Christopher Merasty, left, and Ryan Veteri. (submitted photos)

By Derek Cornet

municipal election

Merasty committed to mental health services, Veteri aims to work with residents on local issues

Oct 28, 2020 | 4:53 PM

Christopher Merasty wants to continue advocating for social change if elected as a councillor in La Ronge.

“I am proud to work for the people in this community,” he said. “Being a role model for others to hopefully follow is my dream and I hope, if I’m elected as councillor, to carry that message forward. As a recovering alcoholic and being sober for over four years, I am proud of that. I am proud to move forward and continue living this way of life.”

Merasty would like to focus on mental health and bring more programming, supports, resources and tools to the community. He said there’s funding that could possibly be tapped into bringing more counsellors to town on a bi-weekly or bi-monthly basis.

“Right now there is some, but I’m pretty sure we can do with a lot more,” Merasty said. “I feel during the summer and how many people we lost to suicide is still a big issue in my books. We need to continue advocating for better programming, more resources and more support and tools for our community.”

Merasty is serious about mental health and would like to earn a certificate in the fields of mental health, addictions and trauma. He’s currently employed as a jet-bore operator at Cigar Lake and is the founder of Men of the North. Merasty is also raising children in the community.

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Merasty is the only candidate running for council who has a criminal record. He explained the charge is for care and control of a vehicle while under the influence and that he regrets his actions.

“I’m not letting my criminal record history stop me from who I am today,” Merasty said. “When I look at some of today’s leaders, they too have made mistakes in their life and still hold positions of leadership.”

Veteri plans to entice businesses to open in La Ronge

If Ryan Veteri is elected as a councillor in La Ronge, he wants to listen to the needs of residents and make decisions together.

“This is our community and I’m pretty much willing to work with anybody, and I will listen to anybody if they come and ask for some time,” he said. “I felt like I could do more in the community by helping out and sitting on council and helping to make those tough decisions that have to made some times.”

Veteri would also pledge to maintain the current infrastructure, examine ways to encourage businesses to open and also bring more activities to residents. For instance, he noted a drop-in centre would be a good idea for local youth.

Veteri has worked at his father’s business, MacGiver’s Pine Auto Care, for 18 years and he holds an automotive service technician certificate. He also sits on the boards of the Lac La Ronge Regional Housing Authority, La Ronge Lutheran Fellowship and Men of the North.

“I’m not here to promise anybody anything,” Veteri said. “I do believe I’m capable of doing the job and I have a good heart. I do believe in being honest and I just really look forward to working with the people put in place if I’m voted in.”

Veteri, who is raising children in the community, would also like to begin the process of changing his career. He would like to get an education in mental health and continue living in La Ronge to make a difference. Veteri has lived in La Ronge since he was a child.

“We’re not always going to agree on things, but there’s nothing saying we still can’t work together and work forward to a common good,” he said.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno