Among the new faces seeking a seat on Yorkton Council is Lauretta Ritchie-McInnes.
Ritchie-McInnes says she wants to be part of the municipal discussions as they most keenly affect the people living in Yorkton.
“I believe that municipal politics is the most personal level of government because the decisions made by City Council have an impact upon everyday life,” she said in material shared with Yorkton This Week Monday.
“The services that people depend on every day, such as water and sewer, how we move through the City on roadways or foot traffic pathways, and how safe we feel in our community and in our homes, are paid for through your tax dollars.”
With that in mind Ritchie-McInnes said money management is essential for Council.
“I commit to ensuring that the City’s financial resources are used as efficiently as possible, to protect the public interest, to be conscientious of the fact that actions have an impact on the lives of all residents and property owners and to collaborate to reach decisions that are in the best interest of the City and the citizens.”
In that regard Ritchie-McInnes said she believes her background will be both an asset and her guide in making decisions.
“My character is what leads my decision-making process,” she said, citing, “being raised on a multi-generational farm east of Yorkton, certain principles were nurtured which guide my personal life and professional choices to this day. My family holds community service in esteem and believes it is necessary.”
Ritchie-McInnes said she has tried to be involved where she can in the city.
“In addition to the Soup Haven and the DreamCentre’s Pastor’s Council, I serve on the Yorkton Public Library Board (YPL) and the Protective Services Committee (PSC).”
The City committee positions are important as they provide insight into the workings of the city.
“Through the two City appointments, I have had the opportunity to work with some of the City’s departments to gain insight and a working knowledge of the City’s priorities by way of the strategic plan,” said Ritchie-McInnes. “Often, when making decisions about the YPL and PSC, I have emphasized and pointed back to the City’s current overall plan.”
The City’s plan has to be foundational, said Ritchie-McInnes.
“I believe that an effective City Council must establish and champion a strategic plan for the City’s infrastructure and services,” she offered. “I believe that through working together much can be accomplished and that it the responsibility of both Council and Administration to work tirelessly to ensure that every dollar of Federal and Provincial money is leveraged in order to benefit Yorkton.”
Ritchie-McInnes said she is also prepared to research what is best for Yorkton.
“Through the co-researching and co-authoring of four books, with my husband Elmer, I have developed the skill set necessary to drill down on issues and find the facts,” she said.
“Additionally, for nearly 25 years, I have worked as a Constituency Assistant for the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly. I understand legislative systems but I have never stopped learning. I embrace lifelong learning and availed the opportunity to study Project Management and Professional Leadership and Management at the Parkland College here in Yorkton.”
