2024 Candidate's Information

The Candidates Running for Mayor:

HAY, TREVOR

Dear Residents of Rosetown,

I am Trevor Hay, and I am honored to have served over the past eight years on council, with four as your Mayor. We’ve made significant strides together, and I am excited to continue our journey towards a brighter future for Rosetown.

I was born and raised in Rosetown. I’m married with a blended family of four children and one grandson.
My career is as a journeyman autobody technician and I enjoy golfing, fishing, and gardening in my free time.

Fiscal Responsibility:

Our community's financial health is paramount. I have worked diligently to ensure that our budget is balanced and our resources are used wisely by prioritizing essential services and cutting unnecessary expenses. We have maintained a strong financial position and I am committed to continuing this responsible stewardship of our town's finances. The most significant move we’ve made in my term a mayor was to implement our Asset Management plan to have money in reserves for maintenance or replacement of Rosetown’s infrastructure. We also were successful in securing two ICIP grants for the Lagoon expansion project and decommissioning of the landfill totaling more than 3.5 million dollars. In addition to this we’ve developed a dozen new lots in the West Industrial Park and sold 5 of them to support growth in our industry sector.

Infrastructure Rehabilitation:

Our infrastructure is the backbone of our community. Over the past eight years, we have made significant investments in our sewer lift stations and sewage lines. We have also prioritized road rehabilitation by recapping streets that need minimal work and those that require full reconstruction. This has been a balance ensuring that our streets are safe and well-maintained. I will continue to prioritize these projects, working to improve our roads for the benefit of all residents. In addition; we’ve implemented recycling and composting services, made several improvements to our lagoon and lift stations, lined the swimming pool and replaced the roof, our arena has a new ice plant, we’ve improved the water tower and re-painted it, our dogs have a park to play in, there’s new surfaces and fencing for out town’s pickleball/basketball and tennis players, and Rosetown has dozens of re-paved streets.

Transparency:

Transparency is the cornerstone of good governance. I believe that every resident has the right to know how their tax dollars are being spent and to have a voice in the decision-making process. I am committed to maintaining open lines of communication and providing clear and accessible information about our town's operations. Everyone who knows me knows that my door is always open, and calls will always be answered.

Conclusion:

Together, we have achieved so much, and together, we can achieve even more. I ask for your support and your vote, not just for me, but for the future of Rosetown. Let’s continue to work together to build a brighter, stronger, and more united community.

Thank you, and let’s make Rosetown the best it can be!

KADLER, JOHN L.

John Kadler

I am presently a business owner and have owned and managed K & K Glass and Discount Glass in Rosetown for the last 45 years.

I have previous town council experience, elected in 1996 to 2008 and served for three terms. I was chairman of the Rosetown and District Economic Development committee which eventually became E-2000. During that time I also taught school and am a retired teacher.

The reason I am running for mayor is to try and get Rosetown back to a thriving community for both young families and retired people.

I will work to keep property taxes in line. Our infrastructure is a key to improving our town. We need to get a policy in place to help home owners pay for their streets to be paved. We need to attempt to get several streets done per year. Also contact other towns to see what solutions they may have put in place.

Another key point for Rosetown’s success is an economic development policy. We need to attract new businesses so we keep growing and also help the present businesses succeed.

We must make sure the surrounding R.M.’s are onboard. We need their support in every possible way, both financially and with families using our facilities.

If I am elected, I would like to be a hands on mayor and more approachable to the public. I plan on being in the town office on a regular basis. I will try to be more transparent and attempt to make council much more open.

The key to any election is to vote. Please come out to the town office on Nov. 13^th and vote.

SIMPSON, BILL

Elect Bill Simpson as Mayor :

When elected,it is my intention to earn any wage appropriated to this duty, by keeping regular hours.

want to listen to our citizens idea's as well as complaints. I believe my phone number should be public info, for you. Also, in this Mayor position, I believe there should and will not be secret meetings without Mayor and all Council members.

I bring to the table a wide variety of skills and knowledge coupled with common sense. My labors have been: Farmer, Construction :installing water and sewer systems on many local farms in our area as well as the complete town of Soverign Sask.

I've operated earth moving equipment, working to create, access roads , grid roads and highways. Building and renovating afew houses that my wife Kat and families have enjoyed living in.

I've worked in various oilfield related jobs, restored antique vehicles, went to auctioneer school and had my business going in that field for some years. I owned and operated my sand blasting business with employees for a number of years as well.

A passion and volunteer position I hold and have held, is that of studying addictions and am actively involved in helping others, that need direction in that area.

In most of these positions I was either proprietor/owner operator or in management .

My history in short, is that I was born 1953 here in Rosetown, I grew up 20 mites north of here in a great community of people who taught me community spirit and that we should care about each other. We had a rural School ,Church and Dance Hall ,all driven by community spirirt t There were regular "town hall" meetings to address any issue,and to discuss ail community events and many ideas brought to these meetings. Our telephone line was called a "party line", and every household knew your business, partly because of gossip, and mostly because people cared about what was going on in their community, I feel we have lost that kind of caring and also knowing what's going on in our government at the municipal level and federal.

My wife Kat and son Will are my biggest encouragers, as well as my children that Kathy brought to our life. Family is the important part of my life, and my position as Dad and Grandpa, and now a Great Gpa.

Personal involvement, feel, is needed to solve many of our issues. We that desire to lead, must be servants to our citizens, not independent rulers. It is a simple train of thought and should be practiced by all our paid employees of Rosetown, from Public Works and Parks and Recreation ,Office staff and administration, to Mayor and Council. We are all accountable to the people of this community.

Sincerely at your service,

Bill Simpson

The Candidates Running for Council:

CARLSON, GREG

Lesley and I moved to town in 1989 and raised our family here.
It’s been a great community to live in and I would like to see it stay that way.

Improving the roads and maintaining water quality would be top priorities, after that, we have to watch how the taxpayer’s dollars are spent and look for ways to improve our community.

Greg Carlson

COFFEY-OLSON, JAN

Re-Elect Jan Coffey-Olson

for Town Councillor

Why am I running again?

I am frustrated by how our world has been divided into angry fringes and this is doing my part to try to help find ways to listen to each other and work together as a team to make our corner a better place.

In the past two years since elected, I have learned how to be a Councillor and how the town politics can work. I will only be able to do so much but this is what I promise:

I promise to continue to learn while expressing my concerns and ideas.
I promise to listen to others in town and on Council with respect and knowing there is always more than one way to interpret a situation.
I promise to work as part of a team of different individuals but all committed to make Rosetown a better and more humane place to live.
I promise to seek ways to maintain our quality of life and services within the reasonable limits of small town finances.

I believe we have good people on our Council and look forward to working with any and all of the fine people who you elect. I recognize that significant change takes time and planning. I would like to be part of the team who chart our course through these changing times.

Personal Background

I have lived in Rosetown since 1991. Our son and his family live here too, so we are well-grounded locally. I was a United Church minister for 10 years here and then a teacher in the Independent Education class at Rosetown Central High School for 13 years. My husband and I are active in our community in a variety of ways. You may know me from local drama productions. If a crazy lady is needed, I am there. I also serve on the Rosetown Community Theatre Board and am a member of the Rosetown Writers group. In my two years of Town Council, I have also served on the Administration Committee and the Orange Memories Board. I am retired but still substitute teach and lead worship occasionally. My main focus (besides grandchildren) would be gardening and writing.

Quality of Life

Our town has lots of promise but still some needs to be addressed.

Signs of Hope

● Lagoon Expansion and Transfer station brought our infrastructure into the 21st Century.
● KidKare new building that will make childcare available for our many young families currently on waitlists.
● Parks, playgrounds, splashpark, arena, pool, civic centre, sportsfields and walking trail being maintained and expanded.
● A growing industrial area on Highway 7 west and Highway 4 north with promise of more.
● A strong Age Friendly network helping our Town meet needs and challenges for all ages.
● A Youth Centre that is open to youth and summer youth programming.
● Orange Memories is now self-supporting in its operations.
● Our Primary Care Clinic is also self supporting and our town has an adequate number of doctors.
● Our hospital continues to benefit from committed and visionary staff to have a good mix of services.

Still to Do

● Finding ways to pay for local services without bankrupting our town or residents and property owners. We have reserve funds but it would not take much to use them all up. Costs keep rising and can’t all be offloaded.
● Infrastructure updating. Many of our recreational buildings are coming to the end of their life and need significant work or replacement. Again, how do we afford and how do we decide what to do first?
● Paving has been catching up, but our way of funding this essential work needs to change or it will not benefit our town as a whole. Is it an optional local improvement or is it a basic? I believe it is basic but, again, we have to figure out new ways to finance.
● Out of sight and mind infrastructure like water and sewer are also reaching the end of their lifespan. Sewer liners are helping to extend but we will need to plan ahead. Again -Finances and how will we do this for the future?
● Main Street business district. We have some wonderful local business and a lot of old, shabby buildings mixed together. How do we encourage our entrepreneurs and deal with closed up buildings to make this a vibrant area?

DOLEGA-CIESZKOWSKI, JADWIGA

I am Jadwiga and I am running for a second Rosetown council term.

I have a passion for ensuring my home community of Rosetown thrives today, tomorrow and beyond. I learned a lot about the many regulations that set the boundaries for municipal planning and decision making as well as governance over the first term. Courses through the municipal leadership development program and the experience around the council table gave me valuable background and process knowledge to be better prepared for council discussion and decision making.

My priorities are similar to my first term including Communication, Infrastructure, Responsible Planning for long term sustainable growth and a Team Council approach.

Communication: can always be improved but first term progress included a revamped Town website, live streamed council/subcommittee meetings and an increased social media presence. I encourage all residents to check the website where you will find the budget, financial statements, bylaws, meeting minutes and news. Sign up for the “notify me” option to stay up to date. If you have questions or need help finding something, please ask and call the town office.
Infrastructure: such as paving, water/sewer/lagoon and transfer station. I am proud of the town’s successful grant applications for the lagoon and transfer station projects. The lagoon expansion not only means the town now meets the provincial rules for our current population size but it allows for long-term growth potential in Rosetown. For a number of years, the town’s paving plan has seen paving each year – from patching, slurry sealing to full reconstruction. The plan for flankage streets is nearing completion. Every paving option has pros and cons and those differ for everyone. But I would like to continue the discussion on options for moving paving forward.
Town Facilities such as the fire hall, public works shop, rink and library are important structures for work and play. These provide valuable services and it is necessary to continue planning for current upkeep as well as long-term.
A Team Council: a team approach supported by an experienced management team is vital to constructive discussion and decision making. I am thankful for the different voices, opinions, advice and support that came from the council table and the town’s management team in my first term. It is the combination of differing viewpoints that leads to better knowledge and decisions. Many times members did not agree but with discussion, relevant information and active listening, a team can come to a consensus.

On a personal note:

I have worked in Rosetown for 17 years, made my home here 11 years ago and met my spouse in Rosetown. My fulltime work is in public health with a focus on maternal and child health. I have been a volunteer for a number of community groups and boards and I coordinate a local community garden. Rosetown welcomed me and it is a privilege to serve and contribute in return.

It is exciting to see fellow council members put their name forward again. It is also exciting to see new nominees running for town council. I know that Rosetown residents are invested and passionate about their town as well – whomever your choice, please vote.

GARRETT, ART

Good day everyone . Wow , where did the last few years go . Seems like just a short time ago I was elected to council . I have enjoyed my time with council . It has really opened my eyes to how local governments operate . Needless to say we are held in check with all the provincial rules and regulations . I have a few things I would like to have council to consider going forward , if elected .

1-pursue our paving program more aggressivly so as to get our streets in check sooner than later

2-I really want us to try to work with our provincial government to expedite some upgrades to our hospital . We need new equipment , more doctors , nurses and other health care professionals . I truly believe that this matter should be pursued further .

A town this size should have a lot of amenities that other hospitals have .

3-It would be nice to see some business take over our vacant business buildings and hopefully help our downtown core . Of course I am sure that everyone has ideas but these are just a few of mine. They are in no particular order . I thank you for your support in the last election and if elected , would try my best to represent your concerns

Art Garrett

HUNTER, JASON

Growing up as the son of a military serviceman, I spent my youth moving from base to base, town to town and province to province, experiencing life in towns as small as a hundred and cities with populations over a million. No matter where we lived, my father instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and the importance of community service. I particularly savored my memories when we lived in smaller communities and how close knit they were. When I became a father myself, I knew that I wanted the same for my children and so we made the move to Rosetown on New Year's Day in 2001.

Now, having lived here for nearly half my life, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the unique charm and community spirit that define our town through its various changes and challenges. Moving to Rosetown was the right decision for my family and I believe it is the right decision for any family. Rosetown is far more than just a place to live; it’s an active and supportive community and one that I am dedicated to serving.

For the past two decades, I have engaged actively in various local initiatives, groups and events. In particular, my long-standing involvement with the Scouts has allowed me the opportunity to guide and mentor youth aged 5 to 18, fostering skills, character and camaraderie that extend beyond our meetings. Additionally, I have contributed to our local theater group since 2010, taking on small but meaningful roles behind the scenes for many years, eventually stepping onto the stage in 2017. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the talents and passions that thrive in our town. Nobody could argue that Rosetown is a hockey town, but we are fortunate to be able to offer so much more to families looking to move here, and I believe that is a distinct advantage over other small towns in our area that might have less to offer.

Professionally, my background in Information Technology, currently serving as an IT Manager at the Credit Union, equips me with the technical expertise needed to navigate our increasingly digital world. As a member of council, I can leverage this experience to help Rosetown adapt and thrive, with a desire to position our town as a destination of choice.

I deeply believe that municipal government holds unique significance. It is the level of governance that is most intimately connected to the community it serves. Unlike our provincial or federal representatives, whose responsibilities often extend across vast and diverse constituencies, a town councilor's priority is singular: the residents of Rosetown. I pledge to uphold this commitment to our taxpayers.

If re-elected, I will continue to ground my decisions in three core principles: Responsibility, Cooperation, and Transparency. It is my firm belief that the best choices for Rosetown may not always be the easiest, but they are essential for our collective well-being. While I recognize that not everyone can be satisfied, I embrace constructive criticism as a vital tool for growth and improvement.

At the council table, I understand that I am one voice among many. My duty is to represent the interests of Rosetown's residents by listening to your concerns and advocating for actionable and reasonable solutions. Every issue presents an opportunity for collaboration, and while we may not solve every challenge, we must strive to address those we can.

I do not claim to have all the answers—after all, that’s why we have a council. However, I am deeply committed to moving our town forward. Learning from our past experiences is crucial, as it helps guide our vision for the future. My goal is to help Rosetown evolve into a destination community that attracts visitors and new residents alike. I bring no personal agenda to this role, only a strong desire to serve and a steadfast commitment to finding effective, sustainable solutions that enhance our community and elevate our town’s appeal. I believe that together, we can create a vibrant environment that fosters growth and draws people to experience all that Rosetown has to offer.

Together, let’s continue to foster a community that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and shared values. I welcome your ideas and input, and I look forward to working with all of you to create a Rosetown that we can be proud of for generations to come.

Jason Hunter

OTTERSPOOR, KIMIKO

I'm running for a seat on Town Council in Rosetown

Read below for a bit about me and my reasons for running. If you have any questions or want to discuss anything with me then please reach out!

My husband and I moved to Rosetown from Dundas, Ontario in January of 2014. We were looking for adventure, and a way to afford starting our life together. The plan was to live here for a few years, save some money and then move back to be closer to family. I remember our first visit vividly. Everyone was friendly and welcoming, and we felt an instant sense of community. Residents took an immediate interest in "the newcomers" and struck up friendly conversations. One memory that sticks out for me, was the painted roses on the sidewalks of Main Street, and the history of Rosetown posted at the old Pharmasave building. This deep-rooted community pride was so comforting. We quickly grew to love Rosetown as our home and we have never looked back.

I have chosen to run for council for a few reasons, but my number one is simply that Rosetown means so much to me and my family. We make a living doing jobs we enjoy, purchased a beautiful home for a reasonable price and our children attend daycare where they are nurtured and loved. We have ample opportunity to give back to our community and we enjoy many extracurricular activities that fulfill our daily lives. Being a member of Town Council is another way for me to give back by serving our constituents as their voice in local government. I see it as a way to learn more about the place I choose to call home and understand the inner workings of our political landscape.

As the youngest candidate in this election, I will provide a unique perspective. My children will be entering the public school system next year. My husband and I purchased our first home less than ten years ago and we have many years left in the work force. I would be honoured for the opportunity to represent you on town council.

Goals:

1. Listen and learn as much as possible.

2. Improve communication and transparency between Rosetown and its constituents. It should be easy to access information that interests members of the electorate. For example, I would like to see the updated budget provided on the website year to year. My 14 years of experience in marketing and communications will give me an edge in this area.

3. Ensure Rosetown has a sensible strategy that will provide services and infrastructure to support our community for generations to come.

4. Identify any areas to increase efficiency ensuring that municipal funds are used in the best interest of our municipality.

If elected, I promise to serve with integrity and an open mind. My pledge will be to seek understanding and earnestly interpret the needs of the entire municipality. I will implement action to meet these needs.

On November 13th, please cast your votes for our Members of Council and Mayor of Rosetown. Change happens from the ground up, and the place you will make the most difference is closest to home. It is also where change will most greatly impact your daily life.

SPRATT, JOSEPH

My name is Joe Spratt. Our family moved to Rosetown in 2019 to re-open the Shop easy (Freshmart). Since we have made Rosetown our permanent home, I have decided to run for council.
My strength is in the business area, I believe by having a strong business sense, I will have knowledgeable input in decisions that could see Rosetown grow and prosper . My biggest goal once elected would be to see the community flourish, in business, and as a family-oriented town. Once elected I promise to serve first the people of Rosetown and the municipality.