Medicine Hat Minute: Issue 217

Medicine Hat Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Medicine Hat politics

📅 This Week In Medicine Hat: 📅

• The Administrative and Legislative Review Committee will meet on Tuesday at 4:00 pm. The Committee will review proposing amendments to Councillor pay rates for the next term. The changes include updating annual base salaries, clarifying when annual cost-of-living adjustments apply, and introducing per diem payments for mandatory training before the swearing-in ceremony. These amendments follow a review of comparable Alberta municipalities and aim to ensure fair compensation for the demands of the role while maintaining responsible use of taxpayer funds. Under the new rates, the Mayor’s salary would be $159,176 and Councillors’ $60,236, with per diems of $200 for full-day and $100 for half-day events.
  
  
• Former Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes has announced his candidacy for Mayor, aiming to restore what he calls the “Medicine Hat Advantage.” Barnes, who has lived in the city for more than 50 years, says his priorities include responsible spending, sustainable growth, and attracting investment to make Medicine Hat more competitive. He promises to lower taxes, address crime and homelessness with both compassion and effectiveness, and work closely with Council to promote cooperation. Barnes criticized recent City priorities, saying residents are more concerned about rising property taxes, limited job opportunities, and public safety than “trendy political issues”. He believes the City needs leadership that delivers value for taxpayers’ money and rebuilds trust in local government. Drawing on his experience as an MLA, Barnes says he will actively connect with residents during the campaign to hear their concerns and ideas
  
  
• Councillor Andy McGrogan has announced he will also run for Mayor. A first-term Councillor and former Police Chief with 40 years in the Medicine Hat Police Service, McGrogan says the City needs stronger leadership and collaboration at the top. He originally stated in 2024 that he had no plans to seek the Mayor’s office or another Council term, but has since decided to enter the race to help restore public confidence in City Hall. McGrogan, who received the second-highest vote count in the 2021 election, says his priority will be serving taxpayers and improving Council’s dynamic. He plans to develop campaign strategies with his team but will continue his current duties as Councillor until the election.
  
  
• Gordon Cowan has also announced his candidacy for Council, making affordability his main campaign focus. Originally from Swift Current, Cowan has been active in the community through service on various boards and committees, including the Medicine Hat Food Bank and local conservation groups. He is critical of the current Council’s performance, describing it as dysfunctional, and says major changes are needed to “turn things around and get things done.” Cowan has pledged to oppose any tax increases, arguing residents cannot afford higher costs without corresponding improvements in value. He wants to prioritize economic growth and opportunity for existing residents, saying Medicine Hat should not be stagnant compared to other Alberta cities. Drawing on leadership experience in the insurance industry and local organizations, he believes his ability to work with diverse groups will benefit Council.
  
  
• Local restaurateur Adam Koch, owner of Hometown Culinary, has also announced his candidacy for Council, aiming to represent the city’s most vulnerable residents. Born and raised in Medicine Hat, Koch says his non-political background will bring a fresh perspective to Council, with a focus on social issues such as homelessness, addiction, and public transit. While he values business-minded approaches, he cautions against shifting too far from progress on social priorities. Koch also wants to improve public understanding of a Councillor’s role, advocating for Council to act like a board of directors while allowing City staff to handle operational work. He believes councillors should serve as ambassadors, engaging more with the public at community events. His campaign will be active and modern, using events and social media to share his vision and gather input from residents. Koch describes himself as open to debate and willing to adjust his views when presented with solid evidence, emphasizing that he intends to represent all constituents, not just those who share his opinions.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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