Coun. Judy Kolada has been living in Thompson for over 50 years, and has raised two sons here that are both currently employed by Vale. She is also a grandmother to four grandchildren.
Kolada worked for the Manitoba government until 2008. While working for the government Kolada worked with communities within Northern Affairs, and also worked with two-thirds of the province for employment standards. Because of this Kolada says she is very familiar with the northern part of the province, and how things run in those areas.
When Kolada retired, she accepted a three-year contract as the executive director for the Thompson YWCA. During her time with the organization Kolada brought two national fundraisers to Thompson. The first being Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, which just saw their fifth walk last month, and the Women of Distinction awards being the second.
Currently finishing her fifth consecutive term on council, Kolada is seeking re-election because of her experience. “If I don't run there won't be anyone there with more than one term of experience. I find that many times it's useful to have the history of a project, or an issue, and I think I can be of help with that.”
Kolada says the current council has finished some major projects, which are strengthening the community. “I think the two things we have done well in the last term were the completion of the Thompson Regional Community Centre, and the completion of UCN. They're both huge assets to Thompson as well as the region.”
Kolada says city council will face new challenges during these upcoming years. “We've got some huge challenges ahead of us, with the legislated requirement for the new sewage treatment plant. Taking over the water treatment plant from Vale is also a big thing for the city, and the amalgamation of the local government district with the City of Thompson is being negotiated currently.”
Social issues are a topic Kolada feels very strongly about. “Social issues are huge as well. Social issues include the downtown and the shortage of housing. Financially our obligation is to the other ones first. We are legislated to look after the other three first, but the second two are huge issues for our city because we need to have a good image to have people move here, and stay here.”
It's a two-way street when it comes to transparency, says Kolada. “I do believe we need to be transparent at the city. I think that is a responsibility of both parties. The citizen to ask the questions, and the city administration and council to answer honestly.”
Kolada has one wish, and that is to see a larger voter turnout, and with the election she believes the city will see that.
Kolada hopes that residents see her experience as an advantage for the next council. “I think I can make a contribution, and I don't think age is everything. With age comes experience, and history. You see what has failed in the past.”
