Jamie Martens is hoping to earn a third term on Martensville City Council in the November 9 municipal election.
She was first elected to city council in 2012 and re-elected in 2016.
“I have had two terms on council and I’ve learned a tremendous amount over the past eight years,” said Martens in an e-mail to the Gazette. “I appreciate it when people come to me with their concerns and suggestions.
“I feel there are several priority issues and I’d like to tackle them as part of the next council.”
Martens said the community needs additional seniors housing with more options for long-term care.
“We have yet to find success in the seniors housing area,” she said. “We are diligently working toward that goal but more research and action needs to be taken.”
She said many factors, including recreation facilities and good infrastructure, contribute to the quality of life for residents.
“I think the beautification of the city is an important aspect,” she said, adding the ongoing improvements to Kinsmen Park are welcome.
“I want to see the vision for Kinsmen Park, as outlined in the master plan, continue,” she said. “The next phases include the RV campground, BMX pump track, and additional linear pathways.”
Martens said she’s happy with the city’s road maintenance and improvement program; as well as snow removal and other public works programs.
“The dedication of city employees is appreciated,” she said. “They work hard to make this a great place to live.”
Martens said she wants to see greater emphasis on arts and heritage in the coming term.
“I intend to work with groups like the Prairie Sculptors and others to deliver art symposiums, which the community can view and learn about artists and their work,” she said. “I also want to keep the heritage and history of Martensville alive. This may mean a heritage and arts committee.”
Martens said she wants to work with groups and individuals to expand the Martensville free pantry into a small food bank for the community.
Martens said she looks forward to the completion of the first phase of the new multi-purpose recreation facility, as well as the expansion and development of the West Sector subdivision west of Highway 12.