MOOSE JAW — Dave Stevenson is running for a spot on city council in the upcoming civic election. Following his announcement, the Moose Jaw Express reached out with a few questions.
Q: “What motivated you to enter public service?”
A: “I am retiring on Nov. 8 and a number of individuals have encouraged me over a number of years to put my name forward,” Stevenson replied. “I also have not been pleased with some things that our current council has done in the past.
“Now that I will have time to dedicate the time and effort needed to represent the citizens of Moose Jaw, I decided to put my name in the race.”
Q: “How would you describe yourself as both an individual and as a candidate?”
A: “I am honest and believe that I have a lot of integrity. I believe in being transparent. I stand up for what my principles are and believe that everyone deserves a chance,” he said. “I would say that I am — and always have been — a person that believes in helping everyone that I can no matter where you are from. Pay it forward is what I believe in.”
Q: “How do you stay connected to the community?”
A: “I attend many functions in the community; I have been a very active member of the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Club. I volunteer where I can with different groups, as well, I am a member of the South Hill Community Association.”
Q: “How would you describe your vision for the city?”
A: “I would like to see it be more inclusive (and) promote business (better). (The city) definitely need(s) to have a long term sustainable plan for infrastructure (and to) ensure there is accountability on how we spend tax dollars.”
Q: “How will you ensure accountability and transparency in your role?”
A: “I believe that we can ensure accountability by making sure that we have all the information needed to (inform the) citizens of Moose Jaw as we need to involve stakeholders on certain issues that affect them.”
Q: “What are your top guiding values?”
A: “My top guiding values have to be honesty, integrity, treating everyone with dignity and respect, listening before you speak, working to find solutions, and (not being) part of the problem.”
Q: “What would you say are the top three issues or concerns that you would like to address?”
A: “(First is a) long term plan for infrastructure and (looking) at this in-house. (We should) not always contract out projects that don’t need to be.
“(Second is to) work with all those involved in addressing and finding solutions that will work to address the homelessness issue we face in this city.
“(Third is to) make sure that we do things in the city that make sense, and will make living in Moose Jaw (better) for (its residents) and helps our city grow as a community.”
Q: “In your own words, why should people vote for you?”
A: “I hope people will vote for me as I am honest, have integrity, and am a hard worker,” Stevenson said. “I worked with all types of people through my work as a national rep for CUPE. I have no hidden agenda as I believe that I have put my name forward for all the right reasons, which is to represent all people who live in Moose Jaw. I genuinely believe that I can make a difference in improving (their) lives…. (so that) people can be as proud of the City of Moose Jaw as I am.
“I have been approached by many people over the years to put my name forward to run for either a councillor position or for mayor and now I believe that I am ready to represent the citizens of our beautiful city.
“With my upcoming retirement on Nov. 8 I will have the time to dedicate and represent Moose Jaw should the people… put their trust in me to represent all walks of life. I wish all other candidates well in their campaigns and hopefully on Nov. 13 the City of Moose Jaw will elect me to represent them proudly,” he concluded.
Dave Stevenson can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 306-513-7887.
The upcoming civic election will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
