial for the community's future.
She stressed the importance of maintaining community safety, developing infrastructure (including sidewalks and roads), and her involvement on various city boards. Her message to the community ahead of the election is to stay positive and recognize Estevan's strengths, particularly its strong volunteer base and resilient spirit.
“Estevan is unique in that we keep moving forward even when we hit hard times. Together, we will continue to move it forward,” she said.