Michael Gerski (Submitted/Michael Gerski)

By Cam Lee

Melfort council candidate

Michael Gerski focusing on crime, infrastructure for Melfort city council campaign

Nov 12, 2024 | 12:25 PM

A candidate for councillor in Melfort believes every person in the community should have a voice.

Michael Gerski told northeastNOW that local government should serve everyone, not just a select few.

“Over the past few months, several people in the community have approached me, encouraging me to run,” said Gerski. “One of the biggest concerns I want to tackle is the rising crime rate, which is affecting the safety and quality of life for many of our residents.”

Gerski, who grew up on a farm near Melfort, says he wants to be an advocate for the people of Melfort. He said he and his wife chose to live in the area with their five children because they believed Melfort was a safe place to live. Gerski works for a local farmer in the area, and is a Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation board member for the Melfort branch. Gerski is a horologist, studying timepieces, and he believes the patience, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and persistence he would carry over should he be elected to council.

“Just as a well-functioning watch relies on all its parts working together, I believe Melfort thrives when every sector like public safety, infrastructure and education is managed efficiently and thoughtfully,” he said.

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Gerski said his top priorities are reducing crime and improving public safety by ensuring the police force is well-equipped and focused on community engagement. Another significant issue for Gerski is addressing the aging water and sewer systems that require urgent repairs to ensure reliable service.

“Additionally, I am committed to repairing our streets, fixing potholes, and maintaining safe, well-maintained roads to improve the overall quality of life for our residents and visitors,” said Gerski.

He said a clear, long-term strategy on infrastructure is needed that balances immediate repairs with future planning. Prioritizing regular infrastructure assessments is important to Gerski, while identifying urgent needs in areas including roads, water and sewer systems, and public buildings. He recommends making a comprehensive maintenance schedule.

Gerski also believes in exploring sustainable funding options, including government grants. Implementing a dedicated infrastructure fund that “allows for proactive repairs and upgrades” rather than being reactive is also a goal for Gerski.

“Engaging the community in this process through public consultations and feedback ensures that we are meeting the needs of residents and investing in the areas that matter most to them.”

Gerski said Melfort should also focus on attracting new businesses and supporting local entrepreneurs to create job opportunities, which could include incentives to attract new industries to the community. He believes in increasing the number of people that pay taxes, rather than increasing the dollar amount taxpayers are paying.

Focusing on core services that directly impact residents, including public safety and infrastructure maintenance, is a goal for Gerski. He said aligning the city budget with these priorities could help avoid wasteful spending on less critical areas, ensuring the money spent delivers maximum value.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK