REGINA - Lori Bresciani has released her platform in the mayor’s race, and has picked up a key endorsement in the process.
At her campaign office Tuesday, with former Mayor Pat Fiacco in the room lending support, Bresciani outlined her vision statement titled Refocus Regina.
“Refocus Regina lays out a roadmap that focuses on our local economy, enhances our quality of life, and listens to the people of this city” said Bresciani. “Each part of this plan is a direct result of the conversations that I have had at the doorstep across this city. We've taken your voices, your concerns, and your aspirations, and used them to develop this roadmap for the future.”
There are six pillars to the platform. The first focus is on financial responsibility, affordability and accountability. Bresciani is pledging a commitment to balanced budgets, transparent governance and public private partnerships to fund major infrastructure and other projects without overloading taxpayers.
Her second pillar is economic development and job creation.
“This platform emphasizes economic development and job creation. I'm committing to creating opportunities that support both local business and workers, fostering a thriving economy that benefits every resident in this city.”
Bresciani also cited the need to bring business back to downtown, and pledged to work with the Regina Downtown BID and Regina Hotels Association to “ensure that our downtown is meeting the needs of all citizens.”
Her third pillar focuses on infrastructure and transportation improvements. “Reliable, modern infrastructure that keeps people connected, safe, and includes everything from roads, public transit systems, to the core essential services and the green spaces that make our city more accessible for everyone. “
A fourth pillar is affordable housing and urban development. “I'm committed to responsible growth that prioritizes affordability and aligning future developments with our community values and needs,” said Bresciani.
She is committing to “building to scale, developing projects that are not only affordable, but also sustainable, and property size to serve our city's long-term vision.”
Her fifth pillar is public safety and well-being. “A safe Regina is a strong Regina, and we're committed to working collaboratively with all levels of government to address crime, mental health, addiction, and ensuring all residents feel safe in our city.”
And her sixth pillar is community engagement. “Because your voices matter, we need to create a city where every resident can meaningfully participate in civic life.”
Bresciani also pledged to restore pride in the city.
“I hear so many people say that we are not proud of our city anymore. We need to get back to loving our city, creating that hope for people to believe in our city. Together, we can shape a Regina that meets today's needs while preparing for tomorrow's possibility.”
Also at the announcement was former Mayor Pat Fiacco, who said Bresciani had approached him earlier when she was thinking of running for Mayor.
“Lori had the right answers to my questions. Her desire for a better city is what convinced me to come out today and throw my support behind Lori Bresciani for mayor of the city of Regina,” said Fiacco.
“And there's something that's really important that she talked about, community pride, which is what we don't have right now. I think it's pretty clear that we have, I think through some dysfunction over the last number of years within city council, we've lost our way, our focus. It's not complicated…
“I think Lori's the person that's going to bring the team together, that's going to bring the administration together, and bring our community together for a really positive, bright future. And don't be afraid to tell the world that you love Regina. I love Regina.”
Aquatic centre an issue again
Many of Bresciani’s platform commitments are not vastly different from the proposals from other leading contenders in the mayor's race, such as pledges to address infrastructure and public safety and revitalize the downtown. But she has staked out distinct positions from opponents on fiscal responsibility at Regina City Hall, in particular voicing concerns about costs of major projects such as the Indoor Aquatic Centre.
While other contenders including Sandra Masters and Bill Pratt have voiced their support for proceeding with the project, Bresciani has come out in favor of looking at alternatives such as renovating the current Lawson Aquatic Centre and possibly a second pool.
Once again Bresciani was asked about her stance on the Indoor Aquatic Centre.
“First of all, I believe we need a pool. I support that. But again, when the cost came up at $160 million first, and then to $245 million, of course my first reaction was we should be looking at other options,” Bresciani said.
She adds that her proposed reconsideration motion would be brought back to council if elected.
“I think that is my motion that is on the floor. It will be there in December. So if I'm elected, I will take that forward,” said Bresciani.
“And I will be asking the administration about looking at either renovation, looking at a donor, a sponsor, other funding opportunities that may be out there. But I do think we have to look at it as well.“
Bresciani told reporters she did not think taking a step back would delay the project a whole lot. “I think though, it is the right thing to do on behalf of the taxpayers,” she said.
“And the other thing that wasn't done was community engagement. We never went out to the public. The taxpayers are paying for this. They did nothing to engage the public. When it went up 50 per cent that should have been absolutely a question that goes out to the public. Should we be looking at renovating? And here's all the options.”
Bresciani has also been vocal in opposing the debt ceiling increase and application to the Saskatchewan Municipal Board.
When asked how she would approach that, Bresciani voiced her dismay with the additional $240 million increase the city had been approved for from the municipal board, as well as the latest debt limit ask of another $220 million to cover the library project.
“I ran a business for 20 years. Guess what? The more debt you take on, the more in the hole you go,” Bresciani said.
“We just got an increase in our debt limit in January, and it's already gone. So fool me once, you won't fool me twice. So it'll be used up for sure.”
As for Fiacco’s endorsement, Bresciani was asked if she would bring back the “I Love Regina” sign in front of City Hall.
“Absolutely,” said Bresciani. “Absolutely. I think it's a message that, again, resonates with people. And you know, it's not about an ego for me. I'll say that. I don't care whose idea it is. I don't care if my name gets anywhere out there. I want to get back to the core services. And I want to ensure that we are proud of our city.”
Bresciani also took aim at some of the chaotic moments on council seen during the last term. She said she was “disappointed” with the disputes at City Hall.
“I was disappointed. I was embarrassed. Many of the things that happened on council, I was embarrassed. I think, at the end of the day, a conversation -- bringing council together -- could have alleviated many of those conversations. That was never done,” said Bresciani.
“And again, it comes back to the type of leadership. Do you want your council to come together? Even if you have diverse opinions, it's so imperative. I think the best councils are when you have diverse opinions. Because guess what? That represents our people. But if you try and shut those out, that's what will happen. You will have councillors that will feel not heard. And I think, at the end of the day, you will see some of the things that we saw. And so I think, at the end of the day, we do have to make sure that, under my leadership, I will say, it's bringing my council together. We are one team, not just different teams.”
