Julie Baschul served one term as councillor and another as deputy-mayor. (Submitted photo/Julie Baschuk)

By Derek Cornet

Municipal Election

‘A leap of faith’: Baschuk seeking mayor chair in 2020 municipal election

Oct 2, 2020 | 2:16 PM

Deputy-Mayor Julie Baschuk believes she’s the right person to move Air Ronge forward and she hopes residents consider her for the top spot on council before election day Nov. 9.

“It has been an absolute honour to be serving the residents of our beautiful northern village for the past eight years and I recognize what I’m asking residents to do is big,” she said. “I’m asking them to take a leap of faith and trust me to serve them with an open mind and an eye to the future.”

While the nomination period officially closes Oct. 7, it currently appears Baschuk will be in a two-person race with Gordon Stomp, who has held the title of mayor for close to 35 years. She noted Stomp has done a good job in the position and has created a solid foundation to build from.

The main campaign point Baschuk will focus on is the need for increased community safety in Air Ronge. As a mother of three children, she wants to be confident she can send them anywhere in the community without having to worry. In spite of attempts to organize efforts such as a community watch group, she said having that confidence isn’t a reality.

“I had recently spoke with a resident who experienced horrific trauma and an elevated level of invasion of her safety and security,” Baschuk mentioned. “In just listening to her, it really puts into perspective the urgency and the need that we need to have to push harder to make our community or Air Ronge a much safer one.”

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Baschuk explained council is currently examining different ways to reduce crime and she wants the conversation to continue when a new council is elected. She wants to work with and engage residents through the process, as well as modernize communications with government officials to add leverage to the situation.

Another commitment of Baschuk’s is to ensure Air Ronge remains an affordable place for residents to live. During the past eight years, she noted council has always had strict oversight.

“We maintain a focus on that long-term financial planning and we only take on projects that we as a village are able to afford in both our capital and operating costs,” she said. “It is my full intention to keep our village affordable for all our residents.”

Baschuk is originally from Saskatoon, but has been a resident of Air Ronge for more than 16 years.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno