Whenever an election rolls around, there's always the potential for change in the wind. Such was the case with Humboldt civic election 2024 as the votes rolled in last night. New members of council have come on board for the next 4-year term, but one of the most experienced deckhands weathered the evening well. Counci;lor Larry Jorgenson was returned to the council for another term.
With several previous council members deciding not to run, Jorgensen knew there would be a new mix, and he welcomes the opportunity to work with new ideas and voices.
“Change was expected and it’s good to see some new faces. With new councillors, they’re going to have new ideas. I think it’s going to be good, and I’m really looking to starting off with this crew.”
Jorgenson also acknowledged the return of Marilyn Scott, who sat on previous iterations of council. He said that Marilyn would no doubt be involved in continued planning on some of the projects she sought to undertake previously.
Heading into his fourth term, Jorgenson has heard from the people during the election campaign and throughout his tenure on council one of the increasing refrains has been the need to replace the aging St. Mary's Villa, he says.
“The issue that’s come more to light as the years go on is that we really need a replacement for the Villa. It’s entirely up to the province to announce that project, and until there’s an announcement made by the province, we really can’t fundraise properly. Corporate donors are going to be hesitant to sign a cheque for a project that doesn’t exist yet.”
Notwithstanding the tremendous efforts of the St. Mary’s Villa Foundation, Jorgenson sees continued lobbying for a new facility as part of the upcoming duties.
“Everybody knows for a number of years now that it’s been in dire need of upgrading, so we’re hopeful we can get something in progress with that soon.”
As a member of Arts Humboldt (AH), and a one- time active member of community theater, Jorgenson maintains his commitment to pursuing a performing arts center. He's also been engaged with the Humboldt Broncos Tribute Committee and fleshing out its projects. Another consideration is the increasing demand for a second ice surface in the city.
Jorgenson has also been a presence when it comes to ongoing projects that meet current demands, with an eye to future growth. That includes the city's infrastructure.
“Roads and water and sewer are always important, so just continuing the good work the city staff have done in planning the work over the next five or ten years is going to be foremost on our minds.”
In the final analysis, Jorgensen acknowledges his long residence in the city, along with his various outlets for involvement, helped with the continued confidence of the voters.
“I’m not new to the community and I’ve had my fingers in almost everything at certain points of my life here, so I think people realized that I have the experience and the desire to represent them. I was hopeful that people saw I was doing a good job, and based on last night’s results, that seems to be the case.”