In a slate of fifteen total candidates, Steven J. White is hoping that voters in Moose Jaw will elect him to one of six city council positions so he can help move forward the projects that matter most to the public.
It’s likely that his name may be familiar to some, as White previously ran for a position on city council during the 2018 by-election but was unsuccessful.
But having moved to Moose Jaw over a decade ago, he said that his long-time interest in politics and desire to see Moose Jaw reach its full potential is what pushed him to put his name up for consideration again this year.
“I see a lot of potential in this town, and that's one of the things that motivates me. The people here, for the majority of it, are wonderful, pleasant, friendly. It really is the Friendly City,” said White. “There is so much opportunity here that is untapped and hasn’t been allowed to prosper, and I think it should.”
White has a strong background in finance, having worked in the field for 25 years as a VP of sales, head trader at a brokerage firm, and as a financial planner for individuals, families and small businesses. He also worked on a mayoral campaign when he lived in the U.S., and has experience looking over large city budgets and understanding bonds, interest, and taxes.
“That sort of thing gives me that experience in figuring out how to run a business, and a city is not much more than a business that needs to be properly run,” said White.
He has also taken on the role of treasurer for both St. Agnes School’s SCC and the Gymtastiks program, working on projects with both groups that have involved interacting with the city and have been waylaid.
This experience is part of what prompted him to pursue a seat on council, as he believes the city should be more efficient and open about project development. He wants to see more communication from city hall and the elimination of lengthy delays when working on new projects.
“There’s too many things that go on that take too long to get put into place. We’ve had people in the past that keep telling us they’re saving citizen’s money, and then don’t get done what they’re supposed to be doing,” said White. “That doesn’t mean it can’t be changed, and the people on council have the power to change that.”
If elected, White also said that he would approach his council position as a mouthpiece for the people of Moose Jaw, with a focus on listening to what the public wants in terms of city developments.
“I believe that I’m your servant, and I work for you. You’re the one paying taxes, and I’m the one collecting taxes as a salary, so I should be doing what you want to be done,” said White.
White was pleased to see the rate of public engagement when the city asked for input on the Wakamow Valley subdivision development, as that’s the sort of thing he wants to make a regular part of council business.
He also expressed concerns about the development, as it is located on a flood plain which could cause insurance issues in the future, and said if elected as councillor he would take the side of public opinion on the issue.
“Because I’m not sitting on council right now, I don’t know all the details about it. For me, right now, there’s too many questions,” said White. “But from the response I’ve seen from the people, first and foremost, I’d be against [the development] because that’s what the people want, but I would hope there’s more information released so we can get a better understanding.”
White’s electoral campaign is currently focusing on a few key issues, including reducing delays in city projects by introducing a three-term limit for city councillors, as motivation to get things done more efficiently, and implementing lower taxation rates for both new businesses and residents.
“Let’s lower taxes and make it more attractive in the first place, not offer sweetheart deals where [new businesses] get no taxes for five years, but make them lower across the board,” said White. “If you look at history, anytime taxes have been lowered, revenues have actually increased because it's pushed for that productivity, so there’s no reason we should keep raising taxes every year for the sake of raising taxes.”
Having attended council meetings in the past as a spectator, White is hoping for the opportunity to experience one on the other side of the room alongside five other councillors, as a voice for the general population of Moose Jaw.
“What they will get from me is somebody who is honest and, most importantly, will listen to what they have to say,” said White. “I’m here to understand what’s important to you and they’ll see that nobody’s going to work harder for them.”
White has a Facebook page titled “Steven J. White for Moose Jaw City Council” that will be sharing campaign updates, and his contact information is available on the City of Moose Jaw election webpage.
The municipal election will take place on Nov. 9.
