Candidate Questions - Godwin Ezizor

1. 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? 

Because property assessments affect both the tax obligations of households and the city's financial planning, it is disturbing that SAMA (Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency) has refused to do a secondary audit. I would push for more transparency and accountability by doing the following:

·       Asking for Third-Party Audits: I propose having a third-party auditor check the accuracy and fairness of property evaluations. People would have more faith/trust in the evaluation procedure if implemented.

·       Assessing SAMA's Procedures: Working along with other council members to examine SAMA's policies and investigate possible substitutes, such as changes to how local assessment is conducted.

2. 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 in support of a system like Saskatoon’s. In my opinion, the Property Tax Governance Committee will focus on

·       Improving Accountability: Keep an eye on assessments, ensure everyone is treated fairly, and dispute resolution efficiently.

·       Stakeholders Involvement: Inclusion of residents, council members and SME (subject matter experts) will ensure having a balanced and diverse perspective.

·       For something better than Saskatoon's if elected, I will explore the possibility of incorporating regular public reporting and feedback mechanisms to continually improve assessment processes.

3. a). In your words, what does a Moose Jaw Citizen say when they are asked “What do you think of Moose Jaw?” b). If you are elected, what will the Citizens be saying in 4 years? 

·       Present Citizen Sentiment: Numerous Moose Jaw inhabitants take pride in the city's extensive heritage, communal spirit, and family-oriented atmosphere. Nonetheless, there are frustrations regarding deteriorating infrastructure, escalating expenses, and lost prospects for expansion.

·       b) Future Vision (4 years hence): I aspire for citizens to declare, “Moose Jaw has evolved into a city that listens, acts, and develops collaboratively.” I envisage Moose Jaw enhanced infrastructure dependability, thriving local enterprises, and a robust community spirit, all fostered by proactive leadership and inclusive “out of the box” pragmatic actionable decision-making. Please see more on my platform, votegodwinezizor.com

4. 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?

Although I am in favor of development that helps the local economy, I am wary of investing huge sums of public funds into initiatives that don't have obvious advantages. In regard to the proposed hotel, I would advocate for:

·       Restricted public funding, with an emphasis on community-wide infrastructure improvements (such as streetscape upgrades) rather than individual private projects.

·       Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), in which the city and private developers collaborate on financial risk. This would guarantee that the people of Moose Jaw would see a tangible return on their tax dollars.

5. Are you in favour of more or less funding by the way of levies? Or do you favour finding more funding by the way of tax increases? Can you explain your reasoning?

I’m in favor of more funding with targeted levies than general tax increases. Whether it's infrastructure, parks, or vital services, levies are transparent and focused, so people know precisely what they're paying for.

·       Reasoning: Tax rises can have a broader impact on all residents, regardless of their circumstances, while levies can be more targeted to specifics projects with predefined tangible timelines.

Having said this, I think focus should be more on other funding sources than excess levies and taxes. Frankly true tangible transformation cannot be accomplished by tax or levy burdens on Moose Jaw residents. Simply put, we cannot “tax or levy” our way to visible, viable prosperity.

6. Most Important Infrastructure Project. In your own words what is the most important infrastructure projection that needs to be completed. Where or how would you locate funding for this project?

In my opinion, the foremost infrastructure initiative in Moose Jaw is the rehabilitation of water and sewage systems, especially in high-risk zones prone to frequent line ruptures/breaks. Neglecting to resolve this issue promptly may result in increased expenses and interruptions in the future.

·       Funding Sources:

o   I would seek a blend of provincial and federal grants/subsidies, particularly via initiatives such as the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).

o   Dedicated Infrastructure Reserve: Advocate for the creation and special funding of a dedicated long-term infrastructure reserve fund like the General Capital Reserve and the Land Development Reserve to ensure financial preparedness for large-scale projects like bridge repairs or water treatment upgrades.

o   Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): I propose using PPPs for large projects, which can attract private sector investment in public works, reducing the immediate financial burden on the city and taxpayers. This requires conscious and continuous engagement of potential targeted investors locally and in other jurisdictions with clear attractive ROI in areas of strategic advantage of the city of Moose Jaw. See more on my platform votegodwinezizor.com

7. 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?

Yes, I am absolutely committed to reducing the cost of living in Moose Jaw for all residents. Here is how I believe I can accomplish this:  

·       Encourage Affordable Housing: Collaborate with developers to encourage affordable housing projects and implement inclusionary zoning to guarantee that new developments include affordable units.

·       Reduce Utility Costs: Promote renewable energy by partnering with local businesses and investing in energy efficiency programs for city structures, which can result in a reduction in utility costs over time.

·       Encourage Economic Growth: By reducing bureaucratic barriers for local businesses, ensuring that money remains in the local economy, and contributing to the stabilization of the cost of living, we can support local businesses.

Thanks for your invaluable time. Please check out my platform at votegodwinezizor.com and consider electing me as your next Councillor. 

I look forward to engaging more with you!