Ben Harrison will be trading his extra hours and reading time as a librarian as he wants to delve into the local political ring in the Lloydminster Feb. 13 by-election.
He sees his work as a librarian as being able to help students and similarly, he wants to be able to do that in the community via council.
“It’s a meaningful way of helping to direct decisions, connect residents with information, and play a meaningful part in the life of the community.”
The recently married, aspiring politician says that he and his wife seek opportunities to contribute to the city’s success. Harrison volunteers in several areas including the Lloydminster Learning Council and Southridge Community Church. His involvement in things like the Downtown Redevelopment is another aspect of fostering the community’s success. The couple hails from small communities that have similarities to Lloydminster, but Harrison has had his share of the big city life.
“I’ve lived in London, Ontario, Kelowna, Halifax and I find Lloydminster to be a really nice size.”
He notes that one of the issues raised in the downtown revitalization is increasing the number of homes available for sale or rental in the downtown area.
He says his work on various committees over the time he has been in Lloydminster and conversations with present councillors gave him the insight that he could have a greater say in the decision-making process.
Strengths of Lloydminster
Harrison readily celebrates the strength of the business community noting its creativity, drive, and passion, along with some even owning patents. “I think that’s such a great starting point as a centre that can serve other communities,” he says as he applauds the input of newcomers in adding to the business community by way of restaurants and diverse menu options among others.
“We are this community that has a strong local core in the natural resources and agriculture, and we have all the newcomers to our community that are starting businesses and contributing to the life of the community.”
Challenges facing Lloydminster
Straddling a strength or a challenge is the ongoing build for the new arena and entertainment centre as the cost hovers around $100 million. Harrison notes its cost saying the rink may not match with everyone’s preferences for recreation or entertainment, but he hopes that “it is a great success and that it is embraced as a place for events to happen that people will enjoy.”
On public transportation, he says it is “near and dear to his heart.” When he first moved to Lloydminster he rode a bike as he did not have a car. He is very passionate about the upkeep of sidewalks and trails both for recreation and getting to work.
“It is important for communities to provide people with multiple transportation options. Potentially it is time for us to consider transportation options for a greater amount of the population,” says Harrison as he says he awaits a further report from council to determine his position. He sees the need, but in providing the service of more public transport options it should be “financially sustainable.”
Harrison lists other issues like the infrastructure backlog. The problem is not unique to Lloydminster, but this city has a $257 million deficit to replace aging infrastructure. He supports having more conversations with citizens on the issues of what needs to be replaced and setting the priorities.
Provincial issues affecting Lloydminster
The task of having dialogue with the two provinces on any issue is ongoing and Harrison gives an example from the library sector when it comes to “policy and funding decisions which are not always in line with what is going to work best for your local community.”
“There are resources that are paid for or subscribed at a provincial level and have great value to residents, however, if the province is looking to cut back, they might say we expect people at the municipal level to be paying for this.”
Harrison notes the work of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care and the work they have done to advocate for health issues.
“I think that one is one where we are going to continue as council to continue to build solid relationships with those decision makers at the provincial level and ministries of health. Also to rally our citizens to be communicating effectively with decision makers so they are hearing our stories and are potentially annoyed into making a decision that benefits us,” says Harrison.
On immigration, he sees the great need for newcomers who may need language and other types of training to support their Canadian employment competencies. Harrison recognizes the work of local groups but sees the greater input from the provinces and the federal government as needed.
Reason to vote for Harrison
Responding to why people should vote for him, he says he is passionate about community engagement, not just online but through activities where council is available to chat with people like the Bike with the Mayor event.
“In Holland, they have these walks and they walk around the neighbourhood and take a look at maintenance issues or talk about security issues. Someone from council or city administration would be part of that. I think we need to do some work to make people feel connected to the city. Help them to understand where money goes and what it gets used for,” says Harrison.
Also, Harrison adds he has a track record of community involvement. He is involved with a group called Strong Towns and he has a desire to see finances properly managed.
By-election information
Advanced voting takes place on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Council Chambers, City Hall.
Election day is Tuesday, Feb. 13, and voting will take place from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., also at Council Chambers, City Hall.
MyLloydminsterNow has profiles on the other candidates who are Leo Aguinaldo, Stan Bugiera, Darrell Dunn, David Lopez, Corey McKee, Hamid Rahmanian, and Fred Sirett.
