The Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com sent out a questionnaire to each of the candidates running to be the next mayor of Moose Jaw. We will be publishing these results in order they were received.
The mayoral byelection is set for Wednesday, Nov. 3.
What would be your top priority as mayor?
I would be working full-time for our citizens and businesses to create a stronger city through direct engagement, a safe community strategy and working collaboratively with my colleagues on council. As mayor I would also get out from behind the desk and stay connected to our community and pursue economic development that fits our city.
What would you like to accomplish or see happen in your first 100 days?
As mayor, I would begin three significant initiatives in the first 100 days:
- Implement my open-door policy and begin direct communications to the public on issues and items we are working on.
- I will begin a safe community task force to address the increase in issues that have been impacting neighbourhoods all over our city. This would include a street-level approach in collaboration with organizations and experts who address the social issues along with property, business owners, police and fire representatives and provincial officials. This committee would work together on solutions and would identify areas where we need more resources in our city.
- I will immediately focus on attracting economic development opportunities to our city by pursuing partners for the agriculture industrial park and commercial areas. I would meet with elected officials from the rural municipalities and province to explore an expansion of the RM of Baildon irrigation partnership. I would also meet with our representatives of the chamber of commerce, downtown, Visit Moose Jaw and tourism associations, along with economic development experts to explore an immediate strategy that can continue to support and promote our local business community.
How can city council be more transparent in its decision making?
I would continue to be vigilant in following the legislation under the Municipalities and Cities Acts that govern all in-camera meetings. I would also work to keep the public informed directly from the mayor's office. Communication is key; it is one of my career strengths and I would make sure information is provided from the mayor's office to reach people where they get their news; from newspapers, online and our city app. It is part of my open-door policy that I would implement.
What do you think about city council spending more on projects than it budgeted for this year?
We are tackling the largest infrastructure renewal our city has ever seen. Projects and upgrades to our lift stations, reservoirs, pump houses, cast iron water mains, sewer systems and other areas around our city. These have to be completed each year in the construction season; sometimes there can be changes that arise that may require additional funds to finish the projects.
What do you think about council using surplus account — such as the accumulated account — to pay for unexpected expenses?
The accumulated surplus is only used when needed; historically it has been used for capital projects. It was drawn on in 2017 when the province cancelled $4.5 million grants-in-lieu funding. It was also used in 2018 to provide funding assistance to both senior centres.
During the pandemic, it has been used to support the business community by funding the appeals allowance and an assistance program when businesses were confronted with limited opening ability. It is there to use when there are unforeseen circumstances, and we know that the pandemic is certainly a challenging time.
Do you think that community beautification initiatives are necessary and should be spent out of surplus funds?
Improvements such as beautification, maintenance, and upgrades in our community are all a part of our asset management strategy. It is important to have a strategy to look after the assets and areas of our city; if we allow things to deteriorate then in the long run, they will cost more money to rejuvenate.
The cast-iron water main renewal is what sparked the demand to create an asset strategy for all areas of our city. City council identifies priorities and uses our capital budget each year to tackle these projects.
Your job is to represent everyone in the city. How do you plan to represent people who do not vote for you?
My approach to serving as a city councillor for five years has always been to represent all of our city. Citizens’ concerns are my concerns. I am a person of action, from garbage issues, funding for seniors’ centres, road issues, business, water issues, I listen, follow up, and I act. I feel this is an important part of my full-time commitment to serving as your mayor.
What issue doesn’t receive enough attention in Moose Jaw?
It was recently announced that the provincial government’s municipal police grants are funding our police service at the same level as last year. That continues to be an unequal per capita amount compared to funding they provide to other cities across our province. We need to advocate to our provincial partners so that they will begin to fund our city on an equal basis.
We need to grow our Police and Crisis Team, which partners police officers with mental health care workers. Our city also needs additional support in specialty areas such as the Internet Child Exploitation Unit and the Crime Reduction Team, which focuses on increasing community safety, reducing violence and investigating organized crime.
What issue receives too much attention?
I don't think there is any issue that receives too much attention. As mayor, I will always take the approach of how I can help. It is important to respond to citizens’ concerns with respect and to find solutions and or answers to their inquiries. When someone approaches me with a concern, I act on the information to find solutions. The role of the mayor is to serve in a full-time capacity; it is a priority to return calls, meet with people and help on issues that residents, businesses and organizations are having.
What informs your political stance?
My political stance is formed through continually seeking out as much information from all sides on an issue so I can make the most informed decision at the council table. Reading the reports provided by staff is important, but I also go out and look into the issue and meet with concerned citizens. I ask questions of our administration, and I seek to get a full picture of the situation to make fair, and well-informed decisions.
What is something people don’t know about you?
I have a big passion for the outdoors. When I'm not working, you'll find me out on the trails on my mountain bike, running or during the winter cross-country skiing on the river. Moose Jaw is filled with beautiful places to go all year round.
