Q. Why are you running for mayor/council?
A. I am running for Moose Jaw City Council to provide leadership that genuinely represents our community. I aim to be a voice for the citizens, ensuring that our community thrives both socially and economically. Together, we can build a safe and growing community for all.
Q. Do you have experience in public service/community boards/politics?
A. My background as a safety professional, along with my experience in government and non-profits, has strengthened my commitment to building safe and thriving communities. Additionally, my time serving as Mayor of South Lake has provided me with invaluable experience in leading municipal affairs and making decisions that benefit residents.
Q. Do you think experience matters one way or another?
A. I believe that each elected councilor contributes to a democratic forum where diverse perspectives and experiences are heard, leading to better decision-making. Every councilor brings unique insights and ideas to the issues and concerns facing our community. Ultimately, if you care about your community, you are qualified to serve.
Q. What topic/policy issue/incident was the tipping point for you?
A. I want to emphasize the importance of open communication. I have previously reached out to our city council via email and have had few replies. Additionally, when I have spoken at council meetings, my concerns have gone unaddressed. Having served as Mayor of South Lake, I have learned to understand that listening to the citizens is important for effective leadership.
Q. What criticisms do you have, if any, for the politics you've seen over the last two or three years?
A. While I don’t have specific criticisms as I believe the current and past councils do try their best, I believe that establishing clear "Terms of Reference" for City Council, including term lengths, is essential. I don’t believe City Council should be viewed as a career; instead, embracing change can bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to our community.
Q. What is your plan to compromise/cooperate with fellow council members to accomplish policy goals?
A.I have great respect for many of the candidates running in this election. I believe that having representatives from diverse backgrounds, education levels, and professions is crucial for truly representing all citizens in our community. My plan is to encourage open communication and collaboration with my fellow council members to find common ground and effectively achieve our policy goals.
Q. What else do you want voters to know about you?
A. Having spent over 50 years in Moose Jaw, I've had the privilege of raising four children and building strong local business roots. My family's entrepreneurial journey began in 1945 with our first local venture, and that spirit of entrepreneurship has been a constant in my life. Three of the business ventures still exist in our community today.
Three of my children have chosen to stay in Moose Jaw, contributing to the community in meaningful ways. Two are dedicated firefighters, while another excels as a project manager for an excavation company, and my daughter works with the Prairie South School Division. One of my many proudest moments as mom, was serving as the only female coach for my son’s hardball team, leading them to the Western Championships in Alberta.
My husband recently retired from the potash industry, spanning over 45 years. He and I are passionate supporters of our local sports scene, proudly holding season tickets for the Warriors for a number of years. We cherish quality time with our children and grandchildren, cheering on our grandson in local hockey and BMX bike races, while also enjoying our granddaughters' dance performances and cheerleading. Their energy keeps us young at heart!
I look forward to sharing my commitment to our community and my passion for supporting local businesses. Together, we can build a safe and thriving community for everyone
Q. In the interests of transparency, are you coordinating or do you share an association with any other candidates, in any way whatsoever?
A. I am running in this election as Carolyn Ross, a resident of Moose Jaw. While I know and respect many of the candidates and wish them all the best, I am running independently and do not have any formal coordination with them.
A candidates forum is taking place on Monday at 7 p.m. at the Centennial Auditorium at Peacock Collegiate. The forum will be livestreamed on Discover Moose Jaw.
Discover Moose Jaw will also have full coverage of the municipal election on Nov. 13.
For further municipal election coverage visit our election page.