Pouget-Papak aims to make positive change

Stephanie Pouget-Papak

Stephanie Pouget-Papak says she has given back to the community in several ways and now wants to do so as a member of town council.

Pouget-Papak is seeking a councillor position in the Oct. 26 municipal election. She is a current member of the town’s heritage committee and says she has an understanding of how the Municipal Act works.

“I’m always contributing to my community. I think I can continue to do so on a larger scale,” said Pouget-Papak.

Pouget-Papak added she hopes to “make positive change” all the while keeping in mind the common good of the municipality.

“I think the new council has a lot of decisions to make on some outstanding issues,” she said. 

Policing and taxes are among the items she mentioned. The latter is a concern of many and she said there are people concerned about affordability.

“Obviously, we try not to have (tax increases) but we have to be realistic with expectations,” she said.

Looking at town departments and making sure they are working productively and efficiently is a priority at budget time, Pouget-Papak stated. 

There are concerns in the community about inflation and uncertainty around Canada’s trade situation with the United States and she believes making sure the town is running productively could lead to the town saving more money.

Regarding Open Air Weekends, Pouget-Papak said they have to study the data, statistics and policies to ensure it is run the best way possible.

“I don’t think we’re going to please everyone,” she said.

Pouget-Papak sees there are definite benefits for restaurants but also sees issues relating to accessibility. Council has to decide as a collective as to how to best address these matters.

“It’s a balance,” she said.

Belle Vue is another matter on the new council’s plate.

“Realistically, we can’t restore the property using tax dollars,” she said. 

However, the building can’t just sit and deteriorate either.

“To let it sit there, we can’t,” she said. “We have to move forward.”

The new council could consider a third-party investor or selling the property, she added, or they can think outside the box and develop programming that would see others learn and help revitalize the site.

Pouget-Papak will be knocking on doors soon, but added she has been engaging with people online and also has an online survey. She believes the new council needs to look at the town as a whole.

“There are a lot of people here with a lot of different needs,” she said.

Transparency is key, she added, and she is focused on the common good of the community.

Pouget-Papak, a teacher and former Park House Museum curator, said has a lot of lived experience.

“I grew up in a lower socio-economic household and worked very hard in various blue collar jobs to put myself through school,” she said.

Pouget-Papak said she makes decisions based on policy and data, not on emotion.

“I feel I have a good sense on what a family needs,” Pouget-Papak added.

Pouget-Papak aims to make positive change

By Ron Giofu