As we continue our election coverage we look at Mike Hataley, Brian Swanson, and Gerald Waslen in this report. Tonight, advance polls open at 7 o'clock for those unable to vote October 25th.

 

While most of us will head to the polls October 25th, ballots will start to be filled out Thursday as advanced polls open at 7pm. With 22 council candidates to choose from there are a lot of decisions to make before heading out to vote.

A former long-time city councillor is ready to return to municipal politics.

Mike Hataley is one of the candidates in this election who says the city needs experienced people in order to deal with the issues. "Moose Jaw has a lot going for it. Let’s not lose it. I’m ready for the challenge and I believe that I have the ability and the experience to do the job. We must create a positive relationship on council and other committees by working as a team. I am a team player."

Hataley says this is an exciting time in our community and is ready to work on the many projects on the go. "In this term council must deal with building a multiplex, upgrade the municipal airport which is important to commercial and industrial expansion, and renovation to the Union Hospital. We need to approach the senior levels of government as a team so they can participate financially in these projects because they to have a responsibility to our community."

One council candidate looking for re-election wants voters to rethink the multiplex, calling the project a financial disaster is it goes ahead right now.

Brian Swanson says our city has other priorities than just a multiplex. "Our hospital urgently needs renovations and expansion. Our surgical suites are 52 years old and that 5 years older than the Civic Centre. The 19 million dollar price tag, now a 2 and a half year old estimate, could climb dramatically."

Swanson says he's not against the project but says it’s just not the right time to go ahead with it. "I support a multiplex as a long term development. Projects of this magnitude require much planning and up front fundraising to demonstrate community support."

Swanson says he is totally committed to open, responsible, and accountable government.

As we prepare to mark out ballots council candidate Gerald Waslen has a few ideas he wants us to consider before doing so.

Waslen is against the current plan for a multiplex in Moose Jaw and has a plan of his own called "Freedom 5-5-5". "The first project of 5 million dollars is an ultra modern 8 sheet curling club situated downtown across from Safeway. The second 5 million dollar project is a new multipurpose athletic facility situated on High Street West and the third 5 million dollar project is the completion of the phase 1 of the Nustadia Report to the Civic Centre as to meet the WHL requirement."

Waslen also has a suggestion for us before we vote. "If you feel that there are only a few candidates that reflect your position then just vote for them. A ballot of five or four or three or two or a single vote on a ballot is a valid ballot. Remember you can vote for up to six councillors."

Waslen says he will listen to the people of Moose Jaw when it comes to the project and not interest groups involved.

While most of us will vote on October 25th advance polls open Thursday in Moose Jaw. Ballots can filled out at City Hall from 7 until 9pm, Thursday and Friday. On Saturday advance polls will be open from 2 until 6pm at City Hall.