REGINA - A large field of candidates is vying for the ten positions available on Regina city council in 2024.
Voters have their say Wednesday, Nov. 13 in the municipal election. This promises to be an interesting election as it will be contested based on new ward boundaries that come into effect for this vote.
Unlike 2020, there are no councillors elected already by acclamation. All the ten wards will see contested elections and six of those are sure to be represented by new councillors with no incumbent on the ballot.
Here then, is a look at the candidates in each of the ten wards:
Ward 1:
Joanne Crofford, former NDP MLA and cabinet minister, is running on a campaign of stewardship of tax dollars, affordable services, maintained infrastructure, and sustainable planning;
Talha Khan, a University of Regina student, has pledged on the City's election page to find more comprehensive ways to keep money in the pockets of the people and ensuring everyone’s safety across the board.
Jessica (Jessie) Morris is a librarian whose campaign focus includes supporting local business, maintaining our infrastructure, and creating a city where everyone feels safe and supported;
Dan Rashovich, a former pro athlete who played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders is running on a campaign pledging fiscal responsibility.
Ward 2:
Amamul Akanda, a longtime resident of the area, has said he is running to offer new leadership with new ideas and different perspectives;
Andre Magnan, educator and researcher at the University of Regina, has said he will prioritize housing affordability and modern zoning, and invest in quality public services, amenities, and transit;
Bob Hawkins, who has been on council for 12 years and is seeking re-election, has pledged to improve safety, maintain affordability, encourage economic growth, and be an age-friendly city.
Chidi Igwe, who has experience at the University of Regina and with Government of Saskatchewan ministries, has priorities of addressing aging infrastructure, taxes, road maintenance, affordable housing, community safety and educational opportunities;
George Tsiklis has pledged positive change and common-sense decision making and action on council, pledging low taxes, safe streets and efficient spending, and has called for an independent City Auditor-General;
Sanket Patel is pledging to focus on better roads, safer neighborhoods, more support for local businesses, and ensure city services work for everyone;
Zaid Hameed is pledging to invest in infrastructure, ensure affordable housing, and promote sustainability.
Ward 3:
David Froh, current Vice President of the Regina Food Bank said on his website he will work to build a more thriving, sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous City and ensure that city operations are efficient and financially sustainable;
Faaiq Tanveer, with a background in accounting and finance and experience running a business, is pledging to focus on enhancing community security and well-being, affordability, economic growth, tax reform and inclusivity;
Barry Wilkie, on his website, is pledging more transparency and accountability at REAL, a focus on local business and improving infrastructure, supporting a move of the library to the Bay location in Cornwall Centre, and hold accountable those overlooking the Aquatic Centre project for building cost increases.
Ward 4:
Balvir Bhathal has pledged effective allocation of tax dollars, increasing neighbourhood safety, advocating for affordable living, and improved infrastructure;
Mark Burton has pledged enhanced community safety including increased Traffic Enforcement on Arcola and Prince of Wales, sustainable development, and fostering economic growth;
Glen Geiger, a retired bank manager, has stated his priorities will be public safety, infrastructure development, attraction and retention of businesses, and responsible management of the city's resources.
Danish Hasan says he is frustrated with tax hikes, and that now is his time to give back and make real changes that actually reflect people’s needs.
Deb Nyczai says she is committed to “progressive change” by refocusing City Council on core services, enforcing strict budget controls, and addressing critical infrastructure needs;
Kofo Oni says her priorities are strengthening community safety and well-being, fostering economic growth and job creation, promoting affordable housing, and improving local infrastructure;
Charles Umeh says on his website he will focus on efficiently providing core services, and implementing strict budget controls, while addressing critical infrastructure needs.
Ward 5:
Dharmesh Dave, who holds a a Ph.D. in Accounting and a Gold Medal in Master of Commerce and has served aspriest at the Regina Hindu Temple, has said on the City’s election page he is deeply dedicated to empowering our communities, fostering unity, and ensuring every voice in Regina is heard and respected;
Grant Jakubowski, who has a sales background, is running his campaign on the pillars of better use of tax dollars, investment in infrastructure, community safety, and vibrancy and growth;
Marianne Mucz states on the City’s election page that she is running on a platform of financial responsibility, to maintain services without continually burdening the taxpayer. She states she will oppose any increases in salary for council and ensure every dollar is spent wisely;
Leticia Oystrick, who worked for the City of Regina from 2008-2023 in supervisory roles, said on the City’s election page she is prepared to question administration and directors on their past and present as well as future spending habits;
Shifaan Shafi, a University of Regina student, says his priorities will be transparent budgeting and making tax increases more predictable, community safety including restorative justice and providing and sustaining affordable child care, better snow removal and safer, cleaner streets.
Sarah Turnbull says she will be an advocate for Ward 5 and is running on a platform of inclusion, access to services, responsible growth, accountability and transparency.
Ward 6:
Fawaz Adegoke said on the City’s election page that his priorities include addressing the addiction crisis, creating a better road infrastructure, and making the community more inclusive by fostering equity and social justice.
Glenn Douglas says he wants to help Regina be a more affordable and better place to live. His three objectives are fiscal accountability, transparency, and to serve his constituency;
Victoria Flores has said on her website she will advocate for infrastructure development, community safety and well-being, food security, business growth and economic development, welcoming and inclusive neighbourhoods, affordable housing, and youth engagement and opportunities;
Julian Levy says his platform includes a commitment to fiscal responsibility and ensuring that every dollar spent is used effectively and with full accountability, as well as prioritizing critical infrastructure and sustainable development;
Corey Liebrecht has said he will focus on infrastructure including better management of projects and seasonal 24/7 construction, community safety and security including addressing the root causes of crime, balancing the budget and a plebiscite on the new Aquatic Centre, increase quality and frequency of city services, and addressing homelessness;
David Whitrow, a Chartered Professional Accountant, says on the City’s election page the city needs to return to the core priorities including low taxes, effective services and responsible growth.
Ward 7:
John Gross is promising that if elected voters will get someone who will fight for Ward 7 against the increase in property taxes;
Abdi Gure says on his website he will support local businesses and attract new investments to create jobs, as well as improve public transportation and make it more accessible, efficient and environmentally friendly;
Terina Nelson is seeking her second term on council and states on the City’s website her priorities are the same as when she was first elected: that taxpayers dollars are used wisely, ensure accountability for tax dollars, and championing initiatives to improve parks, infrastructure, and public services;
Shobna Radons is President of the Regina and District Labour Council and is advocating for affordability, accessibility in being accountable to the constituents she serves, and inclusivity, including implementing policies to end homelessness and create vibrant communities.
Ward 8:
Shannon Orell-Bast, who is born and raised in Mount Royal and has social work background, states on the City’s election website that she promises to use her character and skills to advocate for the best interests of Ward 8 residents;
Cory Terry pledges on the City’s election page to be an advocate and voice for his area, pointing to community safety as an issue as well as pledging responsibility, management, and safe efficient infrastructure;
Alex Tkach states on his website he is committed to inclusivity in decision making, and his priorities include accountable fiscal responsibility, focusing on the infrastructure deficit, public safety and urban revitalization and tech literacy, and supporting low cost grassroots social issue initiatives;
Mohammad Zafar, who has an engineering background, states on the City’s election page that he will prioritize road and sidewalk maintenance, support revitalization of local businesses, and work toward keeping neighbourhoods safer by addressing gang violence and crime.
Shanon Zachidniak, who is seeking a second term representing Ward 8, states on her website that she is running for re-election to continue working for environmental sustainability, increased transparency and accountability, and for a vibrant and inclusive community. She also supports a new Plan to End Homelessness and for smart spending, saying no to expensive nonessential capital projects funded by taxpayers.
Ward 9:
Reid Hill’s priorities include a common sense approach to infrastructure, lowering the tax burden, public safety including increasing the number of officers, service transparency and accountability, getting results for the homeless and helping at risk residents, and helping veterans including those who were frontline police, fire and EMS;
Jason Mancinelli, running for re-election to council, is running on platform pledges of affordability for the community, holding City Hall accountable including more financial transparency, and being a councillor that works for residents.
Jeff Soroka says on his website he will work at stopping the hemorrhaging of capital expenditures on non-essential projects, pointing to the additional tax burden to cover the cost of a $240 million dollar Aquatic Centre. He also supports a spending cap on non essential projects, a forensic audit for REAL, and valuing in-house expertise;
Saad Siddiqui states on the City’s election page his immediate concern is to improve the community’s declining health resulting from inadequate public safety, rising taxes, and the poor maintenance of infrastructure.
Tanis Wilder states at her website that she wants to stop property tax hikes and is opposed to the city taking on more debt, and supports improving safety and prioritizing services.
Ward 10:
Anita Adefuye states her policy priorities include equitable city services, investing in sustainable practises such as green energy to be a future forward city, increased support for arts and culture, inclusive representation, and affordable living;
Clark Bezo, an engineer and former member of the Canadian Armed Forces, is running on a platform of transparency and accountability, ethical governance, pragmatic and practical solutions on issues like crime or streamlining city services, and ending the ‘tax and waste’ agenda to make Regina affordable for everyone;
Jerry Flegel points to his 14 years of experience as Ward 10 Councillor between 2003 -2020. He states on the City’s website that roads, snow removal, crime, and taxes are his priorities. He states he will follow up and always get back to residents;
Chris Simmie states on his website his priorities include responsible government and delivering the results people need, affordability and preventing unnecessary tax increases, improving infrastructure including timely maintenance, and economic development and enhancing pedestrian-friendly features;
Umer Syed, an alumnus of Campbell Collegiate and active volunteer, states on the City’s election page that he dedicated to community initiatives that empower youth and advocate for their needs, teaching resilience and dedication for positive change.
