Candidate Questions - James Murdock
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 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.
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 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.
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?
Right now many citizens are saying, “It could be better”, and “there is a lack of communication”. I am hearing that residents aren’t being heard, and that City Hall isn’t fully considering their needs or input. People are frustrated by issues that include infrastructure, roads, sidewalks, public services, and a lack of communication from City Hall. They want a city that listens to and values their opinions.
If elected Mayor, in 4 years I want to hear “I’m proud to be from Moose Jaw, and people everywhere want to call it home.” My vision is for all residents to have renewed pride in our city, with improved infrastructure, well-kept public spaces, and a thriving community that listens and communicates with its residents. A city proud to welcome visitors, where local businesses grow, and citizens feel truly connected to their city.
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?
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.
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 oftax increases?
Can you explain your reasoning?
I understand the financial pressures on residents and businesses. Before we increase taxes, I believe the key is to spend smarter and set clear priorities. Moose Jaw has major infrastructure projects underway and more on the horizon, with limited revenue options these projects need a balanced, cost-effective approach, especially with ongoing repairs in mind.
I prefer balancing the budget by cutting wasteful spending, spending smarter with better planning, leveraging grants and external funding, and making strategic investments that drive growth, ultimately increasing revenue without raising taxes. While levies can fund specific projects, they should be used sparingly and only with strong community support.
By improving communication and collaboration between departments, we can avoid costly redundancies and prioritize essential projects. Through options like leveraging reserves or low-interest debt, we can tackle street safety including pothole and sidewalk repairs, snow removal, and better maintenance of public spaces, ultimately building community pride.
6. 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?
The most important infrastructure priority for Moose Jaw is a strategic approach to our city’s essential services—pothole and sidewalk repairs, snow removal, and the upkeep of our greenspaces and recreational facilities. While major projects like the Crescent Park Headworks upgrade and a new landfill are also necessary for long-term growth, our day-to-day needs have a direct impact on the quality of life of our residents and community pride.
To fund these projects, I would focus on reducing wasteful spending and improving collaboration between city departments, ensuring resources are used effectively, and avoiding duplicated efforts. We should continue exploring external funding options by partnering with provincial and federal agencies for the major projects, and consider leveraging reserves or low-interest financing to prioritize the most urgent repairs and maintenance needs. We need a balanced, cost-effective approach that guarantees we are balancing the current needs with our city’s future.
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?
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.