Brandon’s mayoral election is just over a month away and three candidates are vying for Shari Decter Hirst’s chair in office.
Decter Hirst is seeking re-election against self-proclaimed centrist Mark Kovatch, politically non-affiliated John Paul Jacobson and 11-year city councilor Rick Chrest.
One of the major issues this upcoming election is the potential increase in property taxes. Decter Hirst raised taxes by nearly five per cent in 2012.
“The bottom line is the city delivers services and if the community wants more services, they’ve got to figure out how we’re going to pay for them,” she said.
Chrest isn’t opposed to raising taxes but said he’ll keep any increase below inflation.
Kovatch wants to freeze the tax rate for two years - a stance Jacobson says isn’t feasible.
“I wouldn’t in all honesty say…I’m going to freeze the taxes and watch this community go down the drain,” said Jacobson.
Another major issue this election revolves around the voters. Voter turnout has been on the decline for three consecutive elections, last election at under 47 per cent.
The Brandon election takes place on Oct. 22.
