In the fall when Yorkton residents head to the polls in the municipal election they will be starting a new chapter in local politics.
The election in November will see this community needing to elect a new mayor as veteran member of Council Bob Maloney announced Monday he will not be seeking a third term as mayor.
At the brief announcement held on the steps of City Hall, Maloney, who was first elected to Council in 2003 spent most of his time offering his thanks, starting quite naturally with his wife Diane and his family.
Next came thanks for long-term Councillor Randy Goulden, and recent addition Aaron Kienle, both in attendance, past Mayors and Councillors for their contributions to the city, as were former MLA Clay Serby and sitting MLA Greg Ottenbreit.
“I have nothing but respect for their contributions,” adding regardless of political stripes “... we do grow men and women passionate about the city.”
The Yorkton Chamber of Commerce, Yorkton Business Improvement District and local media were also recognized in Maloney’s remarks.
But, it should be the community who is doing the thank-yous to Maloney. While not everyone would agree with his position on every issue, and he was in a closely contested battle to get his second term, narrowly topping Chris Wyatt, no one can deny his stalwart dedication to our community.
In his brief remarks Monday Maloney reflected on his time as Mayor, citing his time on the provincial Municipalities of Saskatchewan Board and as vice-president of Cities, as well as his role with the City Mayor’s Caucus, which show how well-respected he has been provincially. While taking a role at the provincial level, it is back here in the city that Maloney has worked his hardest.
His office at City Hall was always accessible.
He was always willing, when able to, to attend a ribbon cutting, to bring greetings to groups, and to represent our city proudly.
Maloney has also helped guide Councils dating back to his first election in 2003 in dealing with some very major projects.
After his remarks Monday, in a scrum with media, Maloney reflected on what had been accomplished in his years on Council including the Gallagher Centre project which will be paid for by 2021, the civic operations building currently being built, the new fire hall, the $34 million water treatment plant and the $34 million in drainage work.
Those are huge undertakings for our community, all needed, all costly, all successful, and with the City in a fine financial state.
At the most recent regular meeting of Council the 2019 draft Audited Financial Statements were reviewed.
In terms of finances the City has a debt limit of $42 million noted the report circulated to Council.
Details of the outstanding loans include:
* Fire Hall $ 3,424,666
* Gallagher Centre $465,360
* Queen Street Water Treatment Plant $3,282,000
* Work on Dracup Ave $4,775,997
The total outstanding sits at $11,948,023.
This leaves the city with approximately $30,050,000 of debt available, as of Dec 31, 2019.
That means Maloney leaves the reins to someone new with the finances in great condition, and that is a great measure of the city under his tenure.
It is clichéd to say he leaves big shoes to fill, but it is appropriate given what Maloney has done in his job of Mayor on our behalf. The next person to sit in the big chair will forge their own path, but will not do the job with any more passion as Maloney did it.
Great job and thank you sir!
