John Adams for City of Moose Jaw Council

11/14/2024

Thank You, Moose Jaw

While the results didn’t turn out in my favor, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who supported my campaign, shared their thoughts, and believed in a brighter future for our city.

This journey has been an incredible experience, and I remain as committed as ever to our community. Although I won’t be serving on council this term, I will continue to work alongside all of you to make Moose Jaw a better place, advocating for responsible development, infrastructure improvements, and innovative solutions for our city's challenges.

To my fellow candidates, congratulations on your campaigns. I wish the newly elected council all the best as they lead Moose Jaw forward.

Thank you for your trust and your continued support. Let’s keep moving our city in the right direction—together.

John Adams

PS - signs have been removed, but if you see one (a couple grew legs along the way) just give me a shout and I'll be happy to pick it up!

11/13/2024

Well everyone today is the day. Make sure to head out to the polls today if you haven't already.

I've enjoyed chatting with you over the last several weeks both digitally, via phone, and in person. This city is filled with incredible people with so many perspectives and passions. While we might not agree on everything, I believe those moments exist to refine and smooth each other out just as sandpaper does to rough edges.

Let's keep our eyes on the horizon and our direction steadfast. See you on the other side of the polls.

11/12/2024

🗳️ Election Day is Tomorrow! 🗳️

Tomorrow, Moose Jaw has an exciting opportunity to shape our city’s future! I encourage everyone to head to the polls, make your voices heard, and vote for the leadership you believe will best serve our community.

As a candidate, I'm committed to building a stronger, more accountable, and engaged Moose Jaw, and I would be honored to earn your vote. Your support can help drive growth for our city.

Let’s make this election count. Please take a few minutes to get out and vote – every vote matters in creating the future we want for Moose Jaw!

Thank you for your support, and see you at the polls!

11/11/2024

Today, we pause to honor the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served and continue to serve for our freedom. As we remember their legacy, let us carry forward a message—that their sacrifices inspire unity, compassion, and a world where peace prevails. May we live in gratitude, cherishing the freedoms we hold, and may we commit to building a future worthy of their bravery.

Lest we forget.

11/09/2024

I woke up way too early this morning with my mind humming. As I've reflected on the last several weeks and experiences I got thinking about all of the things that the citizens of Moose Jaw have mentioned.

There were some themes that emerged that I've been able to summarize:

1. Housing Solutions through Partnerships 🏘️

Advocate for sustainable housing options by building partnerships with for-profit and not-for-profit social agencies that provide support programs for vulnerable populations. While City Council oversees zoning and planning, collaborating with these organizations can help create pathways to safe, affordable housing and long-term community stability.

2. Opportunity for Economic Growth💰

Promote local businesses and attract new industries by creating an environment that supports entrepreneurship, alternative revenue generation, and economic diversification. Address the current dissatisfaction with the tax structure by exploring fairer, alternative revenue solutions that reduce the need for additional tax burdens.

3. Public Safety and Infrastructure🚒🚓🚰

Prioritize public safety and investing in critical infrastructure projects, including the Crescent View lift station and the ongoing water main replacement. These upgrades ensure that Moose Jaw remains a secure, resilient community for residents and visitors alike.

4. Engagement with the Community🗣️👨‍💻

Foster open dialogue and active community involvement by listening to residents' concerns and collaborating on solutions that reflect the community’s needs, building a stronger and more inclusive Moose Jaw.

💡 People are looking for H.O.P.E.

As a city we need to ensure we keep our eyes and path on H.O.P.E. so we can not just be, but so that we can thrive.

I hope you have a great day Moose Jaw 😉

11/09/2024

Thank you to the 3,061 citizens who have already exercised their right to vote since advanced polls opened. Your commitment to our community is inspiring and reflects the importance of each voice in shaping Moose Jaw’s future. Let’s keep the momentum going—see you at the polls on November 13th!

11/08/2024

It's only a penny for ones thoughts... After SAMA assesses... we need to put our two cents in in.

11/07/2024

Some further questions for inquiring minds.

In an effort to give our readers a better understanding of where the local civic election candidates stand on the issues we asked a series of questions. Here are the answers by candidate John Adams.

11/07/2024

Building for tomorrow stands on a foundation of what was laid in the past. We can build a vibrant future together brick by brick.

Tomorrow (Thursday Nov 7) is the final day to get your votes in at the Advanced polls. Poll is open at noon and is active until 6pm.

Hit it up!

(Building in photo located on 0 block High St E)

11/05/2024

Well the candidates for council forum came and went. This format was significantly different than what I was anticipating after attending the mayor's forum last week. There's a lot of passion that rose up throughout the night from both the residents as well as the candidates. Passion is good.... it means people still care.

I wanted to share a couple of thoughts on the themes of last night as not all candidates had questions directed to them:

1. Safety in the downtown: I believe part of the solution is to increase the amount of foot traffic throughout our streets and parks; having more eyes and ears keeping tabs on the day to day pulse of our city allows for quicker notifications to authorities when things are going wrong. We can do that by increasing the population density of target areas. What does that mean? I believe it can start with attracting investors to build mixed residential buildings in the downtown core with commercial spaces available on the first floor or two and residential units above. These types of buildings attract investment, support jobs, provide choices between affordable and luxury residential units, beautify our city by filling in empty lots, provide the city with tax revenue maximized per linear foot of frontage while distributing that tax burden across both business and residential and best of all promotes community and with a stronger community people feel safe. There are so many positives that can be achieved when targeting these types of buildings.

2. Taxation: Citizens of Moose Jaw I hear you. Taxes continuously increase and services perceptually decrease. I think we as a city have struggled with this for upwards of 60 years! I have a theory where services remained at relatively the same level (hear me out)... but the infrastructure increased. In 1961 our population was roughly 33,600 people with our cities land footprint being about 60% of what it is today. Over the last sixty years, we built outwards rather than upwards which increased the amount of kilometers of roads, pipe, lines etc which naturally increased the burden of maintenance and replacement costs. In 2021 we were back to 33,600 people (give or take) and that same number of people are servicing 40% more infrastructure. No wonder there's a need for higher taxes... especially when we haven't diversified our revenue streams. Again, I think the solution starts with rebuilding out city from the inside out and focusing on infill lots and revamping properties. We should not allow a property to sit vacant for years on end ending in derelict shape and/or empty. From a city perspective, it's lost opportunity cost for revenue, from a tourist perspective it doesn't look good, from a resident perspective we lose pride in our city. I would like to see property owners of the empty lots and derelict buildings held to account and require action to be a good steward of the asset they possess in our city.

No one loves paying taxes, but I know we also understand that they're a key source of revenue currently required to support the city, so we can buy in.... We just don't want to leave them a tip 😉

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you think I'm way off base? Help me temper the ideas.

11/04/2024

Three more days to beat the rush!

11/04/2024

Tonight's the night - come on down to Peacock tonight at 7pm to learn more about the Council candidates, their thoughts, ideas and passion for our wonderful city.