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 Fred Sirett Sr.
Question 1: Tell me who you are.
Sirett: I was born in Paradise Valley and farmed there till thirty-three: I then was a pastor in the region on both sides of our border. I retired and moved into Lloydminster six years ago. I am 70, have been married for 51 years, and have three sons- all who work in the city. I was the founding president of The Olive Tree and have served the community in many aspects through this organization. I am still active in all these endeavours.
Question 2: Why do you want to be a city councillor?
Sirett:Â I have been motivated to run for council out of the concern for a growing city debt/spending, government over-reach, and just the loss of practices that are grounded by historical values. I have no motive other than serving for good governance.
Question 3: Colleen Young, candidate for the Saskatchewan Party 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 in order 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?
Sirett: Lloydminster needs more health facilities and people to serve in them. It should be noted that our hospital is being filled with long-term care patients that should be cared for in facilities that are cheaper to maintain and more appropriate. We need long-term care beds to provide care for our seniors here in Lloydminster. Also, addiction patient care needs to be more largely dealt with in special facilities to reduce pressure on our emergency care.
Question 4: What is your plan to deal with homelessness and the unhoused?
Sirett: I believe that social agencies exist to deal with those who need assistance to obtain housing. I am against the city making alliances with the Housing Accelerator Fund as I believe that program is destructive to the fact that each citizen is responsible for their own provision. City Council’s responsibility is to provide the structures that its residents are able to gain reward for their labour.
Question 5: What are your thoughts on dealing with crime and insecurity?
Sirett: There is a lot of confusion spoken by government leaders about what to do with street crime. The city must focus on dealing with vagrancy and addiction- and I believe we can. Ultimately, there needs to be a return to historic ways and laws that were effective to make for streets safe to walk in Lloydminster anytime.
Question 6: Final thoughts.
Sirett: City council has a huge responsibility: $100 plus million operating budget, $65 million capital projects, personal property rights, safe water and utility delivery, and security, to name a few. This election will decide who makes those decisions for this city in the next four years.
