NICOLE BARRINGTON
News Writer

When former councillor Gordon Wyant was elected to provincial legislature in October, his Ward 5 position opened.

Six candidates are running for the position and a ballot will take place on Nov. 29. The ward includes the airport and some industrial areas, River Heights, Lawson Heights and Silverwood Heights.

The area has special challenges because of the high volume of traffic. All candidates support the plan to build another traffic bridge to complete Circle Drive and alleviate traffic. The other main issues include the Bethany Manor expansion, property tax allocation and a city-wide curbside recycling program.

Ainsley Robertson

Robertson, a commerce grad from the U of S, is the executive director and co-founder of The Princess Shop.

She is the youngest and only female candidate running for the ward. She supports a city-wide curbside recycling program, “including consultation and continued relationships with SARCAN, Cosmo and Saskatoon Curbside Recycling.”

Paul Feraro

Feraro, who is new to politics, has been involved in the community as a real estate agent for the past 18 years. He is a SIAST grad and has volunteered as the president of the Filipino-Canadian Association. Along with the other candidates, he supports a curbside recycling program and new bridge.

According to an interview with the StarPhoenix, Feraro would also incorporate a two year end to tax increases, tax incentives for new businesses.

Rob Johnston

Johnston is a small business owner and a political studies grad from the U of S. He has “over 10 years of experience in sales, hospitality, operations management, business development, accounting, project management and marketing” according to his website.

Randy Donauer

Donauer, a minister in and 16-year resident of the ward, would also support a recycling program that is “supported by the majority of [Ward 5] citizens.”

However, he acknowledges that such a program would come at a cost to citizens: “Recycling programs are not free.”

Ken Winton-Grey

Winton-Grey is primarily focused on the environment and supports a “city-run, city-administered [recycling] program.” He also supports a “carpooling initiative” and a safer environment for pedestrians with “added presence from police.”

Tad Cherkewich

Cherkewich, a founding member and director of the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation, would support a curbside recycling program through “reallocation of taxes,” meaning that residents would not be taxed extra. Cherkewich also brings 30 years of experience as a vice principal and elementary school teacher.

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Correction: This article originally included the incorrect date for the Ward 5 by-election, which takes place on Nov. 29, not Nov. 27.