Steinbach City Councillor Susan Penner.
Steinbach City Councillor Susan Penner has announced her intention to seek re-election in this fall’s municipal election on October 22. In her first term, Penner followed through with her campaign promise of working to keep taxes and debt low, which is a theme she will continue during this election. Penner admits this is a challenge for a rapidly growing city like Steinbach.
“The biggest opportunity and challenge Steinbach is facing today is managing its rapid growth, both in terms of the costs associated with growth and the changing needs of our diversifying demographics. This growth increases pressure on our infrastructure, recreation, and policing requirements – all important factors in making Steinbach an enjoyable place to call home.”
Penner maintains that the primary responsibility of council is to focus on basic infrastructure such as water, drainage, and roads. “One of the primary concerns of residents is the significant increase of traffic in Steinbach. This is good news for our economy, however, it places a strain on our roads. I would like council to continue to look for ways to improve traffic flow and safety in Steinbach, such as paving Park Road East and West, as well as Old Tom Road.”
When it comes to the hot-topic of recreational and cultural facilities, Penner recognizes the need for additional and improved facilities, but is adamant that the funding model include other levels of government, the private sector, and users. “Our city cannot afford to get into another situation like the new curling club, where no additional money was contributed and no fundraising campaign occurred.”
As for safety and policing, Penner has spent two years on the RCMP Advisory Group and notes that the addition of the GIS Unit has made Steinbach a safer place to live and work. “Although much of the work the GIS Unit does goes unreported, it is accomplishing what I had hoped in terms of keeping Steinbach residents and businesses safe.” Penner also notes that when the census for Steinbach’s population reaches 15,000 residents, the city will be responsible to cover 90% of RCMP costs, as opposed to the 70% it is required to pay currently. “This significant extra expense is likely to happen during this next term and is something council needs to already be planning for.”
Penner recently complete her MBA and owns business consulting firm Guideline Marketing. She and her husband Jon are also a part of the ownership group of The LumberZone.
