After what could be described as a fierce campaign, Kirsten Walliser was voted to return for another term at Estevan's city council.
"[I'm] very excited to get back to work [and] very grateful that the community showed trust and value in the work that was done in the first four years, and that they've welcomed me back on their behalf for another four," she expressed.
Walliser will be joined by two experienced councillors Shelly Veroba and Brian Johnson, both of which has served at least two council terms each, respectively. "What I'm really grateful for about both Councillor Johnson and Councillor Veroba is that not only do they have years of experience in the chair serving the community, but they both have a real commitment to going out, finding information, taking training, learning new things. To have that knowledge base and that broad understanding of how Council not only in our community but across the country works is going to be really helpful as we keep facing new challenges this term."
She also recognized that three first-time councilmen will be sworn in with her later this week. At an orientation day put together by City Hall, she, alongside Councillor Veroba, emphasized the willingness to ask questions and that all councillors' understanding matches with everyone on the table. "The most likely chance of missteps for new council is being afraid to ask a silly question or to look at a question and go deeper. So, really a good opportunity for fresh eyes, to see things in a new light, and hopefully bring the rest of us along and show us that new insight as well."
"We campaigned individually, and we work as a team. So, it's always finding that balance of having your own voice, bringing forward the concerns of citizens, but doing it in a way that collectively we can understand them, address them and make decisions based on them."
The main issue that the new council will tackle after being sworn in is budget deliberations for 2025. Walliser said it's not always status quo when accounting for civic operations, stating that, at times, there might be a wrench thrown into plans.
"I always reflect it back to my experience as a young family. We know what we would like to spend in our household, what the priorities are, what would needs and wants be. Where that wrench gets thrown in is the external pressure of inflation [and] supply chain. Being willing and ready to pivot so that we can continue to move projects forward and have the flexibility to address some of those financial constraints."
She expressed that the city management team is consistent and thorough year after year. Where the potential hiccups land is the prioritization of capital projects. Balancing timelines and budgets requires careful consideration, she added.
By rough estimate, about 2600 eligible voters cast their votes during the municipal elections. This is an inspiring statistic for Kirsten, and she found there are a few key factors that helped drive high voter turnout.
"I think we saw a benefit from the weather. We saw a benefit from a very compelling mayoral race. We saw the benefit of the plebiscite being on the ballot, but we also had a lot of really heartwarming stories of people who were eligible to vote in an election in Estevan for the first time, making sure that they did their research. They came out and they voted for the future they want to see."
The mayor and the slate of councillors will be sworn into power on Friday, November 22.