1 week Ago By Saskatoon StarPhoenix
In advance of voting day for the 2024 Saskatoon civic election on Wednesday, here is a look at the candidates for mayor and city council. Quotes pulled from candidate’s official pages or City of Saskatoon candidates profile pages ..
. “My focus is on practical governance, public safety, and fiscal responsibility which contrasts sharply with what I see as the city’s current practice of replacing what worked with what sounds good. I will emphasize needs over wants.
” “My leadership is grounded in compassion, commitment, and a drive for innovation. Together, we can make Saskatoon a place where affordability, safety, and sustainability come first. We’ll prioritize the basics like roads, housing, and safety while also pushing forward with bold initiatives like a task force on homelessness and revitalizing our downtown.
” “I am a ‘social libertarian/authoritarian,’ which is a fancy way of saying that I want the best for everyone in society equally and whenever I suggest something. It is usually pretty good, well thought out advice.” “I am acutely aware of the internal workings — and frequent failures — at City Hall.
I am committed to ask the tough questions and bring common-sense governance to municipal affairs. I am not a career politician. My approach is to bring fresh ideas and a new level of accountability to the operations of our city.
” “Saskatoon faces challenges like public safety, rising taxes, and homelessness. (My) extensive experience and connections are crucial in finding cross-jurisdictional solutions, ensuring Saskatoon continues to lead in growth and innovation.” ***** “It’s time we move away from this user pay mentality at City Hall, as tax payers we already pay.
We need to put back value and accountability into City Hall for you, the rate payer.” “My platform priorities: Addressing homelessness; crime and public safety; transportation, road maintenance, and snow and ice management; strengthening downtown; appropriate taxation; community engagement.” “My mandate is to have a responsive council committed to advancing Saskatoon into a leader in addressing infrastructure deficiencies, social programming, economic development, cultural relations, safe communities, and innovative solutions to the homeless crisis.
” “I have always felt supported by our community. I want to make a meaningful difference by working with you to build on our strengths and by addressing our challenges together, so that every family in Saskatoon can feel that support.” “My focus is on addressing homelessness, communication, financial accountability, transit, housing, and infrastructure — all within budget and through community consultation — to create a beautiful, functioning city.
” “No more shelters in Ward 2. Ward 2 should not be the dumping ground for the city’s problems. No to the downtown arena.
No to the current public library proposal. Keep taxes low. Unless we can afford to build it, don’t build it.
” “I am passionate about addressing homelessness and will work tirelessly to ensure that the temporary shelter downtown is the last of its kind. The solution lies in creating permanent housing and moving individuals toward stability.” “Let’s get back to the basics and put major projects on hold and focus on the existing infrastructure, safety and fiscal responsibility.
” “Infrastructure spending needs to focus on existing infrastructure first ...
Fiscal responsibility and transparent budgetary processes are expectations I hold, and I will ensure value is received for the taxes we pay. Safety for all residents must be a priority.” “As a lifelong resident of Saskatoon, my family has lived here for five generations.
My mission to revitalize Ward 2 to a vibrant, thriving and safe community rests upon these three pillars: Transparent city accounting; safe streets; revitalize vacant spaces and underutilized buildings.” “I want to advocate and see safer transit in Saskatoon, including a proper bus rapid transit system. I do believe the Saskatoon Tribal Council can operate a homeless shelter, but that location cannot be Fairhaven, nor downtown.
Speaking of downtown, I’m all for a new arena, however this cannot happen on the backs of taxpayers.” Pearce says he “has a plan and is ready to get to work immediately to carefully relocate the Fairhaven shelter, pause the downtown arena for a responsible review and real public consultation, and completely review city expenses for the 2025 budget.” San Miguel says his “priorities are, public safety, addressing homelessness, affordable housing, sustainable growth, community engagement, and improving of our transit system.
” “Saskatoon is experiencing the same issues as other major cities in Canada. Safety, homelessness, aging infrastructure, record population growth, and increased cost of living are just some of the issues facing this next council.” Saliken says his “focus, if elected, will be: halt the DEED project; community health and safety; public consultation and transparency; improving core services; fiscal responsibility; westside unity.
” “My platform prioritizes the well-being of residents, advocating for low taxes and collaboration to reduce crime, ensuring Saskatoon remains safe for families.” He says that during his time on council he “has attempted to reduce spending, including dozens of votes against tax increases during budget debate ..
. Crime, safety, and improving the quality of life for our residents has been a focus, which includes the homeless.” She says she “has a proven track record for helping people as she moves through the world.
She’s confident that her skills in the service industry combined with her civic engagement over the last several years will make her a trustworthy city councillor.” He says he is “dedicated to ensuring safety of our community members by reducing crime, increasing the number of fire halls, and supporting our police service (and) believes in increasing services and supports with strong financial responsibility.” “This is a city that I’m proud to call home.
My vision for Saskatoon is growth, safety, a focus on infrastructure, along with maintaining a balanced budget.” “It’s time to get back to basics: Fire and police services must be well-supported; utilities should be reliable and affordable for every resident; roads, bridges, and public spaces need proper investment and upkeep.” “My goal is to ensure our city is safe and vibrant, attracting businesses, professionals, and new Canadians.
I am dedicated to working with our community to keep Saskatoon safe, prosperous and diverse.” “My campaign is focused on togetherness. I sincerely believe that together, we can work on making our ward and our city more inclusive, resilient, and ready for all the challenges ahead.
” “My main concerns: Homeless issues; crime affecting businesses and safety of public; road repairs and better snow removal; downtown plans, including safety, safety and traffic congestion; heritage buildings.” “As your councillor, I will focus on communication, community, commitment and inclusivity ..
. Neighbourhood safety, homelessness, efficient governance, environmental sustainability, responsible development, attainable housing.” “I am running to represent my neighbours in Ward 6 because we need a leader with a vision for the future, who is ready to advocate for the issues that impact us all, and who is committed to being accountable to the people they represent.
” He says he “prioritizes addressing key issues such as affordable housing, improved transit system, public safety, and small business growth.” He says his “vision for Ward 7 is one of shared progress and stronger community ties.” “As the councillor for Ward 7, I will focus on: thriving neighbourhood and public spaces; effective management; economic prosperity; safety.
” “I want to be your Ward 7 councillor because I believe municipal government is where we can be part of decisions that directly affect us. I want our city to work for everyone, those that are thriving and those that are in need.” “I’m running for Ward 7 councillor because I believe in smart, community-driven leadership — free from political affiliations and special interests.
” “The city needs to find a path back to fiscal responsibility. For Saskatoon to be a livable city, people need to be able to afford to live in the city. We need to prioritize safety and security in our neighbourhoods, downtown, and on our transit system.
” “My vision for Saskatoon is a safe and affordable city where families can grow and businesses can thrive, knowing that they can rely on their government to take care of all the essentials.” “My key priorities include enhancing community safety, improving infrastructure through smart spending, fostering innovation through collaboration, and driving economic development by promoting local businesses and tourism.” “My agenda is simple yet vital: to make our city and neighbourhoods safe, to increase the availability of affordable housing, and to enhance the quality of life for all residents.
” “From tackling homelessness to enhancing public safety, improving transit infrastructure, and ensuring responsible development, I bring a practical and informed approach to finding sustainable solutions for Saskatoon’s future.” “I’ll focus on community, accessibility, safety, and our economy. I’m running to ensure Ward 8 residents feel represented, heard, and supported.
Transparency, accountability, and keeping residents informed are the foundations of my communication strategy.” She says her “commitments reflect long-term vision and a focus on fundamentals. Priorities include accountable and transparent finances and decision-making to better address public safety, homelessness and housing, infrastructure and services, sustainable growth, leisure and heritage.
” He says he “strongly believes that a new direction and vision is needed for city council, featuring a back-to-basics approach which prioritizes proper maintenance of infrastructure, utilities and a focus on public safety.” : Bev Dubois; Zach Jeffries.
