Below are Steven's answers to the questions we posed to all city council candidates:
Q: Why are you running for council?
A: I am running for council as I believe that I can make a difference in Moose Jaw. I love the city I have lived in for my entire life.
Q: Do you have experience in public service/community boards/politics?
A: I have been a Moose Jaw kinsmen member for almost 20 years, was a board member for Moose Jaw Minor Hockey as well as the tier coordinator for 2 years while on the board. I am currently a member of the South Hill Community Association.
Q: Do you think experience matters one way or another?
A: I feel that all our life's experiences matter as this is what makes us who we are. I do not believe that just because you have been on council before makes you the right person for the position, it is what you have done to represent the city of Moose Jaw and the people that live here that matters the most as the rest will fall into place.
Q: What topic/policy issue/incident was the tipping point for you?
A: I don't know if it was just one specific incident in particular or a number of things that have occurred. I have heard from many people that they are not happy with our current city council and the way the city is being run. I have been encouraged by many people to put my name forward as they have stated that they felt I would represent the people of Moose Jaw well with all my experience.
Q: What criticisms do you have, if any, for the politics you've seen over the last two or three years?
A: I believe that some councillors have been on council for too long and that people want to see change, a fresh set of eyes. We need to encourage growth in business as well as population. I do not feel that our current council has done enough to address the homelessness or the issues with the food bank. Mental health and addictions has become an issue across our country and our provincial and federal governments do not do enough to help with this problem and are leaving it up to municipal governments to deal with the issues. People from all walks of life deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. I have seen in the past that not all representatives and citizens of the city share this same view.
Q: What is your plan to compromise/cooperate with fellow council members to accomplish policy goals?
A: I don't have a specific plan but I do believe that we all need to find a way to work together for the people of Moose Jaw. During my career as a union rep I have lots of experience in finding compromise and working with all kinds of people. Those elected need to remember that the people of Moose Jaw elected them and that we represent them and the City.
Q: What else do you want voters to know about you?
A: If elected I will do my best to represent all people living in our city. I believe that all walks of life deserve and need to be treated with dignity and respect. I want to encourage growth in our city and work with businesses to encourage them to open their business in Moose Jaw. I believe that it is important for the city to diversify for a good future and population growth.
Q: In the interests of transparency, are you co-ordinating or do you share an association with any other candidates, in any way whatsoever?
A: I do not have any association nor am I coordinating with any other candidates.
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.