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Former Health Minister running for N.B. council

Sep 19, 2016 | 4:50 PM

With experience at every level of the political spectrum, Len Taylor wants a seat back at the council table.

Taylor has an extensive political resume that includes Health Minister of Saskatchewan while serving as MLA for the Battlefords. He served on North Battleford city council from 2000 to 2003 and now he wants back in.

“I think the next four years will prove difficult to any municipality,” Taylor said. “There is a downturn in the provincial economy and the next couple of budgets are going to be challenging. I have experience at all levels of government and I really think I can help out.”

Taylor said his platform is a combination of experience and common sense. He believes he can attack a lot of different problems council will face every week.

Water supply and crime are just some of the issues Taylor wants to tackle. He said council has to listen to the community and come up with a “common sense way” to handle difficulties.

Taylor said he also has a plan for Prairie North’s request for the city and surrounding municipalities to help pay for furnishing and equipment.

“I have already indicated many months ago, I do not think the city should be supporting a tax levy to fund furniture in a provincial facility,” Taylor said. “That having been said, the new hospital will be built and we have to make sure our relationship with that hospital is a strong and a good one.”

Council has not made a statement on what its plans are for the request from Prairie North. Taylor said budget meetings will begin shortly after the elections so the topic will be a big focus right out the gate.

Taylor said over the last four years he has not been active in the community as an elected official and feels he can provide assistance sitting at a table where these issues are being discussed.

“My long-term interest in the community has been bolstered by sitting back over the last four years,” Taylor said. “I want to be a part of it. My family supports me and I’m excited about the possibility of being at the council table over the next four years.”

 

Greg Higgins is battlefordsNOW’s city municipal affairs and health reporter. He can be reached at ghiggins@jpbg.ca or tweet him @realgreghiggins.