City council candidate Kim R. Robinson said he is looking to stimulate economic growth in the city to help Moose Jaw boost its civic pride, if elected during the upcoming municipal election.
“As a younger man, I remember being very proud of our city of Moose Jaw and it was recognized Canada-wide, and it still is,” said Robinson. “I think our current council has done some work on getting that out there, but I think we can do better and get back to that pride in our city.”
Robinson, who was born in Moose Jaw and returned from B.C. to live in the city in 2011, feels he is ready to commit his time to city council as an advocate for Moose Jaw’s interests.
Robinson cited his experience in construction, property development, financial management and accounting, and entrepreneurship and business as assets that would make him the right choice for council.
He has also been involved in a number of volunteer groups around the community, including Heartland Hospice, Saskatchewan Pickleball, the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation, and he sits on the Parks, Recreation and Facilities Advisory board. He has also been involved with recreational sports throughout his life, including hockey, football, and softball.
“I’ve always been an entrepreneurial type. I’ve done a lot of construction business ownership, worked for the health region in British Columbia, and I also worked for the Government of Saskatchewan for a bit,” said Robinson. “I’ve always been a person that’s gotten involved and rolled my sleeves up, and I like to be able to support my community wherever I can.”
Robinson said that his experience provides him with key skills like critical thinking, open communication, and an analytical perspective that would benefit him on city council.
“I consider myself balanced, weighing out both sides of an issue and then coming to a decision to move things forward in that way,” said Robinson.
Robinson said he has a few goals he would pursue if elected, including bolstering economic development through support for already-existing businesses in the city.
“I think, economically, we have to throw out those traditional economic development tactics, what some people call the ‘chase and subsidize method’ of going after some businesses, and concentrate on the businesses we already have, to make them better,” said Robinson. “[Those] stage-two businesses can be up to a hundred-employee type business, and if we can stimulate growth in that area, that will add jobs and economic value to the whole city of Moose Jaw.”
Infrastructure is another key point that Robinson plans to address, including advocating for a more forward-thinking approach that engages with the public. He said he would seek input from the public on future infrastructure projects like sewer and roadways, to organize a future plan.
He would also like to advocate for building pickleball tennis courts in the city, to encourage the sport and the opportunity for recreation for all ages.
When asked about the Wakamow Valley subdivision development, Robinson expressed concerns about the proposed plans. He said is leaning towards opposing the project as he finds the development unfair to residents with slumping issues in the area, and it would require “more scrutiny,” more study and more public input to move forward.
Robinson said that both his experience and his attendance at city council meetings in the past have helped him understand the complex inner workings of municipal government.
“I just bring a lot to the table, in that I’m older and wiser and have been involved in a lot of boards, and I think I’m a good decision-maker. I carry that financial background and I think we have to move things forward in a well-planned, fiscally responsible way,” said Robinson. “My big thing is to get back to some economic diversity and be proud of our city again.”
The municipal election will take place on Nov. 9.
