Six questions with Michele Charles Gustafson, candidate for Lloydminster City Council

MyLloydminsterNow has reached out to the 14 candidates running for the six positions on Lloydminster City Council in the November 13 city-wide elections. Here are the views of Michele Charles Gustafson. 

Question 1: Tell me who you are. 

Charles Gustafson: Hello, Lloydminster! My name is Michele Charles Gustafson (Yes, with one ‘L’). Since 1987, I have lived in Lloydminster when our family moved here for my father, Dr. Gerald Charles, to open a private practice dental clinic. He treated patients throughout our area. After graduating from Lloydminster Comprehensive High School, I completed a Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. I brought my ambition and entrepreneurial spirit back to Lloydminster and started a business helping small businesses market themselves and put their best image forward. I’ve never stopped. 

I’ve been a past president of the Chamber of Commerce, a past Rotarian, and a helping hand in raising funds for healthcare in the city, along with many other positions I’ve lent my time and talents toward. 

I now operate a global-reaching personal development coaching and business consulting business, helping individuals and teams gain the confidence to solve problems that hinder their success. 

I know my ability to listen carefully, communicate clearly, and take a success-driven approach to decision-making would create a positive and confident direction for the citizens of our city. 

Question 2: Why do you want to be a city councillor? 

Charles Gustafson: My skills as a business owner can directly translate into how our community can thrive. Whenever something grows, no matter what it is, think of your kids or a business of your own; there are always challenges: limitations, obstacles, and complications. Every day, I help solve those trouble spots and make decisions they can feel good about. These qualities I want to bring to city council. 

My values: 

• Practicality – will this solution work 

• Sustainability – will this solution work over time 

• Cooperation – will this solution help us work together 

Question 3: Colleen Young, Saskatchewan Party candidate for Lloydminster has said, “Our hospital was built for 15,000 people back in 1986 and has not seen significant expansion. Previous ministers of health have recognized the need to expand the hospital to serve patients better. That is another aspect that I would like to see done.” 

What are your thoughts on a new or expanded hospital in Lloydminster? 

Charles Gustafson: As residents, we all worry about having vital health services when we need them most. Our city has effectively doubled since 1996, and so the needs have grown, too, except we can’t do it alone. Cooperation is key. A sharp look at a current Needs Assessment Report from our local advocacy council will show us where the greatest areas of need are, and from there, we can have a very clear picture of how to pitch investment in our health services to the provinces. 

Question 4: What is your plan to deal with homelessness and the unhoused? 

Charles Gustafson: Creating a caring and practical solution for unhoused people is a complex puzzle, and it can be frustrating to wade through all the moving parts, but there is a bright side. Lloydminster has always prided itself on giving back and supporting local charities and causes, recognizing they have wider views on the fixes to the issues. Rallying around these organizations is an opportunity to join forces to “advocate up” to the provinces for funding and the effective use of personal & corporate taxes residents already pay to the provinces for social and health services. 

Question 5: What are your thoughts on dealing with crime and insecurity? 

Charles Gustafson: There isn’t a resident of Lloydminster who doesn’t want to feel safe and protect what they have built, and in recent times, across our city, the rise in crime is jarring, yet so is the cost of more RCMP policing, but there is room for optimism. At a neighbourhood level, I see an opportunity to form groups across the city that act as neighbourhood watch, “Block Parent”-style collectives, and city-to-province advocacy efforts; at the same time, we search for solutions to protective presence that is practical and sustainable. 

Question 6: Final thoughts. 

Charles Gustafson: In all my experience working on boards in Lloydminster as a bi-provincial community, I have learned that remaining in a position of reminding provincial and federal governments that “we are here and different” is the key to tailoring support and solutions to our needs. Our City Council maintaining open, positive, and collaborative relationships with these entities is paramount as we look forward. I can bring my relationship-building skills, a careful listening ear, and strong communication skills to the table and our residents.