Addressing crime, making Crescent Park safer, developing a better system for recycling and garbage, and enhancing economic growth are some priorities Sam Morrison would pursue if elected mayor.
Morrison is one of 9 candidates seeking to become mayor of Moose Jaw. He announced his candidacy on Oct. 1 in front of the arches at Crescent Park.
As someone who enjoys volunteering and community service, Morrison has wanted to become involved with city council for years. However, he had little time since he was running Flattop Automotive. The timing to run for mayor worked out perfectly, though, after he recently sold his business after 13 years of ownership.
“It’s a sense of duty … ,” he said. “I’m willing to give it my best effort and make a difference.”
Some issues need “fine-tuning” in Moose Jaw, which could make the community better, Morrison said.
As someone who works in the auto industry, he has heard many complaints from residents and tourists about the poor quality of roads, he said. He believes a better solution is needed — he would consult with experts — than what’s currently being done.
“It doesn’t leave a very good impression for a tourist town, and I feel we can do better,” he said, pointing out that Alberta, North Dakota and Montana all have similar climates and have better roads.
The rise in crime — particularly petty theft — bothers Morrison and is an issue he wants addressed. Since this increase is due to drug addiction, he would consult with the police and medical and mental health professionals about how the mayor’s office can support them.
Morrison’s house is across the street from a Salvation Army bin and he sees many people picking through it in the evenings. While this and other thefts might be small scale, they are not victimless crimes since they eventually feed drug habits.
“We need to get to the root of the problem,” he said.
Similarly, Crescent Park needs to be made safer because while it’s a beautiful park, many people are scared to go there — especially after dark, Morrison continued. He has heard that plenty of illegal activity happens there, while he is also frustrated with the continued vandalism and abuse of animals.
Meanwhile, Morrison says a better plan is needed for garbage pick-up, with many people telling him that bi-weekly collection should only happen after all the leaves have fallen in the autumn.
“I realize many people are unable to get the leaves to the dump, (so) this may relieve some pressure (on) our residents trying to keep their yards nice,” he said.
Recycling also needs to be addressed since he has heard that this material is thrown into the landfill. Instead, Morrison would pursue an innovative recycling program that sorts and processes waste beforehand. This would create additional costs, but it would also create jobs and prolong the life of the dump.
City hall has a reputation for hindering economic development and growth, so changes are needed so that more industries and businesses can come and create jobs, Morrison continued. He has also heard that red tape has stopped or affected many projects, a problem he experienced.
“I’m not saying that’s all city hall’s fault … but I’d like to find solutions for when it is. If it’s something we can do better, I’d like to make sure we do it,” he added. “I want to establish a … more inviting city where people are going to want to come.”
The mayoral byelection is on Wednesday, Nov. 3.
