Brett Angus (left) and Abby Bescharah are running in the La Ronge municipal election. (Submitted photos)

By Derek Cornet

Municipal Election

Angus prioritizes green energy and recycling, Besharah seeks to improve main street and business district

Oct 30, 2020 | 5:00 PM

If elected as a La Ronge councillor, Brett Angus wants to take steps in creating a greener community by powering local municipal buildings with renewable energy.

“There’s a lot of grants through the federal government for green initiatives,” he said. “I’d like to try and convert as much of the town’s property into renewable resources, primarily solar for the town office, water treatment plant, etc.”

Angus would also like to work with the Lac La Ronge Regional Waste Management Authority to implement a curbside pick-up service or change the hours of operation at the recycling plant, so its more accessible to the public. He said residents are unhappy with the current situation as they would like to recycle but don’t because of the hours or they don’t have a vehicle.

Homelessness is another issue Angus would like to find solutions for working with the Scattered Site Outreach Program, tri-community leadership and frontline health workers. He said he’d look into finding funding for a new building or would look at rezoning an existing building in the community.

“We have such a diverse community and we need to allow people to share their culture with everyone,” Angus noted as another priority. “Not just First Nations and Métis culture, we have a large Filipino community. Unless you’re directly connected with them, you don’t get to learn a lot about their culture and their practices and who they are.”

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Angus is employed with the Lac La Ronge Indian Band as a service writer and he’s also a professional photographer. He’s a Métis man, sits on the Cumberland New Democrats executive and will bring Indigenous rights to the forefront if elected.

Besharah wants to improve main street and business district

Having worked in government for many years, Abby Besharah wants to work for positive change from the other side of the table if elected as a La Ronge councillor.

“I’m not currently working for provincial or municipal government, so I’m free of conflict to be able to run,” she said. “I have experience working with and for municipalities gives me an opportunity to share my knowledge with my fellow council members and help guide decision making that ensures the public interest is being served.”

Besharah explained her priority is to contribute to an efficient municipal government. There are strategies and programs she’d like to implement, some of which stems from her time employed as La Ronge’s community planner.

“They include categories like improving main street and the business district, focusing on community building and health, which includes strengthening regional relationships and connecting to residents, so improving how residents interact with the town,” Besharah said.

Besharah is currently self-employed and works as a substitute teacher for the Northern Lights School Division. She has a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning, as well as a certificate in pastry arts.

Besharah is also the current president of the La Ronge Wildlife Federation and she opens her home to foster pets from Northern Animal Rescue.

The La Ronge municipal election is Nov. 9.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno