REGINA - There is no shortage of candidates to choose from in the race to become mayor of Regina in 2024.
There are a total of 11 candidates on the ballot in the November 13 municipal election. Here is a look at each one of the candidates running for mayor of Regina.
Chad Bachynski
Pointing to his experience of over a decade managing large-scale projects, Chad Bachynski believes that experience will serve him well in the Mayor’s chair. According to his website he says he will “prioritize process improvement, infrastructure investment, and fiscal responsibility.”
According to his platform, his top priorities include creating a consistent vision for council to rally behind based on the pillars of safety and affordability; review and understand current city operational and maintenance practices and target process improvement and contract reviews to reduce impact to residents during maintenance activities; improve overall safety in our city, including both physical safety and social safety for residents; and improve ease of mobility throughout the city focusing on improved public transit.
On major projects such as a new arena, library or Aquatic Centre he indicates among the questions he wants to see answered are what is the value to residents, will it bring residents and business to Regina and does it provide something for residents or businesses that will keep them in Regina.
Lori Bresciani
With two terms on council representing Ward 4, Lori Bresciani’s campaign for mayor is titled Refocus Regina.
According to her platform, her six key pillars are:—
- Financial Responsibility, Affordability, and Accountability.
- Economic Development and Job Creation
- Infrastructure and Transportation Improvements
- Affordable Housing and Urban Development
- Public Safety and Well-being
- Community Engagement
Among the key stances Bresciani has put forward is taking another look at the Aquatic Centre project. She has come out in favor of looking at renovation of the existing Lawson Aquatic Centre due to concerns about the overall costs increased to $245 million from $160 million. Bresciani has also voiced concern about the growing debt load facing the city.
Melina Bushenlonga
Originally from Greece, Bushenlonga brings experience as an entrepreneur to her bid for mayor.
During the campaign Bushenlonga has said that if elected she will build a safer community, improve city infrastructure, build transit to support our widespread communities in need, and press for financial accountability and transparency.
During the Access TV debate, she said the city cannot afford to go backward, and that the future depends on a long-term view of the city — not a four-year cycle.
Bevann Fox
A member of Pasqua First Nation with roots from Piapot First Nation, as well as an accomplished writer, Fox brings leadership management and business experience to her bid to become mayor.
She has pledged to improve the city. During the Access TV debate, Fox said she is interested in working with federal and provincial governments to secure more funding for critical areas like clean water, homelessness, and addressing the drug crisis.
She also said she understands that change won't happen overnight, but believes that with strategic planning and partnerships Regina can be a safer, stronger, and more inclusive city.
Nathaniel Hewton
Hewton has been active in running his Soup After Dark (SAD) Facebook page to help those in need.
Hewton has stated on the City’s election page that if elected Mayor, he will use his salary to fund the Soup After Dark initiative and serve the demographic he hails from “in the cafeteria at City Hall in dignified warmth daily. I have hundreds of other projects and ideas that will be equally as impactful given the opportunity to implement.”
Kevin Kardash
Kevin Kardash has been an active member of the community, having been a volunteer and current President of the Regina 35 Club.
He has pledged to listen to all concerns and work with city council to make decisions that benefit the city as a whole.
He also is pledging transparency and accountability. Among his focuses are reducing the crime level in the city, reducing the city's debt in a four-year plan, and to have more culture and diversity and more events in the city.
Sandra Masters
Masters is seeking re-election as Mayor following her first term in the role. She is pledging to build on the work done during the first term in building relationships, collaborating with all levels of government, and building a safer community.
Masters’ platform has called for building safer communities, financial accountability and transparency, a commitment to improved city infrastructure, and a focus on people and jobs.
On safer communities, Masters is pledging to continue to fund fire and police appropriately while continuing to advocate for and to invest in community-serving programs.
She is also pledging financial accountability and transparency, including proper financial reporting and making that accessible to the public.
Masters also is committing to improved city infrastructure, pledging to continue to prioritize water and pipe replacement and relining.
On her fourth plank of people and jobs, Masters said she believed in a strong economy and a wide tax base.
Bob Pearce
Pearce, also known as “Dancing Bob”, is among those in the Mayor’s race. In his statement on the City’s election website Pearce has pledged:
“Let us produce the food, clothing, and shelter for everyone. We all must work together to accomplish this task. You cannot put a price on human life, and since we are made of water, uncontaminated water will be free for all!
“I believe in the perfect law of liberty, which is respect for our environment and respect for one another.”
Bill Pratt
Bill Pratt is looking to bring his experience as a CEO and active community volunteer to the role of Mayor.
He has based his campaign on building a better Regina, one that reaches its potential. There are three pillars to his platform, billed as his “Vision for Regina’s Future”:
The first calls for visionary leadership for unity and transparency, promising trust and collaboration among elected officials, residents and all City of Regina employees.
The second is a thriving business community, pledging to inspire others to invest in and support local growth. That includes a vibrant and welcoming downtown.
His third pillar is his pledge to build a safe and connected community, addressing issues of homelessness, addiction and public safety.
Pratt is pledging a collaborative approach, encouraging teamwork and respect for all voices in the City.
Shawn Sparvier
Shawn Sparvier, a proud member of Cowessess First Nation, has pledged to bring a practical everyday mindset and strong leadership skills to the position as Mayor.
He has said during this campaign he will look at “outside the box” solutions focused on what’s beneficial for all.
Among the priorities he has identified is looking for opportunities for more revenue and income for the City. On his campaign website, Sparvier states:
"The City of Regina needs to partner with a First Nation or First Nations to build more Urgent Care Centres in Regina or surgical rooms or even another Hospital.
"This way the City of Regina can have an income and have more funds for City projects, example keep property taxes from rising each year."
Sparvier is also in support of more affordable housing and reduced rates for public facilities.
Rod Williams
Rod Williams is a longtime employee of Ipsco and Evraz and played in WHL with the Regina Pats and Medicine Hat Tigers.
He has said his plan for city hall is to protect its citizens and their tax dollars. He has said during the campaign that his priorities for the City are affordability, living within its means, and an end to higher taxes and spending.
He also has been critical of the increased costs of the Indoor Aquatic Centre project and has voiced opposition to raising the debt ceiling.
Williams has also voiced support for public safety and safer communities.
