Keeping Taxes In Check A Priority for Albrecht

Mark Albrecht is a second-generation Hatter who’s lived in the community all his life, former business owner and candidate for council with an aim to bring his experience to city hall.

“I was in oil and gas for 20 years. I ran two service companies, one which specialized in environmental field consulting,” said Albrecht, noting his experience includes coordinating between landowners, oil companies and government.

He also ran a restaurant in the city during the turbulent COVID years prior to fully retiring.

“I can really sympathize with the small business owners in the city. I found the tax rates almost stifling towards the end. I would try to bring that perspective to the table,” said Albrecht.

But that’s allowed him to now dedicate his time to run for council.

“I’ve always wanted to get into municipal politics but, unfortunately, was way too busy the last 25 years especially,” said Albrecht.

He added businesses feel stretched shouldering the tax burden with residents his encountered also sharing that sentiment.

“People are really concerned with the tax issue,” said Albrecht about what he’s hearing from citizens. “Number two is – they call it city hall going off the rails is one of the biggest expressions I’ve heard.”

His priority would be to establish better collaboration within council as well as between them and city administrators.

He’d also like to establish a policy of fiscal restraint and accountability when it comes to city spending.

“I’d like to see the city develop a holding pattern of what I’d call our mess,” he said, adding his priority would be to establish a “repair, maintain and sustain” philosophy.

That direction would help keep property taxes in check, said Albrecht.

Another way in which he’d like to see city spending checked would be to examine where efficiencies could be found in city operations.

“I’m a very hands-on guy so I plan on visiting all the different departments and seeing what we can do to work together to try to save some taxpayer dollars,” said Albrecht.

When it comes to the city’s energy assets, Albrecht said he doesn’t see continued exploration and development of oil and gas assets as feasible. But distribution of gas along with the production and transmission of electricity should remain in control of the city.

“I’m in favour of keeping the city utilities in the hands of the citizens of Medicine Hat,” he said. “I prefer direct control. I think a (municipally controlled corporation) will just add extra cost and tax burden to the city.”

Accountability of city councillors goes hand in hand with transparency at city hall, said Albrecht.

“I do plan on being available to the public at all times during business hours during the week to answer questions on budgeting issues,” he said.

Albrecht said if the last council was more open to townhall meetings, that might have led to greater transparency.

“I think that’s something we should focus on as a new council,” he said.

Advance polls are open until Saturday with election day Monday with polls opening at 9 am.