Terrace Mayor Sean Bujtas is seeking another term, saying he has unfinished business he wants to address if voters return him to office.
Bujtas, who has served on Terrace council for 12 years, said his work securing long-term revenue for communities in Northwest B.C. is one of the main reasons he wants to continue as mayor.
He pointed to the provincial government’s revenue-sharing agreement with communities from Masset to Vanderhoof, which he said provides Terrace with about $7 million annually from a $50-million annual fund.
“I think I’ve done a lot of good work this term,” Bujtas said. “I signed a quarter-billion-dollar deal with the provincial government for a revenue-sharing deal for communities from Masset to Vanderhoof.”
Bujtas said the funding is already being used for infrastructure projects in Terrace, including the reconstruction of the 4600 block of Main Street.
He said he wants to extend the current five-year revenue-sharing agreement into a permanent arrangement.
“That was a five-year deal. And I have every intent to extend that deal to a deal that’s in perpetuity,” Bujtas said. “I want to make sure that I can get that work done and leave the community in a strong, better place to start fixing all the infrastructure on a long-term basis.”
Bujtas also pointed to his relationships with provincial and federal governments as an asset he would bring to another term.
He said Terrace has benefited from several government investments and grants during his time on council, including funding for infrastructure and projects supporting seniors and the Foundry.
Bujtas said he wants to continue advocating for Terrace as the region experiences significant economic growth.
“I think my strong relationships with government, both federally and provincially, make me a real asset to continue lobbying for our community and make sure that we are heard and we are at the table when we see all this economic growth in the area,” he said.
If re-elected, Bujtas said addressing homelessness, overdoses and crime would also be priorities.
He pointed to the Repeat Violent Offender Program and the Serious and Prolific Offender Program as examples of initiatives he has supported and advocated for. He also said a detox facility is now in the process of being developed in Terrace.
Bujtas said more needs to be done to provide support for people experiencing homelessness and addiction while also addressing public safety concerns.
“We need to take those steps further. We need to see more supports for people,” Bujtas said. “We need to make sure that we’re finding ways to get homeless off the streets by working with provincial government to find better solutions than what they’re doing right now.”
Looking ahead four years, Bujtas said he expects continued economic growth in Northwest B.C., but wants to ensure Terrace benefits from that growth.
He said major projects in the region could bring jobs and business opportunities, but the city will need sustainable revenue to keep pace with increased demand for infrastructure and services.
“As much as it’s great to see the economic growth, the city doesn’t get any taxation from that,” Bujtas said. “So ensuring that a long-term revenue-sharing deal is done with the province, and that we have sustainable dollars to fix up our communities and make sure that the infrastructure is in place to make the community more attractive and liveable.”
Bujtas said his goal is to see Terrace remain at the table as the region develops and become more attractive to professionals such as doctors, nurses and teachers.
He said he is proud of the work done by council over the past four years and believes Terrace is moving in the right direction.
“I think Terrace is moving in the right direction. And I’m proud of the work that this council has done over the last four years,” Bujtas said.
Bujtas is seeking re-election in the Oct. 17 municipal election.
