Candidate Questions - Perry Haug
#1 In 2023, for several reasons, a secondary audit was requested of SAMA. SAMA declined this request.Currently the City and council have chosen to do nothing in regards to this issue.
What are you prepared to do?
Our current city council’s hands off approach to the SAMA audit request is unacceptable. When citizens ask for a proper review of their tax assessment, and the city just stands back and does nothing, it sends a dangerous message.
Here’s what that message says; If SAMA can deny one group’s legitimate request for a secondary audit with no push back from the council, they can do it to any of us.
When I’m on council, this passive approach ends. We will actively challenge the red tape and bureaucratic barriers that are preventing proper oversight of our assessment process. Our citizens deserve a council that fights for them, not one that stands back and watches them struggle.
#2 Saskatoon has a governance committee which oversees their property tax/assessment department,and theirs far exceeds ours. Are you prepared to implement the changes needed in order to mirror/reflect theirs? Or something better?
Yes, Moose Jaw needs better oversight of our property tax and assessment department. Right now, we’re falling behind what other cities are doing.
Look at Saskatoon - they have a dedicated committee overseeing their assessment department in house, and it works. We need that same level of transparency and oversight here in Moose Jaw.
I want to create a similar committee for our city. Transparency isnt just a nice word its essential for making sure our tax assessment system is fair and accountable. Having a dedicated committee focused just on this would help prevent the kinds of problems we’re seeing now with an outside agency.
#3 a). In your words, What does a Moose Jaw Citizen say when they are asked “What do you think of Moose Jaw?”
A typical Moose Jaw citizen would express both pride and concerns about their city. They’d begin with the positives - expressing how Moose Jaw has been and continues to be a great place for families. For long -time residents, they'd talk about raising their families here and the great memories they’ve made. For newer residents, thy’d mention choosing Moose Jaw as a place where they want to put down roots and raise their own families.
However, they’d also be honest about two major current challenges;
1] Affordability - expressing how the increasing cost of living is making it harder to make ends meet in Moose jaw
2] Safety concerns - particularly noting how more vulnerable residents, especially our seniors, don’t feel as safe in the city as they once did.
b).If you are elected, what will the Citizens be saying in 4 years?
People will know the change will be visible in certain areas, policies will be revisited and changed for the better. People will appreciate the small town feeling again and strong sense of community. Residents often mentioned in the past when having local festivals, arts, and cultural activities that bring the community together. Furthermore, they would say they finally feel like they have a voice and are heard when it comes to their city.
#4 Right now there is a lot of talk about a proposed hotel on the zero block of River Street West. Rumours which include the potential building of a parkade by the City in the area.
The question is, as an elected official, how much City money - if any - are you prepared to spend either to see the proposed hotel development get off the ground?
As an elective official, any financial commitment to a hotel development would depend on a thorough assessment of the project’s feasibility, potential economic impact, and alignment with community needs. I’d prioritize public funds for projects that provide clear benefits. The cost of improving infrastructures may be necessary benefiting the broader community. I won’t throw taxpayer dollars at a private development without making sure it truly benefits Moose Jaw citizens first.
#5 Are you in favour of more or less funding by way of levies? Or do you favour finding more funding by the way of tax increases?
This is a hard question to answer as many citizens today are struggling financially and increasing taxes would only make matters worse, not to mention that because some are not paying their arrears it would not be fair to raise taxes as a way to increase city finances, therefore, I do not think increasing taxes would be a good option. As far as finding funding through levies, this would only further hinder those that are struggling (hence the need for the levy) and may leave some financially paralyzed. I think there needs to be a third option, a step before people are levied.
#6 In your own words, what is the most important infrastructure projection that needs to be completed? Where or how would you locate funding for this project?
I don’t support increasing either taxes or levies right now. Here’s why;
Tax increases would hurt our citizens who are already struggling financially. Plus, when some people can’t pay their current taxes, raising rates won’t solve anything.
What we actually need is a better system to help people before they fall behind on payments. We need solutions that help our citizens, not more ways to charge them.
#7 Affordability is a major concern for many residents. Are you prepared - yes or no - to strive to make Moose Jaw more affordable?
My answer is yes I am prepared to strive to make Moose Jaw more affordable. Addressing cost of living concerns is crucial for residents' quality of life.
Can you briefly explain how you would accomplish this?
Explore options for reducing property taxes or offering rebates to lower-income residents.Implement property tax reductions or freeze programs for low and middle income residents. Provide incentives for home energy audits and upgrades to lower utility bills.
1] Property Tax Relief;
- Create targeted reductions for low and middle - income residents. - Develop a property tax freeze program for those who qualify.
- Explore rebate options for those in need.
2] Lower Utility costs;
- Offer incentives for home energy audits -Support energy - saving home improvements -Help residents reduce their utility bills long term.