RM of Edenwold residents will head to the polls to select a new reeve on Oct. 25. On the ballot will be two candidates to choose from with candidates Lisa Peters and Al Trainor both vying for the vacant seat.
Below is a questions and answers forum compiled by the Forum on each candidate presented in alphabetical order.
Lisa Peters
Q: How long have you lived in the RM and how long have you served on council? Where did you reside previously and why did you decide to relocate to the local area?
A: I have been a resident of our RM for 21 years, starting my journey here shortly after marrying my husband, who grew up in White City. We moved to the RM with the dream of creating our own five-acre piece of paradise and raising our family in this community. In addition to our residency, I have had the privilege of serving on the council for the past year, actively contributing to the development and betterment of our RM, as well as volunteering in our basketball and hockey communities.
Q: What project or accomplishment are you most proud of from your time on council to date?
A: One of my most valued achievements is having the privilege to lead our communication team in the development of a Communication Strategy. Within this framework, we crafted a blueprint for effective communication that included the introduction of an engagement planning guide and a stakeholder identification process. Additionally, we collaborated as a team to establish a new Social Media Policy, dedicated to defining clear guidelines and standards for the responsible use of our social media channels. This accomplishment will streamline our communication efforts and instill a sense of accountability and responsibility within our team.
Engagement with our ratepayers is vital as it ensures your active involvement and participation in the decision-making process. We must create platforms such as; rural & urban focus groups, live updates to our social channels after council meetings, and more town halls where your voices are heard and concerns are addressed. This engagement will foster a sense of ownership and accountability, ultimately leading to informed decisions.
Simultaneously, effective communication is equally critical and is the key to building trust and keeping you informed about important matters and developments within the community. This not only enhances transparency but also strengthens the bond between the RM and you, leading to a more cohesive and responsive community.
Q: What’s the number one change or improvement you would hope to make within the RM if elected?
The change I aim to make within the RM is to strengthen our decision-making process. Our focus should be on fiscal responsibility, debates about policies and bylaws, improving our processes for land use, and reviewing proposed projects that represent a broad spectrum of stakeholder’s interests. We are fortunate to have dedicated and knowledgeable staff in our RM, and our role as council should be to provide them with the necessary policies and guidance to excel in their roles.
Q: What other issues or projects are priorities to you?
A: Infrastructure and Road Maintenance: Promote safety and prioritize the critical infrastructure and road networks to meet the needs of our community.
Multi Use Centre: Support our community’s health by ensuring the well-being and resilience of our residents.
The RM Process. We must address process improvements comprehensively, focusing on areas such as land development, permits, discretionary uses, and more to better serve our ratepayers.
Q: What differentiates you from the other candidate in this election?
A: Our community needs a representative who can effectively advocate for our interests and, more importantly, bring about tangible results. What sets me apart is my extensive 30-year career in Project Management, Corporate Partnerships, and Media. Throughout this journey, I have consistently strived to have a strong voice and influence in conversations at various levels of government. My dedication to being heard and my experience in these fields uniquely position me to understand and navigate the complexities of government.
Q: What else would you like voters to know about you?
A: I have a sincere dedication and enthusiasm for this opportunity to serve our community. This is not just a role I’m seeking; it’s a genuine passion to make a positive impact. I’m deeply thankful for the countless individuals who have opened their homes and introduced me to your friends and neighbors. With approximately 4,500 people in our RM, I recognize that I could not have embarked on this journey without your support and trust. I am committed to working tirelessly to represent your interests and ensure that our community thrives.
Al Trainor
Q: How long have you lived in the RM and how long have you served on council? If applicable, where did you reside previously and why did you decide to relocate to the local area?
A: In 1990, our family moved from Regina to Emerald Park in the RM of Edenwold. Making our home in here was a dream come true. We enjoyed open spaces to grow our family, reduced costs and most of all a sense of community and strong connection to people who lived here. For 33 years this is my home and I want to see it thrive for generations to come.
I have six years of experience on Council. This experience has provided me with an understanding of the governance requirements of our RM to ensure ratepayers are supported appropriately.
Q: What project or accomplishment are you most proud of from your time on council to date?
A: In November 2022, myself and another RM Counsellor, worked jointly with two White City Town Council representatives to offer a shuttle service for our communities to provide the SGI Safe Ride Home in our community for fans attending the 2022 Grey Cup festivities. We ensured that patrons would have not only a safe ride home, but an opportunity to enjoy food, beverages and music in our community as we celebrated the Grey Cup. These important stakeholder relationships provided not only a successful outcome for this event but have allowed me to continue collaborative relations today with other stakeholders. Building relationships is a priority for me and something that is a critical part of leadership.
QUESTION 3: What’s the number one change or improvement you would hope to make within the RM if elected?
A: I believe that effective two-way communication between the RM, Administration and ratepayers is essential and needs to improve. If elected Reeve, I will ensure our communication systems, both verbal and written, support the needs of our ratepayers by improving and expanding communication methods and ensuring timely, transparent and accurate information is provided. I would also implement opportunities for face-to-face communication by establishing town halls and Counsellor tours so ratepayers have the ability to be heard, have questions answered and bring forward issues.
Q: What other issues or projects are priorities to you?
A: Honesty & Transparency – I believe accountability and open communication are the cornerstone of effective governance and leadership. In addition, ensuring we are fiscally responsible is a critical component to our work on behalf of the community and ratepayers.
Health & Well-Being of our Community – I believe a healthy community is a community that provides safe, ethical and conscientious infra-structure for all. Building relationships with individuals, businesses and other stakeholders on joint projects supports a stronger community while maintaining our unique governance and identity. Maintaining and upgrading roadways in the RM ensures health and safety is not compromised.
Growth & Prosperity – I believe that this RM has a strong and vibrant history and needs to maintain that strength as we continue with the positive growth within. Our RM has been a much sought after and desirable place to live and prosper in and through strong leadership we can continue to flourish for decades to come.
Q: What differentiates you from the other candidate(s) in this election?
A: Professionally, my strong leadership skills and governance experience ensure I am qualified to accept the position of Reeve. My 29 years of service with the Regina Police Service and role in Senior Executive Management demonstrates I can develop, implement, execute and lead with confidence and generate positive and measurable outcomes. While serving in Afghanistan as a Senior Executive Officer, I was responsible for the supervision and leadership of fifty Canadian Police personnel as we focused on building relationships with Afghan communities to support them in training and development of their own police force to protect their communities. Finally, my six years of RM Council experience, means I have an acute understanding of governance issues and processes.
Personally, I am a proud father of two and grandfather of three and am proud of our families next generation presently growing in this community. I have years of experience volunteering and working on Boards in the community. I have coached multiple sports teams throughout the years and been a participant as well.
Q: What else would you like voters to know about you?
A: This RM is my home, and I am committed to see it thrive for generations – this solidifies my passion for change and commitment to the RM not only for this one-year term, but into the future.
