Ward You’re Running In: 1
Current Occupation: SaskTel Clerical Associate
Voter Information: www.keithrey.ca, rey4ward1@sasktel.net, @keithrey_4ward1
My name is Keith Rey and I am running to be your representative and voice on city council this fall. I have lived in Ward 1 for 35 years, longer than any other candidate which I feel equals knowledge and experience. I am married, have five children and one grandson. I have been employed with SaskTel for the past 17 years in various positions most recently as a Clerical Associate responsible for Dealer Commissions.
QUESTION AND ANSWER
1. Briefly, why are you running for council?
For 35+ years I have called Ward 1 my home and it has given me and my family a wonderful place to live and grow up in. I feel that the best way to show my appreciation and thanks is by becoming the next Ward 1 Councillor and to ensure that the ward stays vibrant and continues to foster a wonderful family environment.
2. What is the single most pressing issue facing Regina? How would you solve it?
The housing shortage is perhaps biggest issue that Regina faces today. We need a resolution today not in 6 to 7 years when the stadium portion of the current RRI is completed. I strongly believe that the housing portion of the existing RRI does not have to be tied to just the Mosaic Stadium property or CP Rail Yard. I am confident that with the proper relationships from existing property owners and developers that we could build close to 50% off the 700 units mentioned in the RRI within the same 6 to 7 year timeframe.
3. Imagine the Regina Of The Future that you want to help build. What will it look like?
I would like to see the Regina of the Future designed and built by local people and businesses and not consultants and vendors from around the world. Regina is home to numerous world class businesses that are staffed by people who know Regina the best; its own citizens. Who is better suited to design a park, plaza or even a stadium for the people of Regina? Is it someone from out East or from halfway around the world or someone who has lived and worked in the city and understands who we are and what we do? My Regina of future is one built on civic pride!
4. Beyond immediate concerns like housing, the stadium and infrastructure renewal, what “big idea” project do you want to work on that nobody seems to be talking about?
I would like to do an in-depth study regarding concerns raised by several residents about excessive vehicle noise originating from the Ring Road. It is hard to hear from various residents that they can no longer enjoy using their backyards for entertaining or just playing with their children and may even move just because of the noise.
5. Name something the last council got right.
The last council got the idea of revitalizing the city right but did it in the wrong way.
6. Now, point out their biggest mistake.
Not being financially responsible/accountable – City Plaza cost overruns and pension plan shortfall.
7. What are you reading these days?
Lately I have spent most of my spare time reading and researching City of Regina documentation, bylaws and the flood of emails coming from residents.
8. Beyond your residence, do you own any property in Regina or in the immediate area?
No
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FUN QUESTIONS!
1. What is your favourite Regina restaurant?
Tumblers because the sauce is the boss!
2. Who is your favourite Regina artist?
Henry Ripplinger (former Ward 1 resident)
3. What actor would play you in the gritty cable drama, Queen City Hall?
Adam Arkin
4. How would your character die?
Late night high speed car chase with police through the city ending on 12th Avenue in the City Plaza by crashing into the stage and car exploding.
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PICK A SIDE
Cats or Dogs? Dogs
Vampires or Werewolves? Vampires
Boxing or Roller Derby? Roller Derby
Steak or Sushi? Steak
Hill Towers or Legislative Building? Hill Towers
Quance Street or Dewdney Avenue? Dewdney Avenue
Artesian or Wascana Park Gazebo? Wascana Park Gazebo
Prairie Dog or Richardson Ground Squirrel? Prairie Dog
Giant Grasshopper or Stegosaurus? Giant Grasshopper
Saskaboom or SaskAdvantage? SaskAdvantage
Bike or Sports Car? Sports Car – (Ferrari 308 from Magnum PI)
Le Macaron or Five Guys? Five Guys
The Beatles or the Rolling Stones? Rolling Stones
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BONUS QUESTION: Make up your own question (And answer it, of course!)
Without naming names, what is your impression of some of your fellow candidates both at the councillor and mayor level?
Overall I would have to say the majority of the people I have met and dealt with have the same mindset as me and are kind and caring people that only want what is best for Regina. I have met plenty of new people and will always consider them a friend and I hope to keep in touch with many them of once the campaign is over. There are also a few fellow candidates that I have known for many years directly or indirectly through family and friends. These people are wonderful and I know they will do whatever it takes to make Regina great. There are however a few people I wish to have nothing to do with after this is all over. We have some that act like little children, some that are openly arrogant and condescending, some that could care less about family values, some that have no clue on how a city really works, some that choose to ignore issues and fix problems or even acknowledge that a problem exists, some that choose to “borrow” platform ideas from others, some that are nothing more than mouth pieces for other people and the ones that actually have the ideas and finally some who hide behind a cloak of education having not lived in the real world (call it book smart versus street smart). I only hope the people of Regina can sniff these people out before voting.
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