Answer: Wasteful spending often occurs in areas where projects go over budget due to poor planning or where funds are allocated to initiatives that do not deliver tangible benefits to the community. For example, unnecessary administrative costs or redundant programs can drain resources that could be better spent elsewhere. I would advocate for a thorough audit of the city’s expenditures to identify these inefficiencies. The savings could then be reallocated to critical areas like infrastructure, public safety, or community services that directly impact the quality of life for our residents.
Lowering taxes is often popular, but it can lead to reduced funding for essential services. How do you plan to balance the need for tax relief with the necessity of maintaining or improving city services like public safety, education, and infrastructure?
Answer: The key is not just to lower taxes but to ensure that the city is operating as efficiently as possible. By cutting wasteful spending, we can maintain or even improve essential services without needing to raise taxes. My approach would involve prioritizing critical services while finding innovative ways to deliver them more cost-effectively, such as through public-private partnerships or modernizing outdated processes.
Reducing taxes can sometimes lead to shortfalls in the city budget. How would you address potential revenue losses while still fulfilling the city's obligations and ensuring long-term financial stability?
Answer: To mitigate the risk of budget shortfalls, I would focus on broadening the city’s tax base by encouraging economic growth and attracting new businesses. This would increase revenue without raising taxes on existing residents. Additionally, I would explore alternative revenue streams, such as grants or partnerships with private entities, to supplement the budget while ensuring we meet our obligations and maintain financial stability.
What criteria would you use to determine which spending is wasteful versus essential? Can you outline your approach to evaluating city expenditures?
Answer: My approach would involve a thorough review of all city expenditures, with a focus on return on investment and impact on the community. Spending that does not contribute directly to improving the lives of Regina’s residents or does not align with our strategic priorities would be classified as wasteful. I would work with financial experts and stakeholders to establish clear criteria and benchmarks for evaluating every line item in the budget.

How specifically do you plan to support local businesses, and what are the first steps you would take as a city council member?

Answer: I would focus on simplifying the permitting process, reducing unnecessary red tape, and creating a more responsive and supportive city government. To ensure these policies are effective, I would establish regular feedback loops with the business community to assess their impact and make adjustments as needed.

Some might argue that focusing on local businesses could limit opportunities for new outside investments. How do you balance support for local businesses with attracting new businesses to Regina?

Answer: It’s important to have a balanced approach. While we champion our local businesses, we must also create an environment that is attractive to outside investors. My goal is to make Regina a vibrant and diverse business community where both local and new businesses can thrive. By strengthening our local economy, we create a more appealing market for external investors, leading to more job opportunities and economic growth for everyone.

What role do you see for the city government in directly supporting local businesses, and how would you ensure that government intervention is beneficial rather than burdensome?

Answer: The city government’s role should be as a facilitator rather than an impediment. This means offering support services, ensuring fair and transparent regulations, and providing platforms for local businesses to showcase their products and services. Government intervention should focus on removing barriers rather than adding unnecessary layers of bureaucracy. I would work closely with business owners to ensure that any city initiatives are truly beneficial and responsive to their needs.

Answer: My plan to reduce crime involves a comprehensive approach that addresses both immediate safety concerns and the root causes of criminal behavior. The first steps would include increasing the presence of community policing, where officers build relationships with residents and businesses to create a stronger, more cooperative environment. Additionally, I would push for investments in crime prevention programs, such as youth engagement initiatives and support services for those at risk of offending.
Reducing crime often requires additional funding for law enforcement. How would you balance the need for increased public safety with the constraints of the city budget?
Answer: While increasing public safety is a priority, it’s essential to manage resources wisely. I would look for efficiencies within the current law enforcement budget and reallocate funds from less effective programs. Additionally, I would advocate for partnerships with provincial and federal governments to secure additional funding and grants specifically for crime reduction initiatives. By prioritizing programs with the highest impact, we can enhance public safety without straining the city’s budget.
What specific policies would you implement to make Regina safer, and how would you ensure these policies are effective?
Answer: I would implement policies that focus on both prevention and enforcement. This includes expanding community policing, improving technologies in high-crime areas, and supporting programs that address underlying issues like poverty, addiction, and mental health. To ensure these policies are effective, I would establish metrics for success and regularly review crime statistics, making adjustments as needed. Engaging with the community to gather feedback would also be a key component of ensuring these policies are working as intended.
How would you address the underlying social issues, such as poverty and unemployment, that often contribute to higher crime rates?
Answer: Addressing the root causes of crime is essential for long-term safety. I would advocate for policies that tackle poverty, improve education, and create job opportunities, particularly in underserved areas. This includes supporting affordable housing initiatives, workforce development programs, and access to mental health and addiction services. By addressing these social issues, we can reduce the factors that often lead to criminal 

Answer: My top priorities include upgrading and maintaining our roads, efficient public transportation, and ensuring that essential services like water, To ensure these projects are completed efficiently, I would advocate for the fixing the scope and costs and having transparent bidding processes, and close oversight to keep projects on schedule and within the scope and budget. Additionally, I would prioritize projects that offer the greatest benefit to the community and align with long-term city planning.

How would you address the needs of different parts of the city, especially underserved or underdeveloped areas, in your infrastructure plan?

Answer: It’s essential that all parts of the city benefit from infrastructure improvements, particularly underserved or underdeveloped areas. I would conduct a thorough needs assessment to identify the most critical infrastructure gaps in these communities. My plan would ensure that resources are allocated equitably, with a focus on improving access to essential services, transportation, and safe, well-maintained roads in every neighborhood. By prioritizing areas that have historically been overlooked, we can create a more balanced and connected city.

Infrastructure projects can sometimes cause disruption to local businesses and residents. How would you mitigate these impacts while still completing necessary work?

Answer: Minimizing disruption is a key consideration in any infrastructure project. I would ensure that projects are planned with input from local businesses and residents, allowing us to schedule work in a way that minimizes inconvenience. This might include conducting work during off-peak hours, providing clear communication about project timelines, and ensuring that alternative routes or services are available during construction. By being proactive and responsive to community concerns, we can complete necessary work while maintaining quality of life for residents.

How would you prioritize infrastructure projects, especially when there are multiple urgent needs in the city?

Answer: Prioritization would be based on a combination of factors, including the urgency of the need, the potential impact on the community, and the long-term benefits of the project. I would work closely with city planners, engineers, and community stakeholders to develop a comprehensive list of projects ranked by priority. By focusing on projects that address critical needs, such as safety and access to essential services, we can ensure that our resources are used most effectively.