Q. Why are you running for mayor/council?
A. I am running for Council to continue to be a voice in the city for the citizens. I have always believed in leading from the front if you want to be a leader.
Q. Do you have experience in public service/community boards/politics?
A. My experience in politics is limited and growing daily, however experience in MJ is extensive.
Q. Do you think experience matters one way or another?
A. I do not think that experience matters if you're willing to learn. We all start experience as of day 1, no matter what scenario. Experience as a City Councilor prior to the election doesn't really put you ahead of anyone else other than maybe name recognition or an understanding of how things run within the city as of now.
Q. What topic/policy issue/incident was the tipping point for you?
A. Tipping point for me is just the overall state of the direction of the city. I think we have some on city council right now that are okay with the status quo. I'm not okay seeing our downtown heading towards shambles. I'm not okay with the catch and release of criminals on to our streets to do it again. I'm not okay with our officers knowing their hard work is going to go nowhere because of weak policies, I'm not okay with the way we do not encourage development or attract business. I'm not okay with watching our businesses taxed by SAMA and having no other alternatives or audits of SAMA done just to name a few. I love this city, and I expect more from its leadership. I can't complain if I'm not willing to step up.
Q. What criticisms do you have, if any, for the politics you've seen over the last two or three years?
A. I guess the answer above kind of leads into this question. My criticism of last council would be to be more pro-active and listen to the citizens. I guess the sheer numbers of people running would speak to the fact that people are not feeling that they are heard and want change. I guess we will see if experience holds any weight, or if people are willing to vote for change and not accept status quo.
Q. What is your plan to compromise/cooperate with fellow council members to accomplish policy goals?
A. Plans to compromise/cooperate with fellow councilors? If we as a society lose the ability to have tough conversations, then that's when nothing gets done. I have always been a person who takes challenges heads up and doesn't shy from tough conversations, we don't always have to agree on everything, but logic, facts, and common sense has to prevail in every instance. Its ok to disagree, it's about checks and balances, ability to sit across from someone that views different than you, and talk... its key
Q. What else do you want voters to know about you?
A. I'm a regular guy. I have a wife and a 27-year-old daughter, a 31-year-old stepdaughter and a 34-year-old stepson, and 3 grandkids to drive papa a little crazy some days. I have 3 brothers and a large family in town. My grandfather Stan was a Police officer in town and the Mayor of MJ. I played football, baseball, and was a competitive curler until I retired from the tour to watch my daughter grow as a judo fighter. I have watched her grow as an athlete representing her dojo, her city, her province, and her country in countless weekends, and now as she coaches.
I was a ball coach for many years coaching girls at the Summer Games and boys for years up to AAA 18 Canucks. I was a coach, vise-president, President, and now the Past-President of Moose Jaw Kinsmen Minor Football and am excited about the growth after my time. I was fortunate enough to coach some incredible athletes in our city and see them turn into great people. I love this crazy little community and want to see it prosper for the next generations.
Q. In the interests of transparency, are you coordinating or do you share an association with any other candidates, in any way whatsoever?
A. Regarding the transparency question, I am not coordinating with any other candidates. I do have association with other candidates depending on what topic you are speaking of, but as for politics, no.
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.