Ike Friesen announced last week that he will seek election this fall for another term as reeve of the RM of Stanley.
Friesen said his decision comes down to the positive experience he’s had heading up council thus far.
“I’ve really enjoyed my term. It’s had it’s challenges, but I’m up for those challenges,” he said.
Friesen said he feels they have made good progress in a number of areas, and he particularly continues to prioritize regional co-operation.
“One of the big things that was on my to do list when I got started on this term as reeve was to try to get our communities to work together more … Morden, Winkler and Stanley,” he said. “I know that we’ve accomplished a lot in that area, and that is something I want to continue working on to keep that relationship going and to strengthen that further … our whole region needs that unity.”
He feels the region has overcome the divide that existed in the past between the three communities.
“I think we’re past that … but I feel like working with another term, it will just be normal for us to be working together,” he said. “It’s just been a good experience. I’ve met a lot of good people, and I would like to continue to work with everyone.”
Looking ahead, Friesen said there are a number of things they’re working on in the background, with a lot of it coming down to infrastructure issues, and those are challenges that continue to come with the growth of the municipality and the region as a whole.
“As you grow, there are growing pains, and with that come the challenges that we are faced with things like keeping up with our infrastructure needs and the differing opinions about the growth,” he said. “We can’t stay stagnant. We have to keep moving ahead.”
There are many different needs to be addressed, but he is optimistic they will have a good team in place
“I feel confident there’s going to be some [councillors] running again for sure,” Friesen suggested.
But having new candidates step forward as well would be a good sign to see that people are interested and engaged in their local government.
“I would hate to see that people don’t want to get involved. I understand it’s not for everyone,” Friesen said. “It is not necessarily for everyone, and it takes quite a time commitment, so I realize that is not for everyone.”
