Ten Questions With Mike Simpkins

To help people decipher the Mayor’s race MJ Independent has plans to feature any of the nine candidates at least once in our publication.

Today we feature Mike Simpkins.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself personally?

I was born and raised in Moose Jaw and have been a lifelong resident. I worked for the CP Rail for 37 years. I own and operate Miles Ahead Driver Ed and Motorcycle Training. I’ve been married for 36 years, have four grown children and eight grandchildren.

2. Was there one event or series of events which made you decide to run for Mayor? Can you describe them?

It was something I had been thinking about after the last municipal election a year ago, but not expecting there to be a by-election only a year later. When Fraser Tolmie resigned, I knew it was my time to step up.

3. What do you see as the main issues facing Moose Jaw and how would you fix them?

Over the past 50 years, there has been a lot of neglect regarding infrastructure, road conditions, parks and sports venues to name a few. Other issues that have to be addressed are snow “removal”, tax assessments, homelessness/addictions, crime, and garbage collection.

I’m going to start by getting rid of the wasteful spending and reallocating some of the savings to areas that have been neglected. We need to value the knowledge and experience of the front-line workers and use it to the advantage of the taxpayers in the overall productivity of city maintenance.

4. One of the main issues you have identified is the need for infrastructure replacement and renewal in Moose Jaw.

Do you feel the approach presently being taken is a reasonable approach to infrastructure renewal? If so why and how would you change it?

What do you feel is the largest hurdle to overcome in order for the City to do better than what they are doing at the present time?

No, there doesn’t seem to be adequate communication between the department heads. We’re digging up and repaving some of the same streets two or three times. This is not cost-effective, causes traffic delays and is a great source of frustration to all citizens. The key is to make sure department heads are communicating their upcoming projects with one another and coordinating projects together. The largest hurdle is the communication.

5. When was the last time you attended a City Council meeting?

September 27th, 2021

6. What is your strong point?

I am a good judge of character.

7. Conversely what is your weak point?

My greatest weakness is ice cream. I could definitely use more experience in social media, but I’m in the process of learning.

8. A main issue which Council has to deal with is a sense the City is conducting too much business in-camera or in secret. Some things such as legal, land and personnel must be conducted in private while other matters could be discussed in public.

Do you agree? If so how would you help to increase transparency - where permitted - at Council and Executive Committee meetings?

I believe the whole problem with transparency in our city is based on a lack of trust. We can’t blame the citizens for not trusting their councillors when they don’t feel heard. For example, we built Mosaic Place downtown even though 80% of the population didn't agree with that location. I personally believe that when we start listening to our taxpayers and making decisions in their best interest, nobody will be questioning our transparency and this whole issue will become mute.

9. Do you have any concerns about the hours or sacrifice necessary to be Mayor? Is the remuneration too little, just right or too much in your opinion?

No, I have worked 60+ hour workweeks my whole life. I think the remuneration is fair considering the responsibility of the position and hours required.

10. Do you have anything else to add?

 I’m looking forward to the opportunity to serve my community in the mayoral role. I am passionate about our city and am excited about its future. If you’d like to see a positive change, vote Mike Simpkins for Mayor.