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By Mat Barrett

Nipawin Election

Former Nipawin fire chief looking to become mayor

Oct 6, 2020 | 5:11 PM

Another name has entered the race in hopes of becoming the mayor of Nipawin come election day.

Former Fire Chief Brian Starkell has thrown his hat into the ring. He was the fire chief in Nipawin for nine years until late 2019 when it was announced that he would no longer be in that position.

Starkell has also previously spent eight years on council in the Village of Codette and says now he is retired, it was a good time to try and run for mayor.

“I always thought it was very interesting, and very challenging,” he said. “So, I thought now that I’m retired and have the time, I can definitely work towards that position.”

Starkell added his experience with the Town of Nipawin, and being a councilor previously, his skills can help him be a good mayor.

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“I know the understandings of the Town of Nipawin,” Starkell said. “And I also know the understandings of the budget.”

Outside of his work with a council, and the town, Starkell has been involved in an number of volunteering efforts. Locally, he has been a member of the Lions Club for 37 years and was recently inducted to the Lions Hall of Fame. Starkell has also been involved with coaching and officiating a number of minor sports, and was the music coordinator for the Nipawin Hawks for 10 years. He said being involved in volunteering like that helps make the community a better place.

“It gives you pride, what you’re doing in the community,” Starkell told northeastNOW.

On a more national level, Starkell is also involved with the Canadian Firefighters Foundation as a board member, and the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association as an ambassador.

If elected, Starkell has a number of topics on his mind that are important to him and the community.

“Continue lobbying with the provincial and federal governments for funding,” he said. “And expanding the economic development and tourism.”

He added the health and safety of the residents is a primary concern as well. With economic development, Starkell said expanding tourism and revitalizing downtown Nipawin would go hand in hand with that as well.

Rennie Harper is looking to be elected as mayor, while Marlon Zacharias has also joined the race for the position.

Voters head to the polls on Nov. 9.

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6