ESTEVAN — Dave Elliott is stepping forward once again as a candidate for Estevan city council, emphasizing what he says is a practical, fiscally-responsible approach to municipal governance.
Elliott, who has lived in Estevan for more than 20 years, said he was encouraged to run by several community members seeking "a calm voice" and someone who approaches issues "in a more common-sense sort of way." Although he has been involved in local affairs for many years, including revious runs for council in the early 2000s, Elliott believes the core issues facing the city have remained largely the same.
"You've got infrastructure, you've got hope streams and plans of all kinds, and people with different agendas coming forward," Elliott said in a recent interview. "There's so many things the city needs to address, and it's all basic. It's all infrastructure. There are pipes in areas that are old. There's road work that needs to be done. It's all stuff that you just plan for."
Elliott expressed concerns over the recent downtown revitalization project, pointing out that some expenditures could have been reduced if the city had been willing to make adjustments to initial plans.
"We have to watch our money a little better," he said, noting that council had opportunities to cut costs but did not. "Money management [is important] and working forward to further reducing debt. This council did reduce debt, which is a good thing. But now we're increasing it again. I don't think by as much as what they reduced, but we're kind of going backwards now with this thing."
He emphasized the need for a "tighten the belt" approach to avoid further debt and "move forward on an even keel".
While Elliott largely focuses on financial stewardship, he acknowledges that municipal management is an ongoing balancing act.
Born in Ontario, Elliott and his family moved to the southeast in the late 19`70s and he eventually ended up residing in Estevan. Elliott has a background in the oil industry and for years was involved with youth programs, including army, sea and air cadets and scouting. But he is probably most known for his DJ work throughout his time in the southeast. Additionally, for a long time he has been active with the Estevan Kinsmen Club, helping to establish an outdoor rink in Hillcrest Park – a project he remains proud of.
