Election 2025: Candidate Q&A - the fall municipal election is coming fast. This series lets candidates speak directly to you about their vision for Brooks. To keep things fair and simple, we’re asking all 12 council and 2 Mayoral candidates the same three questions—designed to show how they think about Brooks’ future, how they handle tough choices, and how they work with others.

If the City of Brooks received a $1 million grant to spend any way you wanted, what would you do with it—and why? I would direct it toward the kinds of infrastructure that support long-term growth. One of our biggest needs is wastewater management. By investing in this area, we prepare for new housing and business development, protect our environment and ensure reliable services for families already living here. I’d look at ways to leverage that funding to improve core infrastructure—roads, utilities, and city facilities—so that Brooks is ready to attract new businesses and residents.

How should Council decide on spending priorities? Priority spending should balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s growth, making Brooks a place people want to live, work, and stay for the long term. That starts with core infrastructure, like wastewater management and utilities, because without those, we can’t support new housing, businesses, or population growth. From there, I’d prioritize projects that improve safety, recreation, and quality of life so families feel confident staying here and our youth see a future in Brooks rather than leaving for other cities.

Tell us about a time you worked with people who saw things differently and how you found common ground. A good example of finding common ground was when I worked with Frog Lake First Nation. At first, many in the Nation were hesitant to work with companies from outside because of negative experiences in the past. Instead of pushing forward, I focused on listening, supporting local businesses, and showing a genuine commitment to the community. Over time, trust was built, and we were able to create partnerships that benefited everyone. The result was smoother operations, lower costs, and stronger relationships. To me, community building is the key to overcoming differences and finding solutions that work for all sides.

If the City of Brooks received a $1 million grant . . . I would bank it to start drawing monthly interest until I could get the research completed. I would have to talk to the city staff - what projects do they have that are a need? If everything is caught up and budgeted for already I would put the dollars to more outdoor recreational items for youth and young adults to enjoy - the soccer field project would be number one as I can just imagine how many in our community would get the benefit from the new field ...as well we could host more games/events that bring others to our community, more pickle ball courts that youth could enjoy. More recreational indoor activities for youth (climbing wall?).  

Council often has to choose between competing priorities . . . I am a strong supporter of building a strong base; everything else falls into place so much easier. If the priority includes needed infrastructure projects, that is where my support would go. You can't draw in more businesses if the infrastructure doesn't support it; this includes water, sewer, roads, and communication. You can't expand housing, schools, recreation centres, or seniors housing without the proper infrastructure in place first.  

Tell us about a time when you had to work with people who disagreed with you . . . I have sat around a council table previously as a two-term County Council member. That was the best time of my life. We didn't agree on everything, but we drew from each other’s strengths, shared information, discussed, debated, and at the end of the day, if we disagreed with each other, we still walked out of the room without hard feelings. We all have to have the strength within to state our position - I have always prided myself on basing my decisions and votes on the direction of my ratepayers, which I will continue to do if elected. I WORK FOR YOU!

Petrick Memorial Park Name Restored - City Council has approved the request to rename West End Park back to its original name, Petrick Memorial Park. The request was spurred on by a LarkSPUR article about the City’s commitment to recognizing individuals who have contributed to the development of local parks. In the resident’s letter, they reflected on the history of the park—originally named in 1979 to honour members of the Petrick family—and asked that the name be restored.

If the City of Brooks received a $1 million grant . . . I would invest it where residents would feel the impact long-term. Part of it should go toward safety—better lighting, prevention programs, and support for community well-being. Another portion would strengthen infrastructure that helps attract businesses and jobs. And we’d set some aside to match provincial or federal grants, so the money goes even further. The goal is to build a safer, stronger, and more stable Brooks, not just for today but for the future.

Council often has to choose between competing priorities . . . When council is faced with competing needs, the best way forward is to focus on what delivers the greatest benefit to residents. I look at three things: will it improve community safety, will it support our local economy, and is it financially responsible for taxpayers? Listening to the people who live and work here is a key part of that process. When decisions are based on facts and long-term value, the right priorities become clearer for everyone.

Tell us about a time when you had to work with people who disagreed with you . . . Differences of opinion are normal—that’s part of serving a growing community. On one major project, council members had concerns about cost, location, and overall need. Instead of trying to win a debate, I focused on listening, clarifying the goals, and working from the facts. By addressing concerns directly and keeping the community’s interests at the center, we were able to adjust the plan and move forward with broad support. Progress doesn’t require everyone to agree—it requires respect, problem-solving, and a focus on the people we serve.

If the City of Brooks received a $1 million grant . . . If the city of Brooks received a 1 million grant to spend any way I wanted would not happen. I would collaborate with my fellow councillors and staff to determine where and what would give the longest term impact on our community while supporting our strategic goals. I’ve door knocked many doors on the campaign already and affordable housing comes up frequently. We could have a plan to upgrade older homes with this grant to make them more affordable.

Council often has to choose between competing priorities . . . We must look at our strategic goals as stated prior.  We (council) would review our priorities based on which is 1,2,3…  We must work as a collaborative team to make the best possible decision for the City of Brooks.

Tell us about a time when you had to work with people who disagreed with you . . . A time when I had to work with people who disagreed with me has happened. I’ve had to work with other people while in business who disagreed with me. We found common ground by talking about the situation based upon the best interests of the business unit for sales and profitability. In this case coming to a consensus was important for a bonus cheque. Collaboration and having the communication skills to listen to one another led to a positive outcome.

Brooks Municipal Election Forum - coverage of the Brooks City Council Debate here, and Mayoral debate here.

Brooks Municipal Election - Election Day is October 20. Voting Stations will open at 10:00 a.m. and will be open nonstop until 8:00 p.m. at the JBS Canada Centre Fieldhouse. Proof of identity and current residence is required to be able to vote in municipal elections.

Institutional Voting Stations (Only for residents of these facilities):

• Brooks Health Centre

• Extended Care

• Newbrook Lodge

• Orchard Manor

• Pioneer Villa Courts

• Sunrise Gardens

Prairie Patchers Quilt Guild is holding a Quilt show on November 1 at the Trinity Lutheran Church 1:00-4:00. They will be displaying the beautiful quilts made by their talented members. There will also be a draw for a quilt (ticket included with price of admission), some items for sale, a couple sewing related vendors, and refreshments served. $10 admission

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