Who Is Les Pearson? Biography Community Involvement Issues Editorials Photo Album Les Pearson Blog Contact

 

"" 3 years to make a difference

  • The past 3 have been filled with studies, wrangling, and indecision.
  • Les wants the next 3 years to have a bias for action!
  • He will be a team player who helps to broker solutions.

"" When should we build an event centre?

  • Les supports the construction of an events centre when we can afford it.
  • This venture will require more government support than the $10 million that the federal government has promised. To date, there has been no commitment from the provincial government. The total cost is still expected to approach or exceed $100 million.

"" Do it right the first time

  • City administration’s mantra is “On time, on budget.” Cost-cutting measures are often used to fulfill this slogan.
  • Only two of three poles were replaced on a primary city tourist attraction: the world’s largest tepee. Three iterations of South Boundary Road? Other examples are plentiful.
  • Retrofits cost hundreds of thousands more than cost overruns.

"" Common sense answers

  • To make the City’s downtown prosper, the City needs to enact bylaws that deal with derelict buildings and buildings that are unsafe.
  • Edmonton and Lethbridge have done it. Check their prospering downtowns!
  • The City has an amazing and qualified work force. Les will listen to workers in the trenches! They may have practical answers to complex problems.

"" More women in city administration

  • City hiring policies need to be fair and equitable, especially when it comes to gender.
  • There is only one woman in senior administration, yet many experienced and qualified women work below the “glass ceiling.”
  • Yes, there is a need for more women on Council!

"" Environmental responsibility

  • Les opposes a levy on environmental waste bins. A levy will discourage the use of environmental waste bins and result in grass clippings going into domestic bins.
  • Les will actively support the Citys' transition to wind and solar-generated power. Together with natural gas, these environmental projects will give Medicine Hat a “sustainable” energy advantage.

"" Serious planning for the future

  • Get the priorities straight! Public consultation needs to be used as part of a process to set these priorities.
  • Then use local expertise to plan. External studies should be used only when local expertise is lacking. Be prepared to act on recommendations.
  • Budget realistically for completion.
  • Les believes public safety needs to be Council’s first priority. We need timely “snow removal” rather than “snow clearing” that blocks driveways and creates ice hazards on sidewalks.
  • No more talk. Implement that City Centre Development Plan!
  • A Dunmore Road-TCC overpass is an urgent safety issue. Council needs to lever senior infrastructure monies to make this happen.

"" A council that get things doneLes Pearson

  • Resolve controversies amicably through discussion, negotiation, and consensus building. (Don’t tell arts groups they must vacate the Cultural Centre.)
  • Act on plans and priorities. How many studies and revisions can our City afford?