Councillor Rodney Beatty has filed his nomination papers for a second term on Estevan City Council.

Beatty made his first foray into municipal politics three years ago, and he finished a comfortable fourth in the councillor election. At the time, he campaigned on such issues as pedestrian safety, particularly in the city's northeast corner, along with better sidewalks, lower speed limits and downtown revitalization.

He also wanted to give a greater voice to people who are between the ages of 20 and 40 – which is Beatty's age demographic.

But his first term on Council has seen him attend only 50 to 60 per cent of the meetings, due to illness and work commitments. Beatty recently acknowledged that he has struggled with mental health issues for some time, and that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder many years ago.

"It has, and continues to be, a tremendous burden for both me and my family," Beatty said. "As a result of my illness, I have had some absence from City Council but have always voiced my opinion and exercised what I felt was the best action or decision for the city."

Beatty said he believes that a stigma still remains about mental illness; this stigma prevented him from going to a therapist and admitting that he needs help.

"Through a course of assistance with medical professionals and taking prescribed medication I am taking all appropriate steps, with medical support, to ensure that I remain at the top of my game and continue to work toward developing the future of our fantastic city," he said.

Beatty says that he is basing his campaign on "Clear, Fresh, Direct and
Accountable Administration," and so he wants to be sincere, genuine and true to himself, and honest with the community.