MOOSE JAW — Long-time resident James Murdock has become the third candidate to run for Moose Jaw’s mayor after announcing the start of his mayoral campaign in which he promises to bring “a fresh vision to Moose Jaw’s future.”
The announcement was made before the Ross Wells Park on the early afternoon of Oct. 8.
“It is with great excitement and deep gratitude that I stand before you to announce I am running for the office of mayor for the City of Moose Jaw,” Murdock said.
A resident for well over 30 years, Murdock lives with Bev, his wife of 24 years, and their daughters as a devoted family man.
His previous role as a funeral professional has given him experience supporting families during their most challenging times and has equipped him with the invaluable skills of listening, understanding, and addressing individual needs.
“These experiences have made me deeply aware of the importance of transparency and communication, and I am committed to bringing these principles to the mayor’s office,” he announced.
Murdock has spent much of his spare time coaching his daughters in soccer and Moose Jaw Minor Fastball, and has proven a commitment to the community through his roles with the Moose Jaw Health Foundation as past chair and current board member, the Providence Place Health Foundation as a board member, and by working with River Street Promotions to raise funding for youth mental wellness and education.
Ross Wells Park — where the announcement took place — is also symbolic as Homestand ’24 hosted by River Street Promotions recently concluded at the same venue on Sept. 7.
Murdock’s mayoral campaign is focused on strengthening the community by driving economic growth and promoting tourism. His aim is to foster a future where Moose Jaw is recognized as “a vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family.”
“I want to work closely with our local businesses, recognizing their crucial role in driving economic growth and creating opportunities,” he announced.
“By supporting tourism, we can showcase Moose Jaw’s unique attractions (and) encourage visitors to explore and invest in our city. At the same time, attracting new businesses to our industrial park will create jobs, diversify our local economy, and ensure long-term prosperity for all.”
Murdock said this collaborative effort will help revitalize parks, recreational spaces, and public areas, and described these spaces as “the heart of our neighbourhoods, where families connect and build lasting memories.” He stated that his intention is to maintain these spaces to promote healthy, active lifestyles to enhance residents’ overall quality of life.
Murdock reaffirmed his commitment to taking action on his talking points and said his goal is to ensure a high quality of life for Moose Javians and to create a community where families can thrive.
“I hear your concerns, whether it’s the condition of the streets and sidewalks, safety within our community, or the need for better communication from the city and council to our citizens. It’s time to address these issues head on,” he said. “I am committed to improving how we engage with the community and ensuring that your voices are not only heard but acted upon.
“I may not have all the answers or know every detail of the issues facing our city right now, but I do know that I am fully committed to this journey at this stage in my life, with the unwavering support of my family,” Murdock added.
“I am ready to invest my full energy and experience into creating a better tomorrow for Moose Jaw,” he said. “Thank you for your trust and support as we embark on this journey together. Together, we can build a Moose Jaw that reflects our values, supports our families, and welcomes growth and opportunity. Thank you.”
You can follow Murdock’s campaign online through his official website at MurdockForMayor.ca.
The upcoming civic election is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 13 and runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
