7 of 9 Regina mayoral candidates square off in debate

Seven of the nine Regina mayoral candidates debated face-to-face in a televised debate on Nov. 2.

Their answers gave Regina looks at candidates' sharply contrasting plans for managing policing, potentially removing the city's John A. MacDonald statue and moving the city to renewable energy.

There are nine candidates for mayor:

• Darren Bradley.
• Jim Elliott.
• Tony Fiacco.
• Jerry Flegel.  
• Michael Fougere (incumbent).
• Mitchell Howse.
• Sandra Masters.
• Bob Pearce
• George Wooldridge.

All candidates except Bob Pearce and Mitchell Howse were in attendance at the debate. Candidates were spaced out due to COVID-19 regulations. The Regina and District Chamber of Commerce hosted the debate in partnership with AccessNow TV.

The debate started with opening remarks before moderator John Hopkins asked each candidate how they would restart the economy in the wake of COVID-19. 

Jim Elliott was first up for the question and said he wanted to look at renewables as options to stimulate the economy. Sandra Masters said she would look at an aquatic centre to stimulate jobs, Tony Fiacco said he wanted to focus on the downtown, while George Wooldridge said he wanted to take a pay cut then be cautious about projects and focus on drinking water. 

Darren Bradley said he believes the economy will rebound and some new major products are needed in 2021. Michael Fougere pointed to his 10 year economic plan and said he wants balanced leadership through COVID-19. "No one around that table with me has that vision." Fougere said. 

Jerry Flegel said he wanted to build out of Regina's issues and wanted to see more construction that will stimulate economic recovery. 

Candidates also discussed the idea of a base tax for Regina residents, affordability and how to attract more tourists to Regina, the hotel industry, growth related infrastructure, job attraction and their plan to deal with asbestos in Regina water pipes.

Candidates mixed on removing John A. Macdonald statue

In the front half of the debate, all candidates were asked about their opinion of removing the John A. Macdonald statue in Regina's Victoria Park. The City of Regina is doing public consultation about the statue after advocates have been calling for years for it to be removed. 

Bradley was the first to be asked. He said he is against moving the statue because it is removing history, making him the only candidate firmly against the statue's removal. 

Flegel said there needs to be context with the statue and both sides of history needs to be involved. Fougere said there are a lot of hurt people in the city and it would be good to have both sides or the statue possibly moved to the Legislature so people can learn from history. 

On the other side, Masters said that without the Indigenous side of history, the statue cannot stay how it is. Masters said  leaving the statue in its current location is "incredibly hurtful" to Indigenous people.

Wooldridge rather said he would leave it up to the people and hold a plebiscite. Elliott went further saying it should be removed or moved and Dewdney Avenue should be renamed. He saidthe process would be a way to engage with Indigenous people.

Fiacco said the removal or moving of the statue is a part of Truth and Reconciliation. He said he "wouldn't have a problem with it" if Dewdney Avenue were renamed and the statue removed. 

Black Lives Matter Movement and police funding draw mixed reactions

Candidates were mixed on the topic of police funding in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. 

The movement, which began in the United States, sparked multiple protests in Regina, Saskatoon and around Saskatchewan. In its wake, activists have been calling for less police funding and police to not perform wellness checks. 

Flegel, Bradley, Fiacco and Fougere said the police needed to be adequately funded or have more funding. 

Flegel, Masters, Wooldridge, Fiacco, Fougere and Elliott all said it should change how wellness checks are conducted one way or another. 

Balanced approach, no decision, more work: Mixed on renewables 

When it comes to renewables, candidates differed in their approach to moving the city toward the previously voted on goal of being 100 per cent renewable in 2050. 

Masters said there should be a balanced approach for renewables instead of something imposed on the city. She advocated for green projects that could use local businesses to work towards that direction while keeping jobs. 

Elliott said there should be a clear step in the right direction and the city should utilize local resources. For example, Elliott said, Evraz could manufacture the steel needed for a windmill to produce them locally while retaining jobs. 

However, Fiacco said there shouldn't be a decision on renewable resources until the city secures funding. He said the city should not risk important jobs during a switch. Fougere similarly said the oil and gas industry isn't going anywhere and he voted against a recent city council plan due to a lack of public engagement and information. 

Wooldridge said Regina needs to do more to work collaboratively with local businesses and moving towards renewable energy. Bradley said it could be done but more work is needed. 

While Flegel said there are initiatives for green homes and as businesses move to renewable energies, they could increase jobs and save themselves money. 

Closing pitches focus on economic uncertainty, transparency and more

In closing, the candidates made a pitch for themselves to be elected mayor. 

Bradley said he's not just hoping for a change but wants to be the change people are looking for. He said he's looking to be a mayor who is transparent with no hidden agenda. 

"This city doesn't need any more champions, they need someone who will listen to the people," Bradley said. 

Elliott said he hopes to show his strength to a cause and action. He said he plans to take responsibility for projects and look forward to renewable energy. 

"I look at the green recovery as a way to push and pull our industry forward as well as in a positive way replacing our current jobs and unemployment," Ellott said. "Join in me to build that real change." 

Fiacco said he hopes people see him as the person to lead Regina through economic uncertainty with a focus on current projects, not new major projects. 

"I am here to create your Regina," Fiacco said. 

Flegel said the election is about whether Regina wants a change or the status quo.

"We need a new vision at city hall but we can't take a risk with inexperience at this critical time," Flegel said. 

Fougere said there are some risky plans proposed that will burden taxpayers. He said he hopes to diversify the economy and create a dynamic place for everyone to live. 

"We need to work together and make the right choice in this election," Fougere said. 

Masters pitched herself as an open-minded, collaborative leader. She said there needs to be more investment and while she doesn't know all the answers, she believes the experts and in Regina residents. 

"We need to get back to loving the City of Regina," Masters said. "If you want a community where every citizen has an opportunity to thrive, then you need to vote Sandra Masters." 

Wooldridge said he is for affordability and common sense. He said he knows how the real-world operates and doesn't want mega-projects but is instead hoping to look after the city. 

"I'm asking you to lend your vote to me so the next four years can be amazing," Wooldrige said.