(File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Zacharias seeking re-election

Marlon Zacharias hopes to turn year as mayor into a four-year term

Nov 5, 2024 | 1:16 PM

Nipawin’s mayor is seeking re-election in next week’s municipal election.

Marlon Zacharias was elected in a 2023 byelection after the resignation of previous mayor Rennie Harper.

Zacharias told northeastNOW the first-hand experience as mayor makes a difference.

“I really did enjoy working with the council and our administration over the last year, and I think for me one of the big takeaways was being able to watch things unfold from the inside,” he said.

The incumbent mayor said there are themes that have carried over from his previous campaign, including crime, drugs and addiction, and homeless concerns. Zacharias said they are issues plaguing many communities across the province.

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Zacharias’ campaign slogan in 2023 was “Planning for Growth”, and a large part of his plan was to add and update a lot of the infrastructure in the community. The spring budget earmarked $3.5 million for infrastructure expansion.

“That was going to be huge in terms of economic development and growth, so bringing in some commercial and hopefully some industrial businesses into the Nipawin area,” Zacharias said.

Town hall was reeling in 2023 after an investigation into Rennie Harper’s behaviour during her time as mayor, and her subsequent resignation. Zacharias said his proudest achievement so far is playing a part in rebuilding some trust, and rebuilding relationships within the town’s administration and the community itself.

“That’s definitely been a big priority for me over the last year,” he explained.

Moving forward with the town’s plan for growth and taking a firm stand on dilapidated housing were also significant steps for Nipawin, according to Zacharias.

He urged everyone to vote in the Nov. 13 election, to let their voice be heard.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK