MOOSE JAW — Perry Haug announced that he will be 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 motivated by a deep sense of responsibility to make a positive impact on our community,” Haug replied. “I’m driven by a desire to address challenges deep within our city hall starting with the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA), road construction, and infrastructure for future developers. (I also want to see investment) into affordable housing.”
Q: “How would you describe yourself as both an individual and as a candidate?”
A: “Growing up in Moose Jaw and being a family man (and) a part of our local church, I appreciate the strong sense of community and slower pace of life that smaller towns provide,” he said. “(I was) Taught the value of relationships, connection, and supporting one another, whether it’s through helping hands at church events, family gatherings, or just being a part of people’s lives.
“As a candidate, my strengths lie in my ability to process and provide information without bias and offer suggestions or solutions based on previous work experience and public experience. (This is supported by) having businesses and property in (Moose Jaw) (and) learning new concepts across many fields. I am reliable, adaptable, and ready to serve you, the public, on council.”
Q: “How do you stay connected to the community?”
A: Haug said that he fosters a strong sense of community connection by “Attending functions of the city, Sidewalk Days, the hometown fair,” as well as “supporting local garage sales, fireworks, hockey games and ball games.” Haug also forms a connection through mentoring at his local church.
Q: “How would you describe your vision for the city?”
A: “(My vision is) To stimulate better economic growth,” he said. “Moose Jaw could focus on attracting new businesses (such as, in one example area), tourism. Supporting local entrepreneurs with grants or tax incentives for startups could also create jobs and foster innovation.
“Most of all, I would like to contend with SAMA (regarding) the taxes in our city, (as well as) improving infrastructure and road construction.”
Q: “How will you ensure accountability and transparency in your role?”
A: Haug said that he will achieve this by “open communication.” “I would regularly share updates on decisions, ongoing projects, and any changes in the policy or direction (of city council). This could include clear written reports, public meetings, or accessible online platforms where residents can track progress and outcomes.
“Transparency means listening to the people I represent. I would maintain open channels for feedback — whether through town hall meetings, online forums, or direct contact — ensuring that community concerns are heard and addressed,” he said.
“(I) Would ensure that all decisions made are explained will full content outlining the reasoning behind actions taken, the expected impacts, and any alternatives (we) considered.”
Q: “What are your top guiding values?”
A: “I prioritize clear communication to ensure that ideas and information are easily understood, avoiding confusion wherever possible. I will strive to consider the needs and perspectives of those I interact with, offering support and responding with respect, compassion, and understanding.”
Q: “What would you say are the top three issues or concerns that you would like to address?”
A: Haug said three of his leading concerns include infrastructure costs and related taxation, addressing SAMA, and ensuring affordable housing options.
“Infrastructure costs and taxes (to) build and maintain roads require substantial public investment, which is often funded through local taxes,” Haug replied. “Prioritizing expenses on road construction can be beneficial to the public most (noticeably in) high traffic areas.
“SAMA needs to be addressed in Moose Jaw. Business tax, along with homeowner taxes, is also high. (I will) Revisit SAMA policies (and) investigate how and why they are so off from other estimators.
“Affordable housing for young people and elderly tax incentives to offer tax breaks or credits for developers who build affordable housing, such as low income housing tax credits (is a priority).”
Q: “In your own words, why should people vote for you?”
A: “I would encourage people to vote for me because my approach is rooted in thoughtfully based decisions.
“I am deeply committed to listening to the needs of the community and working collaboratively to find practical solutions. I believe in transparency, integrity, and accountability, ensuring that every decision I make is in the best interest of the people I represent,” he concluded.
Perry Haug can be reached by email at [email protected].
A complete list of election candidates with a link to their interviews can be found at "MJVotes24: A list of all 29 candidates in upcoming civic election."
The upcoming civic election will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
