As the upcoming civic election draws near, a candidate new to municipal government has thrown his hat into the ring: Dave Elliot.
Elliot is entering the election with a straightforward message: he hopes to serve the community, not engage in the intricacies of traditional politics. His main motivation for running is to prevent unnecessary spending. “I guess maybe to give them somebody on council who might say no to exorbitant expenditures,” he said.
He adds that this election is not about politics in the traditional sense; it’s about taking care of the community. “Politics for me starts at the provincial level.”
As the community has faced divisions on various issues, Elliot notes that it may be unrealistic to fully unite everyone. However, he believes fostering understanding among differing views is possible. “The best you can do is work to help them understand each other.”
Among the key issues Elliot plans to address if elected is the establishment of clear boundaries for the council regarding major projects. He would advocate for a more structured approach to governance, ensuring that community resources are used wisely.
He candidly admits to having limited formal management experience at the council level. However, he believes his life experiences have equipped him with a pragmatic outlook that will benefit the council. “I think just having a more pragmatic approach to things is really what I would bring,” he notes.
When asked about his first priorities upon taking office, he points to the upcoming budget. He understands the importance of financial planning in shaping the community's future and intends to approach it with careful consideration.
In terms of his campaign message, Elliot aims to maintain stability and transparency in council operations. “I would just simply do my best to keep things on an even keel,” he states.
As the election approaches, Elliot wants voters to know that he is committed to serving Estevan with integrity and a focus on community well-being. “I’m a pretty open book and have a pretty basic approach,” he says, underscoring his desire for straightforward and honest governance.