Jones seeks re-election

Coun. Gareth Jones has officially announced his plans to seek re-election on Oct. 18.

Jones is the third incumbent councillor to announce his candidacy, joining Len Bracko and Roger Lemieux, along with Mayor Nolan Crouse. He joins challengers James Van Damme, Cam MacKay, Cathy Heron and Stanley Haroun.

The 70-year-old councillor, who won his first term in 2007 after two previous attempts, said he wanted to see the work started by the current council through, including development of the northwest annexed lands. The recently approved area structure plan for Erin Ridge North marks a new chapter for the city, he said.

"Things are finally beginning to move," he said. "It has moved a little slower than I would like, but … the seeds have been sown."

With Landrex starting construction on the new subdivision, other development plans for lands west of Highway 2 could start moving more quickly, he added.

Jones said the city needs to now focus on finding a location for a new industrial park in the northwest. Last April council turned down administration's recommended location along Carrot Creek.

Tax diligence

Jones said property tax rates are often a major point in every civic election, something he suspects will be no different this time. He doesn't believe lowering taxes in St. Albert is reasonable, but says council must ensure it scrutinized every percentage tax increase for the benefit of the taxpayer.

"I think it's the responsibility of whoever's elected that the increase on taxes is kept as low as possible," he said. "It's always possible to [cut taxes], but then you cut into services."

Jones also said the city's goal of an 80/20 split between residential and non-residential assessment is worthy, but doesn't believe it will be attainable unless the city is prepared to take extreme action.

"The only way you could reach the 80/20 is to stop all the residential development right now," said Jones. "Every time a house is built, the residential scale goes up … it's unrealistic to stop residential development."

Jones said he now has a better grasp on policies and procedures that are used at city hall to bring ideas and projects to fruition. He said it was one of the hardest learning curves about the job, but feels he now has a good grip on the process.

One idea Jones said he would like to work on if re-elected is a stronger collaboration between local volunteer organizations and city hall. He added the current council has a social conscience, something he wants to see continue after Oct. 18.

"The volunteers in St. Albert play a huge role in making all kinds of things happen," he said. "What is going on there is quite remarkable and I think we need to bring it up."