Hiebert to seek third term on Steinbach council

Steinbach city council will have new members this year following the announcements that two 20-year councillors, Michael Zwaagstra and Jac Siemens will not see re-election.

That’s partly why Jake Hiebert, a two-term councillor, and the elder statesman on council has announced he will run again.

“I was looking at who was going to not run this year and what the impact would be on council,” he said.

Hiebert was first elected in 2018 and said the past eight years have gone quickly.

He and his wife Rae, a nurse, are retired with children and grandchildren still living in the area.

Hiebert brings a varied experience to council having spent 39 years in policing, a year as a judge at Stony Mountain Penitentiary and six years on the Parole Board of Canada, living in communities across the nation.

The fact he was born and raised in Steinbach but spent 26 years away has given him what he said is unique perspectives.

“I believe what makes me a good city councillor is the diversity that I bring to council; diversity in where I have lived, the different cultures and ethnic groups I have lived among and served, the different levels of government that I have worked within including the ones I am still involved with,” he said. “Making decisions includes looking at all relevant information, weighing it and without prejudice or bias, having done my due diligence, ultimately make the right decision.”

Hiebert’s platform and priorities have not changed from his initial election run.

Public safety and support for the police, fire department, paramedics and the citizens of the city continue to shape his beliefs.

He also pledges to continue to focus on fiscal restraint by spending taxpayers’ money wisely and creating a friendly business environment.

“I deeply value my integrity and that of the institution I represent,” he said. “That means transparency to the extent possible including fair and equitable treatment for each and every person.”

Hiebert said council has accomplished much over the last eight years.

“We have seen the Rest Haven expansion, the start up and completion of the event centre, the additional monies allocated to the hospital expansion, the Clearspring Greens pathway, completion of the Loewen Boulevard and Highway 12 intersection, improvement to our roads and infrastructure, and of course the rapid growth of housing and increased population,” he said. “With growth comes diversity and I continue to welcome the many new residents and ethnic groups moving here.”

Hiebert said he’s thankful for past mayors and councillors as well for setting the groundwork for many of the projects.

The work isn’t ending any time soon.

Hiebert said on the agenda is the twinning of wastewater pipelines and a new pipe from Clearsprings Green and the aquatic centre in a bid to eliminate flooding.

Upgrading the lagoon and the construction of a mechanical wastewater plant is in the planning stages.

“This next term will bring with it difficult situations and therefore most important is that the right people are on council who will have the integrity to make the right decisions for the city,” he said.

“Steinbach is growing in population, growing in diversity and as we continue to move forward, I believe I have much to offer in leading this city to ensure Steinbach moves forward in ways that benefit the citizens and taxpayer,” he added. “I am not afraid to work hard while treating people fairly and with respect.”

Hiebert said while he’d love to receive votes, more important to him is that people are engaged in the process and come out and vote.

The municipal election will take place on Oct. 28.

Currently incumbents Michael Zwaagstra and Jac Siemens have indicated they will not run again. Councillors who will run again include Susan Penner, Damian Penner, and Jake Hiebert. Greg Carlos and Mitesh Kumar are both seeking a first term.