Some Words from Deputy Mayor, Brent Gallant 2016

EOV - A campaign desire was to lower electrical rates for Summerside. Can you share with our readers what the progress is on this? And is the City heat for less program now consumer your response to lowering electrical rates for Summerside? 

Brent - Okay. That's a great question. The Summerside electric utility is owned by the community so I am not sure that I said that I was going to lower rates because I know that there is going to be a cost for operations that have to be maintained. We could go and lower the rates. That is possible. We do own the utility so we could do that. The consequence would be to raise the taxes because it's all part of the general revenues that come in to the City needed to opperate a City this size. One of the reasons that a City this size is so well equipped with the amenities we have is because the electric utility pays for them. 

EOV -  What are your personal priorities for Summerside during 2016 ?

Brent - Well I really have one. It's a three letter word "Jobs!" Everyone would like to have more jobs and that's something we have been working on right from the time we came in here and that's starting to come together. Across the street here where we are at, the IOS Call Centre is going to be there providing 130 jobs. The library is opening up expanding the library. And another business that is opening here is the spa and there will be more jobs there.

EOV - In your opinion what is Summerside's greatest asset?

Brent -  I think that Summerside's greatest asset is the ability to be flexible to fight above its weight and to bring creative solutions to the challages that the city may encounter.

EOV would like to thank Mr. Gallant for taking time for this interview.  We wish you well with all your endeavours.