The date for the 2020 election for Martensville City Council is fast approaching. Election day will take place on November 9th at the North Ridge Community Centre at 901 3rd Street North from 8am-8pm.
Voters can also take part in a final advance poll at City Hall Council Chambers, located at 37 Centennial Drive South on November 4th from 3pm-7pm, or vote through a Mail-in Ballot until November 9th.
Mail-in ballots must be received by the Returning Officer at Martensville City Hall before 8pm on November 9th in order to be counted. They can be submitted in-person to Returning Officer Carla Budnick at City Hall, by mail to Carla Budnick at Martensville City Hall – PO Box 970 Martensville, SK S0K 2T0 or by e-mail to cityclerk@martensville.ca. More information regarding this option can be found online at www.martensville.ca.
Martensville Mayor Kent Muench has been elected for another four-year term through acclamation, as there were no other candidates running against him.
For City Councillors, there are six seats available, with ten candidates running. Candidates include previous councillors Tyson Chillog, Michael Cox, Darren MacDonald, Jamie Martens and Debbie McGuire, along with new candidates Adam Hartle, Keith Murray, Spencer Nikkel, Travis Sorenson and Matthew Stavenow.
On October 15th, the Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce hosted an All Candidates Forum, where each candidate was asked questions submitted by the public or by the Chamber themselves. Due to COVID-19, this was done virtually and for those seeking more information about Martensville candidates, you can view the forum on the ‘Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce’ Facebook page.
More information about each candidate can be found at www.martensvillemessenger.ca, and contact information for each candidate can be found at www.martensville.ca.
Spencer Nikkel
Like many of you, I only moved to Martensville in the last ten years. But it quickly grabbed my heart as a place to put roots down for myself and my family – the perfect mix between small town community and big city opportunity.
My professional career started in financial planning, before moving to the tech world, where I guide the development of new software as part of one of the companies in Saskatoon’s budding tech community. My combined experience in financial planning and product management means I approach all endeavours with cautious, well-thought-out planning. And my experience with technology and business has taught me to continuously seek innovative solutions to complex problems.
Keeping the balance between small town community while leveraging big city benefits is where Martensville will thrive in the future. Together, we can carve out a path that supports all residents in their personal, professional & community goals.
Darren MacDonald
My wife and I are lifelong residents of Martensville. We love this community so much that we chose to raise our four children here.
I hold a Canadian Investment Manager designation and work as an Associate Portfolio Manager. I was first elected in 2012 and have spent that time working to make Martensville an even greater community. I am proud of the improvements we have made in the community including having new businesses open, new recreation facilities, a high school expansion, two new elementary schools, a new overpass and skatepark.
We have accomplished a lot but there is still important work to do. It will take prudent fiscal management to ensure we are getting the most value possible out of our tax dollars. If re-elected I will use my professional expertise and my council experience to keep improving facilities and services while working to keep our commercial tax base growing.
Michael Cox
My family and I are proud to call Martensville our home since 2009. I’ve been a teacher and in-school administrator in Prairie Spirit School Division for 19 years. This fall I began by 10th year as Vice Principal at Valley Manor School.
I believe my background in administration and serving this term on council will benefit Martensville moving forward. Throughout my career I have demonstrated commitment to shared leadership, collaborative decision making, long-term planning and managing resources. I strive to be a leader in our community who is available to listen and help everyone have a voice in moving our city forward.
I want to work with Council to continue long-term, fiscally responsible planning that supports growth in our city and anticipates future needs. A plan that listens to community voice, continues to attract business development in Martensville while not creating hardship on families by significantly increasing taxes.
Keith Murray
Adding a NEW PERSPECTIVE to City Council. I have seen the continuous growth living out here the last 15 years. Become more involved in the decision making process in the community where I am raising my family. Let me be your VOICE!!!
Sound decision maker; team player; conscientious; task oriented; excellent reviewing, forecasting and budgeting understanding financial statements; COMMON SENSE approach!!!!
I am currently employed as Associate Broker/Real Estate Sales/ Property Management with SRES with clear understanding of the housing market, commercial growth sector, infrastructure development/requirements in cities; volunteer experience includes boards/coaching positions with Lutheran Daycare, IHMP Church, RM of Spiritwood, Warman SMBA, MSA and Martensville Baseball.
Jamie Martens
I understand the challenges being faced by small municipalities and look forward in working together to gain knowledge from many municipal leaders, and bring forward new ideas and perspectives.
I pride myself on listening to the priorities and concerns of citizens. A lifelong volunteer and advocate I believe in my community. It would be a privilege to serve as a representative for Martensville for a third term.
Seniors housing shortage, roads, infrastructure, arts, and attracting new business are high priorities on my list. Not to mention following through with current projects and visions.
We all have innovative ideas and strengths that we are proud of, and we need strong leaders who can represent
and who will be passionate advocates for our communities.
“All achievements take time.”
Adam Hartle
First let me say, I am very excited to be running as candidate in this election. I would like the chance to be your voice in the community and help get the necessary work done.
Growth is inevitable, and with growth, comes the responsibility of sustainability.
We need to make sure the community can be ready for anything that comes our way. Challenges will always face our community; will we be prepared for them? Do you have faith in the current leadership?
My experience is over 14 years of employee management up to 75 Personnel deep. I have done civil and legal contracts, media relations, health and safety work for corporations, and wild fire response work for Parks Canada. I have spent many years as a volunteer fire fighter and am a Veteran of the Canadian Forces. My experience is an asset with your voice.
Debbie McGuire
My name is Debbie McGuire, I’ve lived in Martensville for 40 years and raised four children in this community.
I coached boys and girls baseball, volleyball and was a leader for the Girl Guide program over those 40 years in the community I have grown to love dearly.
I worked for the City of Martensville for 25 years, 12 years in the Office and 13 years in Public Works and am now retired and have started my own company testing water.
My passion for Martensville, it’s residents, it’s employees and it’s businesses has pushed me to run for Council a second term to be a part of the growth and changes that we are going to encounter in the next 20 years.
Please take the time to vote and start the communication between yourself and Council and with that you will be doing your part in making Martensville the greatest.
Matthew Stavenow
My wife and I moved to Martensville seven years ago and it did not take long before we fell in love with this amazing community and made the decision that this is where we wanted to raise our family. My appreciation and involvement in the community continues to grow as my family and I actively participate in various sporting and recreational programs, as well as fundraising for local causes. I want to further my involvement in our community by bringing a new perspective to the council table and engage in present and future community planning and decision making. I look forward to being an active and positive voice for the people of Martensville.
With your support, I look forward to collaborating with fellow council members on matters of economic development, addressing the lack of housing for seniors, as well as the continued maintenance and expansion of parks and recreational programs and facilities.
Travis Sorenson
Hi, thank you for taking the time to inform yourself when it comes to your vote. My reasons for running are simple, we need to be more business friendly in Martensville. We need to redirect our efforts and stop with the attitude of digging for reasons to hold back business, and instead use that effort towards finding ways for businesses to succeed. We have a beautiful community, with excellent parks and facilities, and our children are actively engaged with activities of all sorts. I’ll keep that as status quo. However, we need to have a transparent tendering process when it comes to public works and infrastructure projects, also with a preference to use local companies. We’re a very unique community, people live here for a reason, and I will ensure that we do not lose our autonomy as a community. We’re Martensville, not Saskatoon!
Tyson Chillog
My name is Tyson Chillog, I have been on Martensville council for the last 14 years, 8 of which I have had the honour of being your Deputy Mayor.
In my current occupation as a firefighter, teamwork and compassion is a requirement. I am devoted to provide the same level of commitment as a council member.
My longevity on council has given me the perspective that is needed to achieve our short, medium and long term goals. I will continue to work diligently on your behalf to meet the needs of our community. I will remain respectful of your safety and well being. Investing in our families and supporting our business community is essential.
Citizens of Martensville require and deserve the same level of services, while council remains fiscally responsible. These are some of the responsibilities of a council, and as a member seeking re-election I will commit to them.