By TERRY PUGH
After five terms on Martensville City Council, Tyson Chillog knows it’s not easy making tough decisions, particularly at budget time.
And it’s also a given that not all councillors are going to agree on every issue.
But the important thing is that councillors make choices that are in the best interests of the city, its residents and its businesses, said Chillog, who chose not to seek re-election in this month’s municipal election.
In his departing statement at his final council meeting on Tuesday, November 5, Chillog said in his experience, all the councillors he’s worked with over the past several years have done their best to find common ground and work toward solutions that benefit the majority.
“Everyone needs to be pulling on the rope,” said Chillog. “You don’t get very far pushing a rope. We’ve all learned that lesson.”
He added that “the greater the risk, the greater the reward” when it comes to investing in city amenities and services.
“When you’re dealing with such large sums of money, it’s not easy,” he said. “But those things have to be a priority for council.”
Chillog said his time on council has shown him there are many factors that need to be taken into account when making budget choices. Some of those factors aren’t always obvious.
“I will never complain about a council decision, ever,” said Chillog. “And even though we’ve made a lot of progress over the last several years, the work in Martensville is not done.”
Outgoing two-term councillor Debbie McGuire was recognized for her contributions over the past eight years. A former City of Martensville employee, McGuire brought a “common sense” perspective to council discussions, according to Martensville Mayor Kent Muench.
“It was very important to have that voice at the council table,” said Muench in his parting comments to McGuire. “You’ve seen a lot of change in the community, and you’ve been a great leader with your thoughtful, conscientious, and consistent approach.”
Councillor Mike Cox, another two-term councillor first elected in 2016 who did not seek re-election, was not at the November 5 council meeting due to work commitments (he is Principal of Osler School). Muench characterized Cox’s approach to council work as “reliable, quiet, steadfast leadership.”
Jamie Martens, who was first elected to council in 2012 and has served three terms on council, is heading to the provincial Legislature to assume her new role as MLA for the constituency of Martensville-Blairmore.
In her comments to the November 5 council meeting, Martens said her time on city council was a tremendous learning experience that allowed her to also gain a wider perspective through her involvement as a representative for the city on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). She said it was “rewarding” to have the national organization adopt the issue of water and wastewater as a top priority, in large part due to her efforts.
She said she decided to run for the Sask Party nomination in her hometown at the urging of many people, and vowed to work hard at the provincial level for her constituents.
Councillors Spencer Nikkel and Darren MacDonald, both of whom opted to run again this election, expressed their appreciation for the contribution of their retiring colleagues.