Under a warm sun and surrounded by about 30 supporters in Crescent Park on Thursday, Coun. Heather Eby announced her intentions in the upcoming municipal election.
“I’m not done being your city councillor quite yet,” she said, adding her plan is to continue working towards such local issues as economic development and tackling the infrastructure deficit.
As well, Eby said, she hopes to keep pursuing in a second term what she loved doing in her first — talking to individual Moose Javians and working on matters that concern them.
“The things that are important to you are important to me.”
During the past three years on council, Eby said, she has learned a lot about municipal governance, and has developed her skillset for the councillor job and confidence. She said she hopes to bring her experience, which includes critical-thinking abilities, to a second term on council.
Since 2009, Eby has served with the following boards as a councillor: Moose Jaw Economic Development Commission (vice-chairwoman), Mosaic Place and field house operating board, police board of commissioners, parks and recreation advisory board, murals management board, as well as the Wakamow Valley Authority board.
Eby said she hopes to help build on the city’s recent achievements, which includes developing strategic planning and economic development planning.
“There are current projects I’d like to continue working on, and I am looking forward to moving on some community initiatives our citizens are saying they’d like to see happen.”
Accompanied at Thursday’s announcement by her husband and daughter, the incumbent candidate said she seeks re-election with the support of outgoing Mayor Glenn Hagel as well, who Eby describes as an important part of her first term and a valued local politician who will be missed following his retirement as of the end of the upcoming election.
“It has been my good fortune to have Mayor Hagel as my mentor, leader and friend.”
In a media release, Hagel stated his colleague Eby effectively responds to people’s concerns, uses sound judgment on issues and plans for the future of Moose Jaw. “She is a true leader,” he said.
One of the issues Eby would hope to tackle in a second term is that of curbside recycling.
“Recycling is part of good community stewardship, and by expanding citywide recycling we could see a reduction in landfill waste,” she said, adding one option that interests her is the idea of making curbside recycling free for residents, and charging them for regular garbage pickup.
However the Friendly City decides to implement curbside recycling, though, Eby said it is important for the community to do so soon.
“I think it is time to see Moose Jaw get in the loop.”
For more on Eby and her re-election campaign, visit www.HeatherEby.ca.
Carter Haydu can be reached at 691-1265.
