Stirling Millar is running for city council in the upcoming municipal election.
“I’d like to see the city go in a direction where we’re looking into the future, to improve the services available and to improve the infrastructure so that we’re able to attract business … whatever can help improve the local economy,” said 33-year-old Millar.
He said instead of attracting only specific businesses such as tourism and construction, he would like to provide incentive for any businesses to invest in Moose Jaw.
Millar said the main issues are infrastructure, economic development and sustainable growth.
“To me that means both growing continuously as well as doing it in an environmentally responsible manner,” said Millar. “I mean we’ve all seen the roads here, especially when you’re outside the downtown core.”
He said he would deal with the infrastructure by ensuring the city is working within the budgets and that there are “no unreasonable delays.” In terms of economic development, Millar said the city should provide incentives for businesses.
“I’m not talking about providing loans to them. I’m talking about ensuring that there is a good employee pool as well as the interests for people wanting to move here,” said Millar. “There’s no point in a company moving here if everybody’s living in Regina for example.”
Millar said for sustainable growth, the city needs to be attractive while providing available services, such as keeping materials out of the landfill.
Millar is a service technician with the call centre at SaskTel and has lived in Moose Jaw for most of his life. He said he plans to stay here with his family for as long as possible.
“Part of the job that I have is to some extent mediating conflict and that is something that as a councillor you’re going to have to do either from someone who’s disagreeing with policy, to other councillors disagreeing with your opinion,” said Millar. “You’re going to need to be able to explain your opinion, explain why such and such a policy is appropriate.”
He said he has fairly good ideas and isn’t afraid to try something even if it’s going to be difficult for him to execute. He added he has a fair bit of time available right now to commit to the job of being a councillor and that he is “committed to working for citizens.”
“I don’t have any specific agendas that I’m going to be pushing for. I’m going to work for the citizens of Moose Jaw, taking their opinions, be available to talk to, which is to be more important than anything,” said Millar. “If you’re not available for concerns to be heard, then you’re not doing your job as a councillor or politician.”
