Ten Questions With Michael Haygarth

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 Michael Haygarth.

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

I currently work at Magellan Aerospace as an Engine Specialist for the greatest air demonstration team ever; the Snowbirds. I hold an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer license and a Commercial Pilot License.

With 20 years as a professional in the most highly regulated industry in the world I have acquired a set of exceptional skills of leadership, quality assurance, and the highest level of accountability.

I am the second youngest of nine children and the youngest of the six boys.

I know there is an art to negotiations. Sometimes you have to fight, sometimes you have to lose the fight to win the battle, and sometimes all you have to do is ask respectfully for what you want.

I help coach my daughter at the Moose Jaw Biathlon Team, volunteer with the Local Air cadets and I am also member of the Moose Jaw Flying Club.

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

I am running for Mayor because it is the best job in the city.
3. What do you see as the main issues facing Moose Jaw and how would you fix them?

The main issue in Moose Jaw is the lack of community as a whole and the disconnect people feel from the governing offices. I plan to reach out and be more engaging with the community and show there is no need for disconnect. I want to be a proud voice for the citizens.

4. You seem to have made a connection between what many see as the increase in petty crime, addictions and mental health issues.

As Mayor how would you address these issues and where would you find the funding to do so? Would you be looking at such things as a supervised injection site or other things to help break the cycle of addiction and crime?

The Issue of mental health, drugs, and petty crime in Moose Jaw are definitely issues that should be dealt with by professional in that field. My goal would be more preventive and encourage the community to reach out and help the individual before it too late; prevention would reduce the stress load on the professionals allowing them more resources for fewer patients.

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

Last time council meeting? I watch Moose Jaw city council meetings online

6. What is your strong point?

I never give up.

7. Conversely what is your weak point?

I never give up.

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 that this has to do with familiarization of the system, to understand why some meetings are behind closed doors. Be nothing but truthful and give no reason to suggest otherwise.

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?

Sacrifice is the wrong word; it will be a pleasure to stand up and represent the people of Moose Jaw as Mayor.

10. Do you have anything else to add?

I like puzzles, all kinds of puzzles. My flyer is a paper airplane, and in my answers here, there is a fun word puzzle.