Michael Reid

The Porch was filled with energy when Michael Reid popped in for a visit. He is a first time candidate for city council. He has a background in education and coaching.He and his spouse recently moved to Medicine Hat to set up a local business YogaRevolution. Brian and Michael have a thoughtful discussion on the issues Michael faces opening his business and discuss ways he thinks the city could do better.

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Transcript

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I thought maybe this was just, you know, a learning curve, right? We were new to this. And so. But I shared my story with one of the current counselors on, at the city and is also with the Chamber of Commerce because I joined with Chamber Commerce and I was told, no, no, no, no. This is the kind of stuff we're seeing over and over again. This episode of Bring Back the Porch, brought to you by Bernie Leahy, River Street Realty. Let's get you home. 39 candidates vying for eight seats at medicine at City council. October 20th. And one of those candidates is with me now. Good morning, Michael Reid How are you? Oh, good. How are you, Brian? Very good, very good. Yeah, we were just talking before we went on the air here about your background. You're not from medicine. Had originally, but you chose to come to medicine Hat. Why? Well, there for two reasons. One, my my wife is from here, so my wife grew up here, was raised here, went to medicine, had college here, but had to move away to finish her degree. That brought her to Red deer, where she was a teacher. But that's also where I was. I was up in Red deer as a teacher. And we decided that we wanted to try something different. We were ready to transition into into a different, different career, different phase in our life. And, we wanted to open up our own business. So we had that opportunity to say, hey, we can move anywhere we are going to. This is a brand new start. But a couple of factors. One, that her family's here, played a big role. And so we were coming down and visiting. So we, we did fall in love with the city. So coming down. And I was like, oh, this is beautiful downtown, beautiful parks, beautiful. It was amazing. Like coming down actually. People said hi. So being in Red deer, it was, it was, it was like, yeah. And I'm not trying to criticize Red deer, but it was like coming to medicine and people would be like welcoming and saying hi. I was like, oh, this is awesome. This is just great, right? So all those factors played in a role, played a role in to where we were going to make this new start and so, yeah, so we decided to open up our own business, Yoga Revolution. Downtown. It's refreshing to get an outside perspective on medicine, because a lot of us have been here for too long. You know, we sometimes take our city for granted, but it's nice to hear nice things about our city from someone who looked at it from the outside. Yeah. And I hope I bring that perspective. It just kind of comes naturally with it. I mean, and I, I don't hold this against me. I was born in Ontario. I was raised in a small little mill town in, in Ontario. I spent three years in Winnipeg. I moved to Red deer in 97, spent. I've been in Red deer since 97. So I've been around, seen different scene. Some different things in different, I guess I have some different perspective on things, I guess. But but yeah, looking at Medicine Hat from that outside and that's what I saw. It was just, oh, this is a great, a great community to, to, to, to live in. And I'm excited for it. Yeah. Like really excited. So how do we translate that excitement and bring other people to have the same vision in the Medicine hat? Well, I think that's the thing is that Medicine Hat has a lot of great qualities. Those are the qualities that I saw right. Like. And you talk you talk about whether it be I mean, we can highlight the the climate in the sunshine. You can you can highlight that. You can highlight that friendliness, that community feel. You can highlight the parks like I mean, really driving across kind of prairie land and farmland. And all of a sudden it's this little oasis in the middle of nowhere where it's just trees and like the cool, these are like our mountains. We've got a we've got a view. We live kind of on the hills downtown here. And we look out and see the coolest. And we just call. Those are a little mountains. Right. So, so that kind of stuff then take your historical piece of it, the, the characteristic, the, the history of it, our downtown, the historical buildings, the middle to the you name it. All those things are beautiful. That that I think do attract people. I think there's other things, other factors that are maybe preventing people from maybe establishing themselves here. So we have a recipe for success. So what's boiling the broth. Well, and this is just from my experience so far. So when we opened up our business and I know I've shared this story before, but I'm going to share it with you because we have. Yeah, I'm just going to share I love sharing my story on the porch. That's right. Yeah. So so we opened up our business, Yoga Revolution and, you know, went through that process. All the process you have to go through, right is first step, do this first next step, blah, blah, blah. So we got to the point of having to work with the city, to say, okay, here's what we would like to do. So city development and, and we started that process. We were getting one department, our first department. Yes. We want you to. Yeah. Go ahead. We're ready. We brought in, for leasehold improvements. We brought in, a developer that helped us with with making our leasehold improvements. They had all the blueprints and everything. Their engineers had it all laid out, and they said, let's get a pre inspection done. So that way we make sure there's no surprises because this is something that was it's big for my wife and I. We have to go to the. The life into it. Absolutely. And then we have to go to the bank and get a loan. And all those things were like, are we going to have are we going to qualify for this? Right. You know, so what is what is this project going to actually come out to. We had already I had already had the plans and my business plan. But then sometimes that's different than reality, right. So but we didn't want any surprises. And we were like, oh no, no, you're good, you're good. And then it was at the end where we'd already. Now we're like, we're not just like ankle deep or knee deep or waist deep. Now we're like, neck deep end, right? We've committed. We've like, we are committed as far as you owe pretty much as much as you can. And we were told, oh no, no. So a different department comes in and particularly the follow up inspection say no. You need to have a, a fully accessible change room. And, and yes, most people say, well, yes, you should. Well, but we were already told we didn't. And the reason why we were told we did is because we had a fully accessible bathroom. Our change rooms were separate from our bathrooms and we were told, no, that should that should still qualify you. So you don't need to do that. And then a few other little things. So in terms of, fire safety for the, the stairwells, but these are all things that well, why weren't we told this ahead of time? That was a $55,000 like addition. Where we're like, oh, we thought we were this close to not being able to make it already now. Like now, when I was right. So, so it was very challenging and stressful and, and I thought through that, obviously we made it. We did make it through, I thought maybe this was just, you know, a learning curve, right? We were new to this. And so but I shared my story with one of the current counselors on, at the city and was also with the Chamber of Commerce because I joined with the Chamber of Commerce and I was told, no, no, no, no, this is the kind of stuff we're seeing over and over again. And I said, oh, really? And and so I got invited by the chamber to sit down on last spring to, reevaluate the municipal policy, do the review for that, for the recommendations through the chamber. And I'm in that. I'm like, are you sure? Because it's just me. I'm just my own little business. And I'm in there with developers. I'm engineers, like big time projects and project managers and all sharing the same stories of of how difficult it is. And it's that surprise. It's it's almost like you're getting the go ahead. Go ahead. No. And then what? And then it's like, no, like there's not even, here's what you need to do. Here's some solutions. Here's how we can work with you, that kind of thing. So. So is that what pushed you into running for city council? Yes. Yeah. Absolutely. Like and part of it isn't and it isn't from a perspective of like I don't have an attitude of of, complaining. I'm going to like, I'm, I'm coming in angry and I'm going to change the world. I'm just like, no, I think there's there's things that can be done. I so I'm big on taking action. So instead of holding back, what can I do? What can I I'll share my story. Now. I'll try and advocate and then not only that, bring everybody to the table, because that's all I see. I see a lot of people working hard. It's not a it's not a criticism. I wouldn't finger point to any person, even department. I would just kind of say, I think there's a lack of efficiency. I think there's there's ways to optimize things better. And maybe change that script like that change that script. I use the word we're open for business rather than, you know, our I think our word say we're open, but our actions say we're closed. So, being a part of that, being a part of that, Prior to setting up your business here, did you have any experience, as an entrepreneur? As an entrepreneur? No. So my, my career, I mean, I, I when I first moved out to, to to read Dr. Talbot, it was to work in the oil patch. So I that was what got me on my feet. And, I worked in the oil patch. That's what actually got me through school, became a teacher. So, you know, my experience was, was in teaching, but I felt that my skills that I've, I've developed and grown over the years as a teacher and, in other areas of, of education, I was like, no, I'm good. I want to use these skills into something else. So entrepreneurial ship was was, I said, no, this will be a this would be a good transition. But no, to answer your question, this was my first, first, first project. So with along with my wife, I have to give my wife credit. Yes. Or you'll be in trouble. Oh, yeah. No, I will, because it's hers. It's hers too. This isn't just me, she says. You keep saying me and I'm like, I know it's us, it's us. You're right, you're right. One of the things that this next city council is going to have to do is sink its teeth into is the municipally controlled corporation the idea that maybe running the daily utilities is too much for people who don't have a lot of experience in that? The have you given any thought to that? Yeah. And that's one of the things that I, I guess the first thing is, and I've used this phrase before, get our house in order first, because to me it's like, why? Why did that council feel that way? And maybe there is a valid reason. I think unfortunately there's a there's been a lack of trust with kind of how this council has managed itself. And for whatever reason, again, I'm not pointing fingers, but when there's that lack of trust in me as a taxpayer, I'm like, do they really need it or right? So the first thing is get get the house in order first, build that trust. Like say, hey, no, we let's really look at this. And as a taxpayer, I'd be able to say at that point, say, okay, now if they're having to make that decision to rely on on outside help to help manage this, I trust that they're making a good, honest decision. I don't feel that right now. Right. And again, not about pointing fingers. And because maybe maybe it is there. But we just don't have that. So first look at that. So I'm not I'm not opposed to the idea but I'm not saying yes we have to. It's kind of like let's get things in order first. Let's get a clear picture. Because if it's something that this new council can come on and, and be a part of, and to be able to say, no, actually it is manageable. We've now that we've got everything in order, we've got our priorities straight and we're working unison uniformly. We can do it then why, why, why spend that extra money to to bring someone in to manage it? However, if we look at that and it's become so diverse and then times change, that it's like, no, actually we would get better return, we would get better, a better investment if we actually had someone else doing this for us. Then look at that. Would your experience in the oil and gas industry help you? If you were sitting on city Council and looking at the utilities? A little bit. I mean, it's limited. I mean, I worked I was a front, I, I was on the forefront, right? I was a grant really, as I was. So, but being involved in that world, obviously being particular attention to, to what's going on in that world and in oil and gas and, and and energy, I mean, it was our livelihood. Right. So, so, yes. And I have and then there's connections you make too. Right? There's people that you communicate. So it's not I guess I've seen and I'm not criticizing someone who's just goes into a career and then that's all they've ever done. And then they their world doesn't expand beyond that. I have that experience to be able say, no, there's more to it than that. Right? So speaking of energy, the Sound Solar Project is another big ticket item that is on the horizon. Have you given any thought to where you would stand on that? So again, I and I won't repeat all of that. But again, that idea of getting the house in order to make sure that that decisions moving forward are done responsibly and and and is there benefit for it. Now, I understand with this project it's a little bit different because money's already been invested. They've already they've already jumped. So I'm talking when we were just talking earlier about me being in in my business and now I was ankle deep, knee deep, waist deep. Where are we in this project. Right. So now it becomes the question of is it is it worth cutting our losses. It you know, is that where we're at and starting from scratch or do we say no at this point we need to make this successful and and and and make it successful because we can't afford to go partway and then have this fail. So but again, it's really looking at those numbers. And those are numbers I don't have I in front of me. Right. And that's something that I don't know if any of us do except maybe, maybe the current council does. I don't know. But but get get that house in order first. Really, really look at those numbers. But then that's what it's going to come down to is, you know. Yeah, I suspect the answer to this next question will be the same as the other one. But the South Side Recreation Center is another big ticket item that we've heard a lot about in this campaign. Again, can we afford it? Yeah. And that's an important thing because I'm hearing from a lot of families. I mean, and we're wanting to attract families, right. Like I have four kids. They're all adults now. But I've been there, I've done that. I know what it's like like, and I know that's important. If we don't have those kind of facilities, and services, it's hard to track families and that to the city. But at the same time, when we're talking like we're talking, times are pretty tough right now. Cost of living has gone up and and those kind of things. So we do have to be very responsible with is now the time to spend. My other concern would be because I've seen this in cities, I saw this in Red deer, particularly where it's like, hey, we're going to go for this project. And it's like, yes, yes, let's go for it. And then it's all of a sudden, as the project's unfolding, it's like, oh, but we've got to cut this, we've got to cut this, and then we got to cut this. And then all of a sudden you end up with a project that's kind of mediocre, and you've just invested a lot of money into it. It's not sustainable because now it's like now we've got to find something else. So before being reactive and just jumping in and saying, yes, this is what we need, I would I would really want to look look at it from that perspective of, say again, if we're going to do this, it's got to be sustainable. It's got to be done right. It's got to be done well. And then there's that second piece that it does fall on it. When we look at our budget and say, in order to do this, if this increases our taxes, use the people are you want, are you all right with that? Right. And really giving that feedback because that's that's who we're, we're, we're technically working for. Right. So the property taxpayer we've been hearing that they are saying we can't afford 5.7% increases every year. So you have to keep that in mind if you're sitting around that table. That's right. And so so I get it. And it's and they're not easy decisions to have to make. But that at the end of the day we also have to adapt to our times. So five years ago, ten years ago, depending on you know, it might have been yeah, these are great visions. But now as times change, we have to be able to adapt to those things. And maybe curve our thinking, not saying throw the idea out altogether, but keeping in mind we want to make it successful, but we also need to make it so that way it's affordable. And being mindful of the people because great to have a facility. But if there's no one here to use it, because nobody can afford to live here, then then we've got a problem too, right? Yeah. One of the issues in this campaign, too, has been the mustard seed. And the people that we see collecting downtown that apparently have nowhere to go. Yeah. The Mustard Seed has withdrawn its application to use the old youth hostel, the labor Hall, up in northwest Crescent Heights. I mean, if you're sitting on city council, what will you bring to that discussion? Well, one is to bring people together because one thing I've one thing I've found, especially being about downtown business owner, is that idea. There's lots of agencies, the city, whatever it is working really hard coming up with decisions, but sometimes not everybody's at the table. So sometimes when we make a decision, we don't realize how we're affecting someone else. So I even think of it as the downtown businesses, right? As as my business. I can think, hey, this is a great way that'll help revitalize the downtown. But then if I talk to my other business, my neighbors, and then they say, oh, might that that actually really negatively affected us, right. Maybe it shouldn't have done that. And I know that's a simple example, but this is where it is. It's making sure that we're bringing everybody to the table to find what we want, a solution. And what is going to be the best how how is it going to best serve what the mustard seeds doing? How is it going to best serve those people? And then how is it going to best serve the community as well? So it's not just a aid that is it's looked at again, it's sustainable. I mean, I just was at visited the root cellar and I know there are different different thing, but just seeing how well organized and thoughtful I gave the the, the description to Melissa when I was talking, I said it's like intelligently thought through, every little process. Right. So that's that kind of thinking that we need to bring when we, when we make a decision for, for the mustard seed and, and, you know, our less or less for our homeless and less fortunate population. I know, and it doesn't solve the problem and I don't I don't see it going away anytime soon. So it is something that we have to be mindful of. And rather than complaining, rather than just being frustrated with it, say, okay, this is what we have to deal with. So let's put our heads to the table and, and let's find actionable solutions that are sustainable and, and then once those decisions are made, like I, I think I wrote about it in a blog, I said, whatever community ends up taking on that responsibility of, say, wherever the mustard seed does get located. And I use the downtown as an example, I wasn't saying it has to be there, but say if it was, I think the rest of the community of medicine Hat should be saying, whatever community is, thank you, thank and we will support you however we can because I know from wherever it doesn't matter where you live, if it comes into my neighborhood, which also happens to be downtown, there's going to be, oh, these are my concerns, right? If it was in the flats or these are my concerns. If it's up on the hill, these are their their concerns. Right? Then wherever that ends up being is, is the rest of us as a as a, as a community then support. Have you see an impact on your business downtown because of the people who are homeless? The I guess the term. Right. So in terms of the homeless, I my answer would be no. Where it where the impact is and it's and it's maybe not it's not a yes or no. It's, it's almost an indirect where I see the impact is when I talk to people who then say they're nervous or scared to come downtown, that's the impact. It's not the people themselves. And one of the solutions, like, I, I'm, I kind of had the downtown voice group that we talk about is how to make it vibrate. And we talk about, well, what is in our control, what we can't control. You know, how what authority the police have. We don't have control of mental health. We don't have control of substance abuse. We don't have control. What do we have control of? Making it vibrant and exciting and a place to be because downtown, when it's busy, it's the less fortunate homeless population are still there. We just don't see the less desirable behaviors as much. Right. It's. And if that's what we're talking about, that's that's how it impacts my business, is when I hear people saying, I'm nervous of coming downtown a lot of times, why they're nervous because they're they're nervous about seeing that less desirable behavior. So can we find solutions? I mean, because we can sit back and say, when are they going to do something about it? When are they going to do something about it? Right. It doesn't solve anything. We can talk about that too, to we're blue in the face. But if we can find solutions such as let's make it vibrant, let's make it active, let's own it, let's take pride in it. And and, and then what happens is, is it actually you don't see those less desirable behaviors and which I don't. We've got a great police team that I know they're I mean, that when they're around all the time, like I, I have them on my phone if I need to phone Sergeant Bryan and say, hey, and it's not out of a complaint, it's not because someone's done anything to my business. It's like, I think someone needs a little bit of help and they're on it right away. Like it's it's it's all there. Like the supports are there, but we need to change that script because the more that people start saying, I'm fearful, I'm fearful, I'm fearful, I'm scared, then what happens is, is that it becomes a reality. And that's what happened in Red deer, I think. I think that because I heard that talk and then the downtown just became a ghost town. And it became it did become an issue. So anyways, that was a long answer to your question. But that's those that's my perspective on, on this is to say instead of giving in to that fear. And that's, that's what it is and it's, and is valid. I don't want to take anyone's feelings away like they're valid concerns. But then let's say then how can we how can we make how can we work together to feel safe? So it's been a long campaign, Michael, what have you learned from it? What's so yeah, I it's probably the easy this is the simple answer. Now I'm going to talk here because I like to talk. So so being a, being a former teacher, I had all that like kind of that energy and passion and everything else that I would bring into my class. You can tell I've got lots of lots of passion, lots of energy. Right. Like, so, but now that I'm not teaching is like, where do I, where do I, where do I bring that to? So, so with this, it's been, a huge learning curve, but that's what I love. I love to get out there and talk to people, learn more. And just listen to listen to listen to the stories I get. And I give the, the example of even with the downtown businesses, I would use this as an example. I can come out into our meetings where I'm talking to every other other businesses and I say, okay, hey, what can we do as a solution to, you know, for this, for this problem, an actual solution? I don't have the answers. But then I all of a sudden I start to hear these other business owners saying, hey, let's do this, let's do this. And I'm just like, oh, wow. Like, that's awesome. Let's, let's run with this, right? And then there's opportunity for me to be able to say, oh, and what about this? I've had this experience with this. Sometimes I get put in my place and say, no, Mike, been there, done that. We've tried that. Oh, I'm like, okay, good, I know, I'm glad you told me. Or there's times it was like, no, that's great. So as we work collaboratively and put everything together and unify everybody, we come up with some great creative ideas. So, so in terms of this campaign and what I've learned, I've been learning lots and and it continues to grow. That's that's the most important thing is, is, I love learning and I love being able to see then where can I put my skills to help bring people together, to find those, find those actionable solutions to make things better? Sounds like you would be a consensus builder if you were to be elected. Yeah, that it is. That's an a real really important skill for me. Is is in helping people stay focused on. Hey. Yeah, let's let's not dwell on on the negative. Let's keep focused on those positive things and bring ideas. No idea is a bad idea, that kind of thing. And but then being responsible with those things. Right. Weighing all the pros and cons because I don't like making decisions that are uninformed. So. And as a group I feel that's important too. Right. So making sure that we've got all the pieces of information because last thing I want to be able to do is put my foot in my mouth because it was like I didn't actually take the time to do the research or, or listen to the concern or the suggestion, right. Take everything into into place. So Michael Reid candidate for Medicine Hat City Council, October 20th. Thank you for the visit. Yeah. Thank you so much. Thank you so much for having me here. It was it was a pleasure.