Meet the Candidate: Doug Blanc – DiscoverMooseJaw.com

Here are Blanc’s answers to the questions we asked all candidates:

Q: Why are you running for council?

A: I am running because I want to continue to be the voice of the citizens of Moose Jaw. I said 4 years ago that councilors should treat citizens as clients and I still believe that we need to work for the citizens, Moose Jaw. I tried to represent everyone who called me. We face serious challenges in the next few years. We have a Crescent View pump station that is in need of major repairs or complete replacement. We have an outdated outdoor pool that needs to be replaced. We have a viaduct on 4th Avenue that needs major repairs along with road repairs. I want to work for citizens to ensure that these issues can be resolved in a fiscally responsible manner.

Question: Do you have experience in public service/community boards/politics?

A: My four years on the City Council, as well as serving on the Parks and Recreation Committee, the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery, the Moose Jaw Exposition Board, the Roads and Infrastructure Committee, and the Moose Jaw Police Commission, have provided the opportunity to gain significant experience. My past experience serving on various boards, both in Moose Jaw and in my previous job, gave me the ability to handle complex budgets and issues, which gave me the experience and knowledge needed to serve on the City Council.

Question: Do you think experience matters one way or another?

A: City Council experience is a huge advantage. But past experience can also be helpful. Given my board experience, as well as the accompanying board experience and previous board experience, I believe I have the necessary qualifications.

Question: What topic/political issue/incident was a turning point for you?

A: I don’t think there is any specific theme or policy. I want to continue to represent the citizens of Moose Jaw. As stated earlier, we will have several major infrastructure projects coming up in the next few years. I would like to participate in these discussions to represent the citizens of Moose Jaw.

Question: What criticisms, if any, do you have of the policies you’ve seen over the last two or three years?

Answer: I have always used the philosophy of solving the problem, not the individual. I believe the city council should make decisions based on facts and information and not take personalities into account. If a majority of the Council voted for an issue that I voted against, I would still support it because it was passed by the majority. I believe that I have developed a good working relationship with the other city council members, the mayor and the city administration. I might disagree with this position on any issue. But I respected their opinion and never had any personal problems with it.

Question: What is your plan for compromise/cooperation with other council members to achieve policy goals?

Answer: Although we cannot agree on every issue. It is important to hear everyone’s opinion. This allows a person to hear all the details that help them make informed decisions. I have always excluded the individual from all decisions and will continue to do so.

Q: What else do you want voters to know about you?

Answer: I personally attended all meetings of the Council, the Executive Committee, as well as meetings of other committees. I feel like I listened to citizens and other councilors, which allowed me to make informed decisions. It has been a tremendous honor to represent the residents of Moose Jaw not only at city council meetings, but also outside of Moose Jaw in other venues. I will continue to view the role of City Council member as a privilege and will once again be honored to represent you on the City Council.

Question: In the interest of transparency, do you coordinate or share any association with any other candidates in any way?

A: I will work with any advisor. However, I may or may not agree. I will continue to address residents’ concerns and issues. I do not and will not allow personality to control how I vote on issues.

The candidate forum will take place on Monday at 7:00 pm in Peacock University College’s Centennial Auditorium. The forum will be broadcast live on Discover Moose Jaw.

Discover Moose Jaw will also have full coverage of the Nov. 13 municipal election.