Municipal election candidate Jody Chell believes city council forgets too often about residents during its decision-making processes and needs to improve communications to ensure everyone feels included.
One decision that bothered people was the motion to possibly amend the Official Community Plan (OCP) so a major subdivision could be built in Wakamow Valley, she explained. Many people expressed disappointment that their voices weren’t heard or that council didn’t consult with the public.
Chell acknowledged that city administration plans to engage in a public consultation process on this issue soon.
“There’s a lack of communication between administration and residents. I know things are posted on Facebook (and) I know they put publications out, but I still feel there’s a disconnect,” she said, “and (so) what can we do to fix that?”
How issues are communicated also concerns Chell. She pointed to how announcements about road construction are usually announced only a couple of days ahead of when they start. She thought it would also be great to know when construction projects would be finished.
“I would like to see better planning, which involves (wisely) spending tax dollars,” she said.
If Chell is elected, she would make it her goal to promote more public engagement, more transparency between city administration and the public, would encourage people to attend council meetings either online or in person, and would have an open-door policy so residents could ask her questions.
She would also work to ensure there is broader communication with the public and that all communications methods — digital and non-digital — are used to reach every resident.
Chell has lived in Moose Jaw for 36 years, is an occupational health and safety practitioner, and owns Soteria Safety Consulting. She is working toward her degree in human justice and plans to attend law school.
She is perhaps most known for organizing the Moose Jaw Parades held early during the pandemic lockdown. Other community groups for which she volunteers include Sidewalk Days, the Canada Day committee, the cat rescue group SCRAPS, and the rolling car show that she helped co-found due to the lockdown.
Being a business owner is one of Chell’s strengths since her job — something she takes seriously — is to ensure people are prepared and trained in safety, she said. If elected, one of her goals would be to ensure councillors who sit on boards or committees are trained in their responsibilities.
Another strength is she can think outside the box, Chell continued. She pointed to how she helped organize the parades and car show, saying she managed to recruit hundreds of volunteers during a pandemic to do something positive for the community.
“And I’m outspoken. I always stand up for what’s right or what I believe is right,” she continued. “I will do the work to go over things with a fine-tooth comb to make sure that things aren’t missed and (that) the right questions need to be asked.”
Chell believes she can relate to many people who live in Moose Jaw since she has experienced similar challenges. She is a single mother of an 18-year-old daughter and chose to live in Moose Jaw since it’s a safe community to raise children. She has had opportunities to move to other places for better jobs but felt this community was the best location for her daughter to grow.
Chell hopes that by running in the 2020 municipal election, she can set a good example for other residents. She also wants to see more people vote; only half of all eligible voters cast a ballot in 2016.
“I have the education and experience to become a competent councillor … ,” she added. “It is time for a change.”
