A vote for me is a vote for change, a fresh start, and leadership without pre-conceived notions. It’s a choice to leave the past behind and focus on a brighter future for Moose Jaw. I bring a strong foundation in communication, teamwork, and passion for our city. My years in the funeral profession have taught me the importance of active listening, transparency, and empathy—skills that would ensure every resident feels heard and understood at City Hall. Through my community service, I’ve learned the value of collaboration and teamwork, understanding that progress happens when we work together. Above all, I love the city of Moose Jaw, and I am dedicated to leading by example to bring us back to being “The Friendly City,” where everyone feels welcome, connected, and proud to call our community home.

I wouldn’t say it was a tipping point, but rather I see Moose Jaw’s vast potential and I have the time and the passion to dedicate to helping unlock it. I believe we can strengthen our community by fostering engagement, enhancing economic growth, and investing in smart infrastructure. By building a unified community where families thrive, supporting local businesses, and prioritizing modern infrastructure projects, we can attract young talent and create an inviting environment. Together, we can build a brighter future for our city!

I’ve been actively involved in the community for years, serving as past Chair and current board member of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, a board member for Providence Place Health Foundation, co-founding River Street Promotions where our focus is youth mental health, and volunteering with organizations like Hunger in Moose Jaw. These roles have given me valuable insight into our city’s needs and the importance of strong leadership.

Experience certainly matters, but it can come in many forms. While I have no municipal or political experience, I believe this could actually be an advantage. I come into this role with no pre-conceived notions, eager to dig into the tasks at hand and gather all the necessary information before making decisions.

Having successfully run a local business and co-founding River Street Promotions has provided me with a solid foundation for effective leadership. My business experience has taught me the importance of transparency, communication, and fiscal responsibility. Along with that, my long-standing commitment to our community and my years in the funeral profession have honed my skills in listening and understanding individual needs. These experiences drive my dedication to engaging with residents and ensuring every voice is heard and valued in the Mayor’s office.

There is a real opportunity to improve communication and collaboration between the city’s leadership, residents, business owners, and various organizations. I believe we need more transparency in decision-making processes, with a greater focus on listening to the community’s concerns and acting on them in a timely manner. Prioritizing infrastructure improvements, such as road and sidewalk repairs, is essential to ensure our city is safe, functional, and prepared for future growth. By addressing these issues and focusing on what matters most to residents, we can create a stronger, more connected Moose Jaw.

I am running my campaign independently, with no formal association or coordination with any other candidates. I’m thrilled to see so many great citizens stepping up to help lead our city by running for council. My focus remains on serving the best interests of Moose Jaw and its residents, and if elected, I look forward to fostering a strong sense of teamwork within the chosen council.

My vision for Moose Jaw is a proud, welcoming city that fosters growth, opportunity, and community. We will build a resilient economy by stimulating economic growth, attracting new business and development, retaining young talent, and supporting local enterprises. By improving and modernizing our infrastructure we will ensure Moose Jaw is prepared for future growth and remains a city of opportunity.

The top three things I want to focus on are strengthening community engagement, stimulating economic growth, and prioritizing infrastructure improvements with smart spending.

First, we must foster better communication and collaboration between our city’s leadership, residents, businesses, and community organizations. Transparency and accountability in decision-making, along with regular updates, will build trust and unity.

Second, supporting economic growth is vital to Moose Jaw’s future. We can stimulate a thriving economy that benefits everyone by supporting local businesses and attractions, attracting new business and development, and creating an inviting environment for young talent.

Finally, we must be smarter with our spending. We need to balance the need to ensure our roads, sidewalks, and public spaces are safe, functional, and ready for the future with the major projects we have on the horizon.

I will ensure accountability and transparency by improving communication, providing regular public updates, having accessible meetings, and setting measurable goals and timelines. We will improve response times and follow through on reported issues, ensuring residents’ voices are heard and valued. Together, we will build a proud community rooted in trust and accountability.

Can you talk about how to address the property taxes that affect our residents and business owners while considering the fact that Moose Jaw as a municipality has few revenue options at its disposal?

In addressing property taxes, I understand the financial pressure on residents and business owners. I believe the key is to spend smarter and set clear priorities. Moose Jaw has major infrastructure projects underway and more on the horizon, but with limited revenue options, these projects need a balanced, cost-effective approach, especially with ongoing repairs in mind.

While I may not have every detail of ongoing projects right now, I’m committed to digging in, learning the specifics, and identifying smart solutions if elected. We have a clear opportunity to improve communication and collaboration between departments to coordinate projects better, avoiding the costly redundancy of redoing streets and leaving other essential improvements unfunded.

Recent interest rate reductions offer us an opportunity to stretch our dollars by eliminating wasteful spending and making targeted investments that drive revenue and benefit our community. With more favorable financial conditions ahead, we can explore leveraging reserves or acquiring low-interest debt to build Moose Jaw’s potential—growing community pride by enhancing street and sidewalk safety, and optimizing snow removal and maintenance in parks, recreation facilities, and downtown, ensuring we’re ready to welcome visitors and showcase our city.

As mayor, I’ll work to keep property taxes manageable through smart investments, prioritized planning, and transparent communication that ensures our community’s voices are heard and concerns addressed. Together, we can Build. Grow. And Welcome a future for Moose Jaw we are all proud of.

In 2023, for several reasons, a secondary audit was requested of SAMA.  SAMA declined this request.  Currently the City and council have chosen  to do nothing in regards to this issue. What are you prepared to do? 

I believe the City has a responsibility to ensure property assessments are fair and transparent for all residents and business owners. I would not take no for an answer, SAMA has refused a secondary audit, so it is now time to explore the other options. As Mayor, I will not sit back and accept the status quo, I am committed to exploring and finding the best solutions for our city. I am prepared to explore alternatives, speak with other cities that have already left SAMA, and ultimately find the best solution that operates fairly and accurately for everyone in Moose Jaw.

Saskatoon has a Governance Committee which oversees their property tax/assessment department, and theirs far exceeds ours.  Are you prepared to implement the changes needed in order to mirror/reflect theirs? Or something better? 

I am open to implementing a governance structure similar to Saskatoon’s, or potentially something even better, that fits the needs of our citizens. Improving accountability, transparency, and the responsiveness to our residents’ concerns is of the utmost importance. By learning from other cities and customizing the approach to fit our community’s needs,  we can ensure a fair and effective property assessment system in Moose Jaw.

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Affordability is a major concern for many residents. Are you prepared – yes or no – to strive to make Moose Jaw more affordable? Can you briefly explain how you would accomplish this?

I am dedicated to making Moose Jaw more affordable. To accomplish this, I would focus on keeping property taxes manageable through smarter, prioritized spending and improved department collaboration to reduce waste. Reassessing SAMA alternatives to find a solution that works best for our city will also ensure fair property assessments, keeping the tax burdens reasonable for all residents. There is also room for improvement with public transportation making it easier and more affordable for residents to get around the city.

By cutting red tape at City Hall, streamlining permitting processes, and creating a more business-friendly environment we will attract more services and job opportunities, giving residents more options close to home. With a priority on strategic investments, external funding, and community-driven initiatives, we can make Moose Jaw a more affordable, thriving city for everyone.

Right now there is a lot of talk about a proposed hotel on the zero block of River Street West. Rumours which include the potential building of a parkade by the City in the area.

The question is as an elected official how much City money – if any – are you prepared to spend either directly or indirectly in an effort to see the proposed hotel development get off the ground?

We live in an age of misinformation, and it’s essential to improve communication to keep residents accurately informed. Here is what I know: The proposed Brunswick Hotel by the Hilton Tapestry Collection on River Street West, currently includes 125 rooms and approximately 130 surface parking spaces, fully meeting Hilton’s strict parking requirements. To my knowledge no city funds have been committed to this project for parking enhancements as none are required.

With respect to any indirect investments from the City to support economic revitalization of any type, it would need to be considered with advice from city administration and discussed with fellow council members.

My top guiding values are rooted in family, communication, teamwork, and a deep passion for community. My years in the funeral profession taught me the importance of active listening, transparency, and empathy—qualities that will ensure residents feels heard and understood at City Hall. Through my dedication to our community, I have come to appreciate the power of collaboration and teamwork, knowing that real progress is achieved when we work together toward common goals.

As an individual, what you see is what you get. I am deeply devoted to my wonderful family—my wife of 24 years, Bev, and our daughters, Sydney and Jenna, with whom I’ve shared amazing memories, from school events to coaching them in soccer and Moose Jaw Minor Fastball. I’m also grateful that my mom and two sisters have joined me in making Moose Jaw their home, further strengthening our family’s roots in the city we love. Serving others has always been a driving force in my life, whether through coaching, volunteering on boards and organizations, or co-founding River Street Promotions.

As a candidate, I believe in leading by example and staying true to my values. Over the past weeks, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with residents, business owners, and organizations across Moose Jaw, listening to their hopes, concerns, and visions for our city’s future. I hold deep respect for those who have served in our council and mayor’s office, and I am confident in I am ready to build on their work. I am dedicated to bringing my experience, energy, and passion to lead Moose Jaw toward a future we can all be proud of.

If elected as mayor of Moose Jaw, I bring a strong foundation in communication, teamwork, and passion for our city. My years in the funeral profession have taught me the importance of active listening, transparency, and empathy—skills that would ensure every resident feels heard and understood at City Hall. Through my community service, I’ve learned the value of collaboration and teamwork, understanding that progress happens when we work together. But most importantly, I love the city of Moose Jaw, and I’m dedicated to leading by example to bring us back to being “The Friendly City,” where everyone feels welcome, connected, and proud to call our community home.

I’m a firm believer in teamwork and collaboration. My approach will focus on fostering open and productive dialogue with fellow council members, encouraging respectful discussions, and tapping into each person’s strengths and experiences. While we may have different perspectives, our shared goal is to make Moose Jaw the best it can be. To achieve that, cooperation and collaboration are key. By working together, finding common ground, and prioritizing what’s best for our city, we can get things done and move Moose Jaw forward.

Growth is a very contentious issue right now. Like to hear each candidate share an example of when they showed leadership in either taking a controversial position or bringing people together to find a solution on a controversial issue.

A significant moment in my leadership journey occurred this past July when I stood up at the Community Wellness and Safety Meeting  to share my thoughts on the location of a proposed shelter. I spoke up for the safety of our community, the support of our downtown business environment, as well as an upcoming hotel project I am invested in.

I am committed to clearing up misinformation regarding my stance on this issue, as I believe open communication is essential. My position has always been clear: I support the mission of a shelter, but we must carefully assess its location to ensure it meets the needs and safety of everyone involved. And we must ensure we have the appropriate wrap-around supports in place to develop effective solutions.

My recent meeting with Square One Community Inc. was truly inspiring. Their approach emphasizes communication, collaboration, and shared support, working tirelessly to build partnerships with the city, provincial government, and local organizations. This highlights the importance of constructive dialogue in fostering a safer, more inclusive community.

I believe that by focusing on solutions and working together, we can create a plan that supports those in need while safeguarding the interests of local residents and businesses, ultimately enhancing the future of Moose Jaw. Let’s do this the Moose Jaw way, where we can build solutions, grow community support, and welcome a safe future for all. Effective leadership means having the hard conversations, standing up for each other, and doing the work. If elected, I will continue to advocate for this collaborative approach, prioritizing effective solutions over past decisions.