Candidates in this Civic Election are focusing their efforts as we decide who to vote for next week. In this report we take a look at council candidates Regina Sagal-Hendry and Dave Pelletier.

 

If you can believe it we are just over a week away from a Civic Election here in Moose Jaw. Current elected officials have just held their final meeting and are now focusing their attention solely on their campaigns while the other 16 candidates kick it up a notch.

As our election coverage continues we take a look at two new comers to municipal politics.

Founder of the Moose Jaw Children's Choir, founding member of Arts in Motion, founding member of the Prairie Arts Festival, and founder of the Festival of Flavours.

Those are just some of the items on the resume of Moose Jaw council candidate Regina Sagal-Hendry who wants to continue to grow our recreational choices if elected. "I fully support the building of a communiplex for our city, one that's going to meet the needs for all of the members of the community. We also need a place that is going to be able to host the types of conventions that want to come to Moose Jaw and enjoy our wonderful facilities. Although I do favour the downtown site, I realize that there has not been a comprehensive study that gives us enough facts to give us a conclusive decision."

Sagal-Hendry moved back to Moose Jaw 27 years ago and says it was the best decision her family ever made. While she is new to politics she says she does have the experience needed to help run the city. "As a parent I raised my parent here and I'm aware of all of the opportunities and challenges that come along with parenting. I understand the needs and wants of families raising their children in this community and as a retired person on a very limited pension, I certainly understand what it is to be on a fixed income and how every raise in services and taxes has a direct impact on my lifestyle."

The Chairman of the Business Improvement District is now looking at expanding his contributions to the city.

Dave Pelletier is asking for our support in this Civic Election as he runs for city council and looks to bolster support for our local heroes. "In some cases I think that we take the Moose Jaw City Police and the fire fighters for granted. Therefore I propose that we provide and assure that the resources are available to the Moose Jaw City Police and the fire fighters so that they can continue to provide those professional services to us so Moose Jaw continues to be a safe and vibrate community."

Pelletier also supports a downtown location for the multiplex project saying he has a vision for the future of Moose Jaw similar to that of the MultiPlex Builders. "I believe that someday in the not to distant future I can walk downtown or drive downtown and angle park, browse and take in a meal or two and enjoy the services, and then from there I can walk a couple blocks and I can go to the multiplex."

Pelletier is the current Chair of the Business Improvement District, Chair of the Common Ground Valley Experience, and President of the Moose Jaw Aboriginal Association.

This is the fourth installment of our continuing coverage of Civic Election 2006. If you would like to look at past editions check out:

Candidates Go Toe to Toe,

Here We Go,

and 9 Days to Go all located here on discovermoosejaw.com.