Estevan's Civic Election is heating up with another candidate putting their hat in the ring. Today, Councillor Rebecca Foord has announced that she is running for mayor.
"I believe our community needs a strong leader who can lead them through any challenges this community is going to face," she expressed.
She pointed towards several projects that Estevan is a part of, such as the proposed small nuclear reactor, the cold graphite project, and the hydrogen project among others. Foord also highlighted her involvement on the Estevan Economic Development and the Southeast Tech Hub. "In my opinion, knowledge is power and I'm excited to continue conversations with the community about those projects and our futures, take those hard questions they may have, and take them to the appropriate channels, including our governments."
Foord has only been a part of the city council for one term. She believes in strong leadership, which was the message she ran on in her previous bid. Addressing the community, she promises to foster consistent communication and to continue keeping her door open for everyone's concerns.
"I think there's been some lessons learned in the past four years on Council and I'd like to take those lessons and apply them into the Community. When there's a project happening, like a road repair or a closure, let's tell the community in any way we possibly can. I'm looking forward to hosting community meetings for any upcoming projects and I want to work really hard to make sure that the Community is receiving consistent updates from City Hall and the Mayor's office on what's happening in their community."
Foord spoke on her leadership qualities. Working with various groups within the city since graduating from high school, she expressed her desire to continue serving the community in a mayoral position. "I'd be bringing my strong voice to represent our community on a provincial and federal level, and I'd be bringing my education background in politics and my experience in the business world to be a good representation to our community."
She acknowledged the troubled waters ahead after the elections. With a newly elected Council and a city budget to pass just one month after polls close, she's hoping to work with everyone at all levels of government to ensure City Hall has the tools they need to succeed. "We may all not agree on things in the Council chambers, but we can create an environment that allows everyone to feel open to share their opinions and discuss accordingly," Foord added.
"My message for the community is get out and vote. Do your research on your candidates. Ask the hard questions on issues that are important to you, and please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Your mayor and your Council are chosen by you the people, so please make sure that you come out and vote on November 13th. I'm really looking forward to earning everybody's vote."
Foord is up against former councilor Anthony Sernick and a new candidate in Zacch Vandenhurk for the mayoral seat. There's one more week until the call for nominations closes for Estevan's Civic Elections. The full slate of candidates will released by October 10 if the ballot has enough people for the community to vote on.