Candidate Questions - Carolyn Ross
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?
To address the issues between SAMA and the business community, I believe the city needs to evaluate the services provided by SAMA. We must ask ourselves whether it’s in the best interest of our citizens for their tax dollars to be spent on defending an appeal—especially when that appeal is initiated by a fellow citizen.
Currently, four communities in Saskatchewan have successfully adopted a governance model to oversee tax assessments within their own jurisdictions. This approach may offer valuable insights for Moose Jaw.
City council cannot overlook the facts and errors that have been brought to our attention. It’s crucial to take these concerns seriously and actively seek solutions. I would advocate for a third-party audit of the system to ensure transparency and accountability.
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?
Saskatoon’s model appears to be working well. I would definitely vote for change, and if Saskatoon’s model withstands the required research, I would love to see us adopt something similar as well.
3. a). In your words, What does a Moose Jaw Citizen say when they are asked “What do you think of Moose Jaw?”
This isn’t the Moose Jaw I knew a few years ago. Our streets are far less safe. Our roads, while never winning any positive awards in the past, are far worse than before, the homeless and addiction issues we started to face in 2020 are more pervasive and economic development appears to be at a standstill.
b). If you are elected, What will the Citizens be saying in 4 years?
I will work towards a future in Moose jaw where citizens will say that they now feel seen and heard. That they feel like our tax dollars are going towards valuable projects, that their streets feel safer and that all citizens of Moose Jaw are able to access to the services and amenities they need and want, without disrupting a growing tourism industry. That downtown feels more vibrant and safe. And that our roads improved greatly!
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 believe it is important to be transparent and accountable. Any investment would need to align with our community needs and long-term goals. I would definitely support discussions of a business plan that would outline the potential benefits to our residents, such as job creation, increased tourism and enhanced amenities. Not to mention a non-taxed based option to generate revenue. However, if this plan is best suited to private industry, I would support that as well.
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?
These are complex economic and political issues that depend on many factors specific to each jurisdiction and situation.
Can you explain your reasoning?
Levies often target for specific purposes and generally have a time limit. Levies tend to be higher because of the short time limit and can be unstable. Often easier to PASS THAN tax increases.
Tax Increases can provide more stable, long-term funding, often lower cost to the rate payer and more efficient. Tax increases can be less flexible for certain issues.
Council needs to carefully consider factors and the potential impacts when deciding on funding mechanisms. It is often a balance between meeting funding needs and managing the economic and social effects of different revenue sources.
If there is a clear goal that would be best served by a levy (and there is no other option), then I would support a levy. Tax increases for the sake of tax increases are a poor revenue model, and will be unsustainable to our citizens. Any and all tax increases should come with a clear and obvious increase to services and standard of living for its citizens.
6. In your own words what is the most important infrastructure projection that needs to be completed.
The Crescent View Lift Station project is vital for Moose Jaw's wastewater management and future growth capacity. The city should prioritize this upgrade despite rising costs.
The existing lift station was built in 1961 and last upgraded in 1991. It handles 100% of the city's sewage, pumping it to the wastewater treatment plant and the current station is below required capacity, past its life expectancy, and restricting city growth.
Where or how would you locate funding for this project?
I believe the current council has been redirecting and earmarking funds for this critical infrastructure upgrade. The city has recently hired a grant writer who should be looking for provincial and federal funding. I believe the current council has voted to phase in over 3 years.
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?
This is a challenging question that will require intensive research and likely some very difficult decisions. Once gaining access to the proposed budget, I will closely examine the opportunities to build income opportunities (like growing memberships to city run facilities and harnessing the power of our investments to start),and looking to ensure operations are as efficient as possible. Cuts have consequences, and I would take this responsibility very seriously, to ensure any cuts are justified and in the best interest of our future growth and sustainability.