The City of Martensville has “accomplished a lot” over the past several years, but incumbent Mayor Kent Muench believes there is still plenty of unfinished business to take care of in the next four years.
“I am running again for the Mayor’s chair,” Muench confirmed in an interview September 14. “It’s been a privilege to serve this community and I’d be truly honoured to lead the city again for another term.
“I’m passionate about Martensville. This community has a great future and I want to be part of that.”
Muench was first elected to city council in 2003. He was elected Mayor in 2012 and re-elected in 2016.
Muench said one of Martensville’s greatest assets is its high degree of volunteerism.
“People have a real sense of pride in their community,” said Muench. “They pitch in and take the initiative to get things done when they see a need. That’s how the sports centre got built decades ago.
“And in the last few years that community commitment has really grown to a whole new level.”
He said grassroots fundraising by groups like the Martensville Community Recreation Project have helped kickstart campaigns for much-needed facilities, and the city has likewise boosted its financial commitment.
Muench said he’s a strong proponent of “collaborative partnerships” with residents, other municipalities in the region, and with the provincial and federal governments. These partnerships, he said, help the city achieve its goals while making the most efficient use of resources.
“I try and build an environment where everyone is heard and their input is valued,” said Muench. “That’s the best way to make progress.”
He said improving the quality of life for residents is his number one priority, and noted the ongoing investment in the city’s infrastructure is part of a capital asset replacement plan.
“This past year saw the busiest road construction season in Martensville’s history,” said Muench. “As a young community, we’re fortunate in that our infrastructure deficit is not as pronounced as many cities across North America. But it is something we have to pay attention to, and I think we’re at a point where we have a plan that is sustainable and predictable.”
Muench said one of his goals for the next four years is ensuring the first phase of the proposed multi-purpose recreational complex on the west side of Highway 12 is completed.
The new recreation facility, he added, will help spur development of the new residential and commercial area west of the highway.
“That entails ensuring there is good pedestrian access to the new area,” said Muench.
He said he also wants to see continued improvement of Centennial Drive to encourage business expansion. New commercial areas in the Lake Vista neighbourhood are also high on Muench’s list of priorities.
He said the city is in a position to work with potential partners to improve access to seniors housing, medical services and other amenities.
“As we move out of the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to work on enhancing and building our competitive advantages so we can grow our community,” said Muench. “
Muench said the $20 million regional partnership with Saskatoon to supply water and wastewater services is progressing, and will provide Martensville with long-term capacity.
The paving of Martensville’s Main Street extension (Township Road 384) east to Highway 11 is another prime example of mutually-beneficial partnerships between municipalities, he added.