A man from Ile des Chenes says there is a lack of proper communication between ratepayers and Ritchot council. And, Yves Berard says that is one thing he would like to improve upon if elected to council next week.

Berard is running in Ward One. He says many residents of Ile des Chenes have asked him to run in the municipal election and he is hoping to be able to give something back to his community.

Berard says he has 35 years experience in the transportation industry. Most of that time has been spent as either a Terminal Manager or Operations Manager. Berard says he is well versed in managing a trucking operation, including balancing the books and making it profitable.

"I'm hoping to leverage that experience and bring some of those techniques to the RM and hopefully be able to bring some of that knowledge to the people here to better grow the RM," says Berard.

Berard recently returned back to Ile des Chenes after living in Alberta.

If elected, Berard says he would like to continue the trend of growth in the municipality; both at the residential and commercial levels. He would also like to ensure there is prudent fiscal management.

"My focus would be on seeing that the books kind of make sense and balance for the size of the RM and that we are spending our money wisely," says Berard.

He says it is too early to make any promises on how he would vote on future tax increases. Berard says he would need to see the books first, but is more likely to support a vote to hold the line on taxes.

"As you grow, there will be increased tax base and so with an increased tax base depending on what other infrastructures you need, you should be able to either hold or cut taxes if you can," he says.

The council candidate admits he has no prior political experience but says his years in the trucking industry, as well as time spent as Secretary for the Knights of Columbus, would help him in this new role.