Tom Mauss has been on Estevan city council for the past six months, and while he’s still adjusting, he said the experience has been positive overall.
“I’m settling into it. I’m not completely into it, because the learning curve is there, it’s quite a large learning curve, but it’s positive,” Mauss said.
He expressed gratitude for the mix of new and returning councillors on the current council.
“It’s just them being there. It’s not to say you have to do this and this. It’s them being there because they have experience,” Mauss said, referring to councillors Shelly Veroba, Kirsten Walliser and Brian Johnson.
“The three of them, they have experience and know how it works,” Mauss added, noting it’s the same with Mayor Tony Sernick.
“It brings a little routine into it that neither of the other three of us — Councillor Elliot, Councillor Dubowski, myself — have yet. They sort of calm things down, and we’re learning that slowly but surely.”
Mauss reflected on how his mindset has shifted since joining the council, saying it's important to ensure his message resonates when he speaks.
“You have to think about decisions that you make, and be a little more pragmatic, a little more thoughtful about what you’re saying."
Since being elected, he’s had to find his footing, especially in light of recent provincial and federal elections.
“The provincial election stayed the same, more or less. The federal election has changed a bit of things,” Mauss said. “We’ve also had our neighbour to the south going a little off-centre, if you want to put it mildly, and those are things we have to think about.”
Still, Mauss emphasized that the city remains his top priority.
“We have to concentrate in Estevan on what’s happening for the community, and what’s happening for the community in the next little while."
“Our focus should be on what’s going on for us now, and then what’s going on in the future. What’s happening with Boundary and Shand? What’s going on here? And in that aspect, there are things we don’t make the decision on directly, but we are affected by them.”
Mauss said he appreciates informal meet-and-greet opportunities such as Coffee with Council that allow council members to connect with residents, whether the conversations are positive or critical.
“There’s no need for an appointment. You just come by and say hi. ‘How are you? I have a question,’” Mauss said.
Mauss noted these encounters were particularly valuable during the city budget process.
“It’s important and good that they’re seeing that, and that’s helping all of us to connect.”
While Mauss doesn’t have a single top priority, he said he’s concerned about litter in the city and values initiatives like the Golden Garbage Can. He also emphasized the importance of downtown revitalization, though weather conditions have delayed progress.
Council’s overall priorities were set during the budget process, but Mauss said the city is addressing things on a day-to-day basis due to ongoing developments. He acknowledged the uncertainty around coal and pointed to his involvement with SETH, the Southeast Tech Hub, as a way to explore new technologies and ideas for the city’s future.
He also credited the work of Rebecca Ford and others who are helping to plan what’s next for the community.
“My goal is to help keep Estevan going and make it enjoyable for everyone,” Mauss said.