Candidate Questions - John Adams

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?

I believe in ensuring transparency and accountability in property assessments. The request for a secondary audit of SAMA indicates a need for clarity. If elected, I would advocate for a thorough review of the City’s options to ensure fairness in property assessments. If an audit is the best course of action to restore confidence, I would push to revisit that decision and pursue it if it’s in the public’s interest.

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 committed to improving the transparency and efficiency of Moose Jaw's property tax and assessment process. While I’m not intimately familiar with Saskatoon’s specific structure, I am fully open to examining models from successful cities and implementing best practices tailored to our community’s needs. Establishing clear oversight and governance over property assessments in Moose Jaw could bring better accountability and transparency. If elected, I would work with council to create or adapt a system that reflects the highest standards for fair and accurate property assessments, ensuring every Moose Jaw resident is treated equitably.

3. a). In your words, what does a Moose Jaw Citizen say when they are asked, “What do you think of Moose Jaw?”

Currently, when people are asked about Moose Jaw, I think the response is often one of pride, but also tempered with concerns about aging infrastructure, affordability, and how the city is evolving. Moose Jaw is a wonderful community, but there are areas where we need to do better.

b). If you are elected, what will the Citizens be saying in 4 years?

In 4 years, I want citizens to say that Moose Jaw is a city of progress, where infrastructure has been upgraded, local businesses thrive, and it's easier for families to afford to live here. I want people to feel that we have made real strides in improving the quality of life for everyone.

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?

I understand the economic potential that a new hotel could bring to Moose Jaw, particularly in boosting tourism. However, I would be cautious about committing city funds, especially for something like a parkade, unless there is a clear and direct benefit to the public and line of sight to a sustainable revenue model. Any investment should be measured, strategic, and transparent, ensuring that it benefits not just developers but also the broader community. I would work to ensure that any city involvement is fiscally responsible and aligns with our long-term goals.

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 am not in favor of increasing taxes if we can avoid it. I would prefer to explore alternative revenue streams and find efficiencies within existing city operations before resorting to levies or tax hikes. Our citizens are already feeling the pinch, and I believe the city can do a better job managing resources without constantly turning to taxpayers for more.

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

As a city that thrives on tourism, a priority should be to enhance and beautify Moose Jaw’s key public spaces, historic sites, and parks to present our city in the best possible light. By investing in these areas, we not only improve daily life for residents but also attract more visitors, which directly benefits local businesses and boosts revenue for the city. Improving Moose Jaw’s appeal makes our city more attractive to tourists, new residents, and investors alike, creating long-term economic growth. For funding, I would prioritize provincial and federal tourism and heritage grants, actively seek public-private partnerships with local businesses, and consider phased improvements to align with our budget capacity and maximize value without increasing taxes.

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 committed to making Moose Jaw more affordable. To achieve this, we need to focus on diversifying revenue streams, promoting economic growth, and ensuring responsible budgeting. Additionally, we should advocate for affordable housing projects and policies that keep utility costs manageable. By fostering a business-friendly environment, we can attract investment and create jobs, ultimately increasing household incomes without placing extra financial strain on families.