Mayoral candidate wants more data-based decisions and transparency at city hall

Clark was born in Oyen Alberta and moved to Medicine Hat at the age of eight. She said it was her love for t Medicine Hat that drove her to run.

“I care about the city a lot and I would love to see a city government that is transparent and accountable and I want us to tap into our historical trailblazing roots, and mix that with some data-driven decision making, so that we can have a more prosperous tomorrow,” she said.

When asked about the recent scandal involving Invest Medicine Hat, Clark said her focus is making sure the city is more accountable into the future.

“Accountability requires transparency, it requires public participation, and allowing the people to understand why city government is making the decisions it is making far enough in advance, so that people have the opportunity to contribute,” she said.

In terms of her platform Clark said she would like the city make decisions based on data and facts and to build on some of the plans already in place, including the Municipal Development Plan and the BREWD Report ( Business Retention and Expansion and Workforce Development plan) in order to create a more livable community.

To ensure robust economic development in the city , Clark said an industry cluster report needs to occur, for the city to have a better understanding as to what industries are viable for the region. She also said supporting entrepreneurs is key.

“We need to work with our business community, like we did in the BREWD survey to make sure we understand their needs, and what makes them want to stay here, and what challenges they are facing. That is basically what BREWD did, so we need to act on those action items,” she said.

Clark said healthy, livable neighbourhoods are key to keeping people in the city, and if elected that would be a priority.

“ When we think about leaving the city for other places. We need to look at our neighbourhoods. What is needed in our neighbourhoods? Are they walkable? Do they have the amenities in their neighbourhood that would make them want to stay here?” she said.

The city is currently in the process of building its recreation master plan, and talks of facility closures, have been circulating the past year. The city has cited age and the associated costs of maintenance as

factors, as they look to make cuts as part of Accelerated Financially Fit. Clark said there are two main issues that she has with discussions surrounding the future of existing facilities.

“ First of all we know going in that everything is going to need to be maintained. Ice rinks, swimming pools, all need to be maintained so those costs should be accounted for from day one and the building should be maintained. Second of all it is a question of livability, again so each neighbourhood should have the amenities that it needs, and if you look at the Municipal Development Plan that is what is laid out,” she said.

Clark recieved an undergraduate degree from the University of Lethbridge, and went on to study law at the University of Victoria. After becoming a lawyer, she spent 10 years working in Vancouver, before coming back to Medicine Hat to work for the city.

She is one of four candidates running in the mayoral race. Incumbent Mayor Ted Clugston, also announced he will be seeking reelection, but his name is not on the official candidate list on the city’s website.

The municipal election is Oct 18, 2021

by Tiffany Goodwein

Mayoral candidate wants more data-based decisions and transparency at city hall

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