Fiscal responsibility was clearly important to Manitoba voters in the 2019 provincial election, according to Altona mayor, Al Friesen, following the Progressive Conservatives earning a second majority government in Tuesday's vote. "It would appear that voters...decided that they were on side with what the Pallister team is putting together and if they weren't entirely happy with everything, they were prepared to give them more time to carry that through," added Friesen. 

That being said, Premier Brian Pallister indicated in his victory speech that after one term of repairing the province's foundation, government's renewed mandate in the second term will be a time to build on that.

"Premier Pallister made a number of announcements indicating that it seemed the purse strings were being loosed prior to the election," noted Friesen.

Additionally, Friesen says he wasn't entirely surprised by by the local result of Tuesday's election that saw Josh Guenter of the PCs elected MLA for the newly established Borderland constituency, noting the area has a deep rooted conservative leaning. That being said, Fiesen feels the 150 people that attended the all candidates debate showed there was an interest among voters to hear from everyone on the ballot.

"I've reached out to all the candidates that were involved in the election to thank them for doing what they do, public service is seldom easy. As you've seen, when you're under the scrutiny of people you are vulnerable and it takes courage and commitment to make that happen so I thank them for that," he added. 

Meantime, the mayor says Council is looking forward to a continued working relationship with the re-elected PC government in order to help carry out is local mandate.

In fact, the town sent a letter shortly after the election requesting a meeting with Manitoba Infrastructure.

"To remind them that Centre Avenue and Main Street are their responsibility," explained Friesen. "We've already had discussions, which we thought were fruitful discussions, on proceeding and we want to remind them of that, that we are waiting for that. We are looking to them to do their part on their road."

Additionally, Friesen says Council would like to work closer with the government department regarding current access off Highway 30 as it relates to safety and economic development.