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?
The biggest change I would make would be addressing the growing crime problem and making the city more inviting to attract a strong labour force.
What would you like to accomplish or see happen in your first 100 days?
My first 100 days will be very busy meeting heads of departments and committees to establish priorities.
How can city council be more transparent in its decision making?
City hall needs to provide accounts of all its dealings but some details must remain closed until negotiations are over. Many times personal and business finances must remain confidential.
What do you think about city council spending more on projects than it budgeted for this year?
That needs to be review on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes emergencies arise that require immediate attention.
What do you think about council using surplus account — such as the accumulated account — to pay for unexpected expenses?
That also needs review on a case-by-case basis. The rainy day account is there for unexpected expenses, but caution should be used when diving into the principal amount, as it is so hard to replace and greatly decreases earning potential.
Do you think that community beautification initiatives are necessary and should be spent out of surplus funds?
That's difficult because beauty is so subjective. I believe we all want a beautiful city. Perhaps we could offer a grant for community beautification projects pending review by a committee.
Your job is to represent everyone in the city. How do you plan to represent people who do not vote for you?
They will be represented the same as anyone.
What issue doesn’t receive enough attention in Moose Jaw?
Probably the drug and crime problem. It receives lots of attention but obviously not enough because it's still going on.
What issue receives too much attention?
None that I can think of.
What informs your political stance?
I'm actually not that political but I believe jobs are important, so we need strong business.
What is something people don’t know about you?
I don't like olives.
