Discouraging and pathetic describes the voter turnout for the by-election selecting a new Moose Jaw mayor this month.
Only 6,029 voters bothered to cast a ballot out of an estimated 26,000 eligible. That amounts to the new mayor being chosen by just under five per cent of the city’s eligible voters.
As one observer put it “They won’t vote but they will sure bitch.” Her idea: if you didn’t vote you shouldn’t complain about city matters.
The turnout was no better than the general election last year when Fraser Tolmie won, only to resign a year later after winning a federal MP seat.
The new mayor Clive Tolley ought to be humble about getting elected to his $100,000 a year job by such a small number. He and council need to work on improving voter turnout.
He comes to council with previous experience from almost 40 years ago when he was on city council.
But his true leanings are not that evident. During an interview with the media after the election, he claimed to be a social activist just like his late mother Marion, only to claim a few moments later he was a conservative favouring business. Which is he?
His approach to council comes as a sports coach with a plan to act as the coach and mediator, mediation being his last occupation.
The last mayor Moose Jaw with plans to coach council was Stan Montgomery. He soon discovered leading like that was like trying to herd cats.
Later Glenn Hagel found his collegial approach to the mayor’s position was less effective than hoped.
Tolley may need to revise his coaching approach. Councillors will all have different ideas on how to run affairs.
Tolley’s campaign issues included revitalizing River Street and making Crescent Park safer.
Revitalizing River Street will be a challenge. Owners of vacant property will need convincing that they can make a profit by developing, as do their bankers. The mayor has no say on this matter other than to invite them to talk.
The mayor is more of a figurehead and ambassador than a working boss, something most candidates failed to admit or failed to realize.
Making the park safer can create issues too. The park has long been a problem with addicts and late night dwellers.
He might be better off tackling the whole drug issue, the explosion of crystal meth and crimes related to its use.
Tolley was on council when dollars weren’t as tight as nowadays.
One issue the mayor and new council ought to tackle is garbage collection.
A while back, council changed May and October garbage collection to once every two weeks from weekly to save around $20,000.
Garbage should be picked up weekly during October to get all the leaves and garden refuse. Chalk it up to climate change, but our autumn season is getting warmer and longer with leaves not dropping as soon a previously.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
