ESTEVAN - A second member of Estevan city council has announced he won't seek re-election in the civic election in November.
Coun. Travis Frank made the announcement in a news release issued Friday afternoon. Frank, who was first elected in 2016, has spent eight years on city council. He will remain on council for the rest of the current term.
"I am so grateful to have been elected to serve the community for the past two terms, starting out as the youngest member known to have been elected to Estevan city council," he said. "Now, as my wife and I shift our focus to growing our respective businesses and our family, I have decided that it is time to let someone new take my seat, with fresh new ideas to help move Estevan forward."
Frank said when he first ran in 2016, he had three goals: improve beautification, start work on economic development and continue to reduce the city’s debt.
"Today, the improvements to our city’s beautification are countless. New murals all across town, improved parks and green spaces, the walking paths and the upcoming downtown revitalization project make our community a more welcoming and enjoyable place to live," he said.
The city has moved from having no economic development staff or plans to having what he called a thriving team and some of the strongest business incentives in the province.
"Ec. dev. is no doubt a long-term project, and with the challenges Estevan faces, it is definitely an uphill battle, but I truly believe we’re starting to see sunshine through the clouds, and am grateful we have laid the groundwork necessary to see new opportunities come to our corner of the province in the years to come," he said.
Frank believes there is "no question" the continued strategy of debt repayment has been successful. He noted the city has gone from just under $40 million in debt in 2016 to a little over $12 million today, while still upgrading almost every city-owned facility.
"My hope is that the community can be debt-free by 2030 with our infrastructure in great condition so that as changes to our local economy come, we are prepared and set up for success," Frank said.
As the civic election approaches, Frank said he would encourage anyone who’s ever considered running for city council to reach out to him or any other member to learn more about the role.
"This is our city, and there will always be a need for strong community members to step up and offer their insight and ideas to help navigate challenges, grow and succeed. I am forever grateful to those who have put their trust in me these past eight years and look forward to new ways I can be of service in the future."
Frank joins Mayor Roy Ludwig as current members of council who have announced they won't seek re-election in 2024. Ludwig revealed late last year that this would be his final term after 12 years as mayor and 30 years on council.
