Don Atchison declares mayoral run on ‘back-to-basics’ platform

Former mayor Don Atchison will once again run for office.

Atchison, who was Saskatoon’s mayor from 2003 until 2016 when he lost by about 3,000 votes to current mayor Charlie Clark, said during his announcement on Thursday evening that the city is heading in the “wrong” direction.

“I’m running to change the policies of the present council and create positive change. Not one thing has gotten better. The problems have gotten worse,” he said.

He accused the current council members of spending money on things they want, rather than what the city needs.

“When they have to borrow money to pay for snow removal, isn’t it time for change?” he asked.

The former mayor said the city’s working and middle class residents are being “crushed” by overwhelming taxes, and crime is on the rise.

Atchison also said the bylaw allowing four-plexes on city lots larger than 50 feet should be rescinded. That measure, he said, was passed to appease the federal government’s wishes and demands, rather than considering what is best for Saskatoon residents.

In his announcement speech on Thursday, Atchison said he would be willing to make “difficult and hard decisions” if he returns to the mayor’s office.

“We need to get back to basics. We need to look after basics first,” he continued.

That, he added, includes a focus on “law and order,” maintaining roads, and working with businesses to revitalize the downtown core.

The former mayor also cast doubt on the city’s ability to come up with all of the money needed for a new downtown event and entertainment district, which could include a new arena and renovated conference centre, citing initial costs of between $279 million and $300 million dollars.

“The rink in Edmonton, they finally stopped ringing the cash register on it at about $650 million. So you’re telling me we can build a rink in Saskatoon about the same size for less?” he asked.

Atchison said the city needs to get its “financial house in order” before plans for the arena and event district should go ahead.

The city will have a new mayor after the November 13 election, as Clark will not be seeking a third term.

Three other candidates have so far declared their intention to run for mayor, including Ward 6 Councillor Cynthia Block, former Saskatchewan Party MLA Gord Wyant, and planner Cary Tarasoff.