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Brett McAuley has lived in Moose Jaw for more than a decade, and he's finally ready to make some changes himself.
Fed up with what he was seeing from the current mayor and council, he decided the only way to enact shifts is to run for mayor himself.
“The reason I'm doing this is short and simple. As a taxpayer, I'm tired of seeing these tax increases. We aren't getting the bang for our buck,” he said.
“The same problems just keep continuing at City Hall. I see opportunities for more efficiency. There's a lack of communication, and I want to be part of the solution.”
He sees the City of Moose Jaw as a corporation and a service provider.
“Local government should provide amenities and things to the public. They are supposed to make things better,” he said. “Time and time again we're seeing roads being improved, but then torn up a month after construction for underground service work. It doesn't make sense.”
Another issue that worries McAuley greatly is crime within the Saskatchewan city.
“This is something that needs to be addressed. Drug use, petty theft and squatters all present a problem. People have questions on how to help this issue,” he said.
“I look at this as a two-front issue. We need to be proactive about prevention and reactive when addressing ongoing issues.”
Perhaps one of the biggest issues for him are taxes, which saw a 7.5 per cent increase over the last year.
“I don't think I could look a taxpayer in the eye with conviction right now and tell them a reason for that sort of increase. This needs to change,” he said.
“We just aren't getting the value for those increases, and small businesses feel that way too. Services get cut, and I just want there to be more efficiencies.”
Another issue close to his heart in the area has to do with wellness.
“Mental health needs to be addressed. With the pandemic, stress levels have just been elevated, and I've seen those close to me have issues. We need to protect our families, neighbours and friends. Our sense of community is diminished, and it's in our power to fix it,” he said.
“Moose Jaw needs a mayor that will keep taxpayers in mind, and someone who puts them at the forefront of every decision made. They need someone they can relate to.”
Originally from Moosomin, he lived in Calgary prior to moving to Moose Jaw 12 years ago. McAuley says at the time, he and his then-wife wanted to be near family. It was their love of the area that kept them there.
Now, the IT professional has found steady work with Mosaic, and proudly calls Moose Jaw home.
“If you have a problem at Mosaic, you call me. I am genuine and always there to help. People respond to that, as I'm confident and real. I say what I mean and mean what I say. If I say I'll do it, I will,” he said.
The athletics coach and community leader is always trying to find ways to help those in his community.
“It doesn't matter if I'm volunteering, working in the community or anything else, I give my all. I bring huge things to the table, and people could be confident with me as the face of the city,” he said.
“Our provincial and federal leaders have flip-flopped on promises, for dollars and other things. But people want someone they can depend on. I will listen, I will do what the people want, and I'll be there for them.”
