Stephen Chase has announced he is re-offering as a candidate for Fredericton City Council in the municipal elections on May 9th.
“I love Fredericton, and I have been honoured to serve as Ward 9 Councillor (O’Dell Park–Parkside area) for the past eight years,” said Chase.
“As a lifelong resident of Fredericton it’s wonderful to be able to contribute to enhancing the quality of life in our communit
y. I enjoy meeting people from the ward and throughout Fredericton, hearing new ideas, and helping people resolve individual and collective concerns.”
Chase is committed to ensuring that Fredericton remains financially smart and sustainable.
“I am determined that the city must live within its means and protect taxpayer affordability, while providing good value to tax payers. We have been able to do this while maintaining the lowest tax rate and the lowest debt of all eight New Brunswick cities. This is smart and sustainable administration.”
Chase has worked hard during his two terms on council to build good working relationships with residents, council colleagues, staff, and other municipalities.
“Good relationships, trust, and cooperation are the way things get done.”
Chase believes residents understand and appreciate the need to keep Fredericton attractive as a place to live, raise a family, or grow a business.
“We are well-balanced as a city and enjoy a great quality of life as a result of council’s long-term commitment to supporting the arts, culture, and recreation programs, as well as supporting commercial development.”
Chase notes the city has an important role to play in enhancing Fredericton’s reputation as a great place to call home. He points to the significant population growth identified in recent census data, as well as the consistent record of strong residential and commercial development in the city over the past several years. Chase has worked to address property related issues of concern to many residents, but notes that further progress requires action by the provincial government. “We are depending on the province to enact new municipal and planning legislation to facilitate property by-law enforcement. The City could do a much better job in protecting a property owner’s right to enjoy their property if the province would allow us to issue tickets instead of having to pursue expensive and difficult court proceedings,” he said. Chase has also been working with other municipalities to push the province to facilitate improved traffic safety, especially control on speeding.
“We are optimistic the province will help municipalities improve public safety soon. Traffic safety issues are a major concern in Fredericton, and I am committed to keep working with the police and partner municipalities on this issue.”
Chase was first elected to city council in 2008. He has served as Deputy Mayor and sits on several council committees. Chase is also a past chair of the city’s Planning Advisory Committee, a long-standing member of the Rotary Club of Fredericton, a scout leader, served several years on the Fredericton area School Board, and as a volunteer with several community groups. His professional career spanned provincial and federal governments, Canadian Blood Services and with international NGOs, primarily in inter-governmental relations. Chase is currently Executive Director of The Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation. He’s married to Denise Chase. They have lived in Ward 9 for 33 years.
