BATTLEFORD — Born and raised in the town of Battleford, Ames Leslie, after serving one term as town councillor for the town and two terms as mayor, has announced he is seeking a third term as the community’s mayor.
“I truly believe Battleford is the best community in this province. As a council, we have accomplished so much but have some unfinished projects I hope to see to completion,” said Leslie in an interview with the Battlefords News Optimist and SASKTODAY.ca.
With a strong track record of working hard to keep the cost of living in Battleford as low as possible, Leslie says he looks forward to finding new, unique opportunities to keep taxation at an appropriate level.
Asked what he is most proud of in his community, Leslie responds, “The low taxation, but still able to provide top-notch services. Also, the pump track, a project I spearheaded and was able to work with council to make a reality. I also am proud of having a part in keeping Canada Post in their historic building, and the beneficial partnership created over the years with the owner.”
Outlining some of the highlights during his tenure as mayor, Leslie adds, “The expansion of parks and playgrounds, mainly the pump track. Getting the bridges repaired and opened back up to the public. I have worked to build strong relationships with regional partners, with focus on reconciliation to improve myself and the staff.”
The current mayor also acknowledges that he, along with council, worked to address water issues in West Park, that had gone unaddressed for decades. Also, providing drinking water to their neighbouring community, Poundmaker, was stated as a highlight.
Battleford has faced its challenges of which Leslie says includes affordability. Council has passed minimal tax increases the past three years to keep more money in residents’ pockets.
“However, new initiatives by our federal government could make it impossible to continue that way. We see continual downloading by the feds on costs with diminishing funds. If this doesn’t change, municipalities will be forced to increase taxation significantly.”
The Town of Battleford mayor and council have implemented a new levy system with hopes to escalate the volume of street paving. They are working closely with the provincial government, hoping to address the District Care Centre to be replaced. Leslie affirms this will be a long-term focus and goal.
“My platform is focusing on keeping operational costs lean, but still [being] efficiently productive. Maintaining strong relationships with provincial, federal and regional partners to maximize grant funding. Continue to work with RCMP leadership to improve the service model presently being provided to the town.”
Leslie also affirms he will stay connected to local and provincial partners working to address addictions in the region, believing so much crime is a result of this unfortunate reality. He adds, “Crime and addictions – both are a costly venture that are important we don’t lose focus on.”
He concludes by saying, “Working with council and the town leadership to improve inclusion and diversity in our policies, bylaws and staffing. Continuing the open-door, open-ear policy I conduct myself with, as I am always willing to meet and talk with any resident in Battleford. I enjoy challenging conversations that I have had the last eight years and, if granted another term, I look forward to many more.
