Mayor Atchison is Sworn In
Photo by Shirley Collingridge
Mayor Don Atchison was surprised by the poll results, expecting Pankiw to come in third but the incumbent Maddin to finish second. "The number of votes [Pankiw] got was high but it was the highest turnout we ever had," said Atchison. "It sends a message that we have to work harder." And Pankiw campaigned on more than his controversial platform, said Atchison; he also campaigned on school taxes, policing, and the casino.
The results indicate, "We have serious work to do," said Atchison. "The biggest challenge . . . will be to find common ground on many fronts. . . . It's up to us to work as a team."
Future plans include getting "more [police] officers on the street" and proceeding with the South downtown development. Although the federal government nixed the request to support a community development corporation says Atchison, "We have to forge ahead and get construction going there sooner rather than later. I'm hoping by this time next year we have construction well underway."
He would "still like to see a multipurpose sports facility [at the AL Cole site] to house a football, baseball, soccer facility. I would like to see a farmer's market there as well," he said.
As to the casino issue, Atchison says the Whitecap location is better for Aboriginals because it can become a multipurpose facility offering Aboriginals, "a lot more [and] better jobs . . .managerial jobs," he said.
Outgoing mayor Jim Maddin joked his future is now "wide open," but his mood turned sombre when he spoke of social issues. "I hope things don't backslide too far on the social conscience side" for Saskatoon. The inbound council has "adequate social conscience to make sure the marginalized people are not completely forgotten," he said.
Atchison confirmed he intends to see fairness for everyone - with the river dividing the city geographically, but not dividing the people. "I would have it be one community so we all feel comfortable living together," he said.
Elder Walter Takakenew echoed those sentiments. He opened the inauguration ceremonies with a prayer in English and Cree, "These are your people. Give them strength that all nations shall come together as a whole family."
For more information about Saskatoon or its new mayor, visit City of Saskatoon