Darren Hirsch running for re-election

During his speech, Hirsch touted his efforts in leading the $8.2 million COVID-19 recovery response and said there is alot of unfinished business at city hall that he would like to be a part of. That includes the pandemic response, Accelerated Financially Fit and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

Asked if he would bring anything different to council if elected another term Hirsch said he plans to stay the course.

“ I don’t know if it is as much different as much as I want to bring the same. I think what we have found is I want to still remain to have a good voice on the leadership issues. I think I have been very much active in terms of the needs of the community and I still want to continue with that,” he said.

In terms of Accelerated Financially Fit, an initiative aimed at addressing a $27 million gap in the city’s budget, Hirsch said his goal if elected is to drive revenues to the city, in the form of business attraction and other means.

“ Certainly it is a balanced effort and I am never going to be one to say cut, cut, cut, because I know that we really treasure the services that we have in Medicine Hat, and I don’t want to see them dismantled,” he said.

Hirsch is a banker by trade, and has also served on numerous boards throughout the city, including board chair at Medicine Hat College.

Earlier this year, the city said they were exploring commercial opportunities for its energy and utilities division when economic advantages exist. That prompted speculation from the public about the privatization of the City’s utilities. The city has said discussions won’t occur until after the election. When pressed about his position, Hirsch said an evaluation of the market and the headwinds and tailwinds it may face is key.

“ I think we have to have an open mind to anything that is put on the table, so, you know we will see as we go down that path. We are looking forward to having a good discussion with the new council. Certain realities do exist. We are going to have to millions and millions of dollars into our power plant, so that’s got to be a consideration that we can’t just walk away from,” he said.

Throughout the year, there have been calls from members of the public and council candidates for greater transparency at city hall. Having sat as councillor for four years Hirsch said he understands the public’s concerns.

“Quite frankly I think we could do more to have more transparency. We have a closed council meeting, and during that point and time anything from labour negotiations, land purchase agreements are really critical before they get announced. But anything else should be on the city council open agenda, and I am very much a proponent of that, and I have no problem whatsoever having a good debate, and I have proven that” he said.

So far, Coun. Hirsch, Coun. Varga, and Coun. Turner are the only incumbent councillors to declare.

According to the City’s website, there are 27 council candidates running for eight positions, as of Tuesday. The deadline for candidates to submit their paperwork isn’t until Sept. 20.

by Tiffany Goodwein

Darren Hirsch running for re-election

Our Community