Moose Jaw Forum

Hey Karen,

Just saw you on the CTV News at Noon interview with Jason Matity. Good job on there.

Couple questions for you though...
1) You mention communication is a major issue for you. I understand that the Multiplex communication was pretty horrible, but other than that, how is this going to help you in your job as mayor? I appreciate that communication is needed for the citizens, but I don't think this is enough of an issue to run on. Just my opinion.

2) You mention focusing on youth. How, specifically, do you think this will translate into your job as mayor, as well? I understand, coming from a very unheard generation in Moose Jaw, that youth definitely have a minimal voice as it sits right now. But, what is your plan on getting the youth involved? And, once you get them involved, what exactly will you be doing with their ideas, and so forth? It's nice to hear 'we need to hear from youth', but unless I hear what the plan is, it's tough for me to understand why this is important for you in your campaign for mayor.

I guess one major thing I have is....what other things do you have in your back pocket in terms of what you have planned for if you become mayor. I see your ward system idea, which MJ could use, but I think dividing into 11 wards, that's rather tough. I think maybe four or five would be plenty, given the geographical size of Moose Jaw. BUT, that said, what are you going to do with these wards?? Is your plan to eventually divide the city so that a different councillor is elected for each ward, or is this just some formality thing. It's hard to understand from what I have and haven't heard from you yet.

Sorry if I am coming across as pushy, but I think these are questions that need to be addressed, especially if you want to win the election, not just get a few hundred votes. That may make the difference. When the mayor is approached during their term, if they were to give me a generic answer such as 'we are doing it for the youth', that's not going to get them reelected, in my opinion. I want to know WHY they are doing a certain thing, and what their idea is in terms of where this may get Moose Jaw.

Thank you.

Hi Cavon,

When I get a chance to either later on tonight, or it might even be tomorrow, I'll answer your questions. Needless to say, the interview went fine but I think I went into shock and was a nervous wreck and forgot what I wanted to say and how to say it! Anyhoo, it'll all turn out. Oh, and we were only talking for 5 minutes, and in my scrambled mind, I had to keep reminding myself not to look at the camera and I was forgetting what I was trying to say. I tried to convey what I could in those few scant minutes.. hopefully it worked.

Karen

I feel communication on all levels is what will either move us forward, or keep us stagnant and right where we are... going in circles and not getting anywhere. I feel that as Mayor, and with the communication skills that I possess, that I will take the time to understand the communication styles that each city council member possesses. Each person's style is indicative as to whether we move forward or again, stay right where we are. You're not right or wrong saying communication is being enough of an issue to run on but I'm willing to bet, it's the most important. Reason being, if there are communication misunderstandings, it leads to chaos, rumors and frustration. Sound familiar? We need people who are going to be open, honest and willing and without hidden agendas. I feel that the only way people will believe what I say is when I'm out there with them, getting my hands dirty (when need be) and going out of my way to get to know the issues that people are facing.

My focus on youth is of huge concern for me. We simply are not giving the youth the attention that they deserve. If we ignore them, they spray more paint, break more windows, have more difficult relationships all around. How does it translate into my job as Mayor? I'm concerned about all of the people who live in this city. This goes on to so many levels.

Economic growth: How do we get people to live here, and bring more business with them? Why not start with the youth. See, in 3, 5 even 10 years, the kids we've got now will be graduating from university. We have to have a reason for them to come back. When they come back with degrees, there is a good chance they'll be bringing employment opportunities with them. We have to start on fostering this infrastructure and groundwork and making it a desirable place for them to return to.

Their ideas are important. They need a lot of love, a lot of understanding and a lot of respect. Especially for those that get little or none. We have to start somewhere. It's like, everyone has all of these great ideas to keep them active and involved, but there is a void or gap that seems to be holding some people from succeeding and going forward.

I know 11 wards seems like a lot, but I had a good reason. By making the city into smaller areas, we can define the issues in core areas and deal with them. By doing it on a whole-city scale, it's just too much and it becomes overwhelming. The 'Divide and Conquer' technique makes it smaller work. The issues that SH has isn't what's happening in Sunningdale. Once certain issues are dealt with, the wards can be expanded out until eventually it fits the four main garbage routes that the map is currently divided into.

I want ward, block and youth leaders for each ward. Each will hold their position on a volunteer basis. There will be weekly meetings held to define the issues and what each ward needs in order to improve their neighborhood and ward. I will chair each of the meetings and every ward, block and youth leader will present a report which will also be presented to the regular council meetings. By having the community involved, there is no reason why anyone can be upset and say that they weren't asked or their opinion wasn't heard. Everyone will have a chance to voice their opinions.

I know for my boys (who are 12 and 14), their opinions matter a lot in our house. Sure, we may not agree with everything that they say or ask, but at least we honor their opinions by letting them be expressed. That's what all kids need and deserve. When they aren't being honored, they feel disrespected and ignored, and act out by doing things that are less than acceptable behaviours, such as crime, violence, being in gangs (because they want to feel lik ethey belong somewhere), sex and unwanted pregnancies, poor/failing grades, bad relationships... the list goes on and on. They all have the opportunity for growth and be empowered to do amazing things with their life.

The kids that spray their form of opinion all over the walls are saying anything they can to be heard. I know this idea sounds ridiculous, but why can't we set up a program or give them an opportunity for them to express their opinions in a healthier way. If they want to spray paint, surely there must be something else that we can line up for them. A lot of the the drawings that they've created are quite, well, creative. What if we foster and encourage them; maybe they'll be inspired to do more with their lives. What's to stop them from being the next Picasso? We may never find out, but at least WE will have given them that chance! I bet you they'll remember that when they're older.

This really is a long term plan. It's like planting a seed and watching it grow. What we do now won't make it grow overnight, but it'll firmly plant its roots and the end result will be worth what we've done now.

Karen