Gordon Stomp wants to be re-elected as mayor of Air Ronge. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

village election

Baschuk, Stomp seeking mayorship in Air Ronge municipal election

Sep 16, 2020 | 1:16 PM

Gordon Stomp has been the mayor of Air Ronge for close to 35 years and he has confidence voters will send him back to office for another term.

“I have a pretty deep interest in our community because I have been here for many years,” he said. “There’s a few projects I’d like to see move ahead in the next three or four years.”

If re-elected, Stomp promises to work towards three areas of concern including upgrading of streets and the construction of a community hall. He explained at least $1 million worth of pavement repairs need to be done, especially along De Havilland Avenue and other problem spots in the village. The revitalization of Heritage Park would also continue.

As for the hall, Stomp would like the facility to include a kitchen, enough space for gatherings, as well as an area for other opportunities.

“I hope we can put some kind of recreational activity in there like a bowling alley,” he said. “It’s still pretty vague [and] I’m not sure how much money we have to spend on it. I know we have some we can direct towards it. It has to be substantial, but it can’t be gigantic.”

Winter Driving

Snowstorm blankets most of Saskatchewan, travel not recommended near local communities

21h ago

Health

First Canadian case of more severe mpox strain confirmed in Manitoba

Nov 23, 2024

Mail

Canada Post reports $315M Q3 loss, compared with $290M loss a year earlier

Nov 22, 2024

Stomp has been involved with municipal politics ever since Air Ronge was incorporated back in October 1983. At the time, he mentioned there were only about 200 residents in the village, but now there’s 1,106 as of the 2016 Canadian Census. During that time, infrastructure such as water and sewer lines, roads, lot surveying and more has been completed.

Another completed project Stomp called an accomplishment was the installation of generators at local lift stations. That means when the electricity fails, pressure is kept on the lines preventing a boil water order afterwards.

“I’m pretty dedicated to my community and it’s my home,” he said. “I’m going to live here until I die or until I can’t be here. I want to see this community continue as well as we can. We don’t always have as much funding as we want, but we want to keep a respectful level of levy for taxes and things like that.”

When the election does happen Nov. 9, Stomp won’t win by acclamation as Deputy-Mayor Julie Baschuk has decided to run against him. Stomp noted he doesn’t want to lose his spot, but if another contender wins, he’ll accept it because “that’s what democracy is all about.”

Deputy-Mayor Julie Baschuk has decided to run against Stomp. (submitted photo/Julie Baschuk)

larongeNOW also reached out to the remaining councillors to find out whether they’ve considered re-election. Coun. Terry DesRoches has to decided to run for a spot as councillor, while Coun. Corey Hardcastle and Coun. Greg Merriman are still undecided.

The call for nominations period to run in the election opened this morning and will close Oct. 7. Those nominated will then have a 24-hour period to withdraw from the race. More information about the election can be found here.

–

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno