The city’s west flat area is in need of improvement, and a more visible police presence is a key part of the solution, Ward 1 candidate Jim Tsannie Sr. said.
“The drugs and needles on the grounds — these things are problematic for people,” he said.
“There are a lot of young people out at odd hours, on these streets — that’s unacceptable.”
A curfew needs to be revisited by council, with something implemented to address this concern, he said.
“I’ve seen other places where the police communicate — actually create a relationship with the people … Kids will feel safer and less intimidated by the police.”
Tsannie Sr. said that he doesn’t plan on making any specific promises, because with only one vote in council chambers, promises aren’t realistic, but that he plans on bringing forth constituents’ concerns.
“No disrespect to my colleague who’s running as incumbent, but it’s happened before with other councils that there’s no real knowledge of what’s taking place and how it’s affecting the neighbourhood,” he said.
“I want to hear (from) people what they have to say, and bring that to council, and bring that back to the people and tell them ‘this is what council said.’”
Improving relations between councillors is also a goal, he said, which will create a stronger and more proactive council.
There are a lot of young people out at odd hours, on these streets — that’s unacceptable. - Jim Tsannie Sr., Ward 1 candidate
Tsannie Sr. grew up in Prince Albert, graduating from St. Mary High School in 1981.
Although he moved throughout the prairies in the years that followed, he settled in the west flat area about eight years ago, where he’s remained.
Ward 1 is currently served by Coun. Charlene Miller, who is in the midst of campaigning for re-election.
A couple of ads on bus benches, campaign signs, pamphlets and door knocking are all part of the campaign, she said.
“It’s going really well,” Miller said. “I’m getting great reception at doorsteps.”
So far, the key concern she’s heard from the public has to do with boarded-up buildings — a problem she hopes to address with more aggressive bylaws that give officers more teeth in cleaning up neighbourhoods.
Tsannie was a candidate in the 2009 civic election, during which time there were four candidates. He received 63 votes, while Miller won with 262.
“The chances are less likely … because there’s a four-way split,” Tsannie Sr. said of the last election.
“This time it’s just Charlene, the incumbent, and myself, which is going to make it more of a challenge and more interesting.”
