A resident of Humboldt for more than 60 years, Karen Siermachesky has put her name forward as a candidate for city councillor in this year’s municipal election.
Siermachesky possesses an extensive career healthcare. After she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1984, she spent over 38 years as registered nurse beginning in the medical ward at the St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.
Her career in public health began in 1985, first with Saskatchewan Health, then with the Central Plains Health District and finally with the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Since her retirement in 2022, Siermachesky has spent time volunteering and is a board member for the Humboldt and District Museum & Gallery.
She decided to run for city councillor to make sure residents thoughts and opinions are being heard when it comes to important decisions made by council.
“My goal is to be a proactive decision maker through community involvement and good leadership, transparency is essential. Community input is vital in assisting council to create fair and equitable policies.”
With her background in healthcare, Siermachesky has identified some needs facing Humboldt in that area.
One of them is a full-time walk-in clinic staffed by physicians and nurse practitioners to relieve the pressure the emergency department is currently facing.
The retention and recruitment of healthcare staff is something Siermachesky would explore, along with the examination of maximizing nursing, pharmacy, and paramedic staff to their full potential.
Humboldt’s population is expected to increase at a significant pace soon and Siermachesky wants to see if the community has the resources in place to deal with social and health issues including addictions, homelessness, food security and mental health concerns.
An upgrade to recreation facilities is a must for Humboldt according to Siermachesky.
She added that green spaces need to be developed and maintained to help promote a healthy lifestyle.
A continued strong arts and culture presence is another thing Siermachesky would like to see in Humboldt.
“Arts and culture promote diversity, a welcoming environment, and a sense of belonging. Inclusivity and respect for all cultures is an expectation.”
Other areas of concern to Siermachesky within the community that reside out of her areas of expertise include adequate and affordable housing, building and maintenance of roads, waste management, transportation, recruitment and retention of businesses.
She plans on educating herself on these issues by listening to the community and working with professionals in each field.
Siermachesky concluded the best path for success in Humboldt is a collaboration between the city council and its residents.
The municipal election is on Wednesday, November 13.
You can hear the full conservation with Siermachesky below.