Name: Janice Muir
Ward You’re Running In: 3
Current Occupation: Systems Analyst
Voter Information: 306-565-3249 jemuir.gov@sasktel.net
Education:
I.S.P. and ITCP/IP3P certification with CIPS
Bachelor of Arts in Computing Science from Dalhousie University
Bachelor of Science in Biology from Dalhousie University
Professional Experience in the IT Industry
SaskTel – 1996 to present
Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration – 1993 to 1996
IT industry in Nova Scotia prior to moving to Regina
Other Relevant Experience
I volunteer about 150 – 200 hours per year and have served on many boards and committees in this context. For example, I was the VP Environment for the Telecom Pioneers for several years, Co-chair of a Committee for Recognizing Diversity, and Area B24 Governor in Toastmasters International. Currently, I am VP for CIPS Saskatchewan, VP Public Relations for Not-Just-Us Toastmasters Club, and Secretary of the Prairie Rock & Gem Society.
QUESTION AND ANSWER
1. Briefly, why are you running for council?
I was appalled when the news broke about the shortfall in the civic pension fund. I became even more concerned as I saw people avoiding the issue. It was time to stand up for what I believe in – a responsive, responsible, and respectful municipal government.
2. What is the single most pressing issue facing Regina? How would you solve it?
Stabilizing the civic budget, especially the pension fund. Without a stable budget, spending becomes problematic. If the union and the current council reach an agreement on how to proceed to correct the deficiencies in the pension fund, then the incoming council must ensure that the plan is implemented and accomplishes what is expected.
3. Imagine the Regina Of The Future that you want to help build. What will it look like?
Safe, affordable, and accessible – a welcoming place to be for everyone. A city that rejoices in diversity and fully engages citizens in business, sports, arts and culture. A city that encourages ideas, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. A city that is at the forefront of social and environmental responsibility. I want everyone who lives elsewhere to look at Regina and say, “I wish I lived there” or “How can my community be just like Regina”.
4. Beyond immediate concerns like housing, the stadium and infrastructure renewal, what “big idea” project do you want to work on that nobody seems to be talking about?
Water treatment plants located close to where the water will be reused and which also generate power from the organic waste left behind. A recycling program that creates jobs and generates revenue.
5. Name something the last council got right.
Getting people excited about the value and potential of the city of Regina.
6. Now, point out their biggest mistake.
Rushing into big projects while ignoring public reactions to those plans.
7. What are you reading these days?
I typically read several books at a time, for work, recreation, and continuing education. At the moment, I am reading through two technical books at work, a work of fiction set in Medieval England, Neal Stephenson’s “Reamde”, and a book about homeopathy. I also read several newspapers on a regular basis including The Prairie Dog, Leader Post, Metro, and Verb. I read a wide range of magazines, too. On my desk right now are recent issues of Pink, Toastmaster, Cineplex Magazine, Discover, Psychology Today, Lawyers Weekly, and Computer Graphics World. I read on-line books, blogs and, of course, Wikipedia.
8. Beyond your residence, do you own any property in Regina or in the immediate area?
Yes, I own a home in North Central that is currently torn apart for major renos – anyone want to help – little money, lots of gratitude.
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FUN QUESTIONS!
1. What is your favourite Regina restaurant?
There are so many wonderful and interesting places to eat in Regina; I have a favourite in almost every cuisine, style or location available. It would take pages to list them all. I have to admit I do look forward to lunches at O’Hanlon’s because the staff is so jolly and accommodating – they even make Shirley Temples for me. Ooh …. and Mosaic!
2. Who is your favourite Regina artist?
My daughter, of course, and the entire Dun-E team led by Wendy Peart… Oh, and the Regina ATC Collective, Sylvia Ziemann, Joe Fafard, Dustin George, David Garneau, Roxanne Brown, Dean Renwick, Maryanne Slater, Carole Mallory, the Prairie Artists Guild, Taming Susan, Stan … oh my, another question with a name in every possible category – many, many talented people in Regina and Saskatchewan.
3. What actor would play you in the gritty cable drama, Queen City Hall?
Deborah Theaker
4. How would your character die?
Spectacularly, in a blaze of glory (or fire or pathos), defending something or someone. That or falling off a cliff in the middle of nowhere.
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PICK A SIDE
Cats or Dogs? All critters, all the time
Vampires or Werewolves? Neither
Boxing or Roller Derby? Roller Derby
Steak or Sushi? Steak with sushi!
Hill Towers or Legislative Building? Hill Towers
Quance Street or Dewdney Avenue? Dewdney Avenue
Artesian or Wascana Park Gazebo? Artesian
Prairie Dog or Richardson Ground Squirrel? Prairie Dog
Giant Grasshopper or Stegosaurus? Stegosaurus
Saskaboom or SaskAdvantage? SaskAdvantage
Bike or Sports Car? Feet
Le Macaron or Five Guys? Le Macaron
The Beatles or the Rolling Stones? Beatles
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BONUS QUESTION: Make up your own question (And answer it, of course!)
What is the most important component of the democratic process?
You – the voters! Come out and vote on October 24. Persuade someone else to vote, too. Then stay engaged after the election – talk to your councilors. Together we can make Regina strong, proud, and forever!
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Find out about all the other people running in this election on our Candidate Profiles page. And follow all of our online election coverage — including interviews, analysis and podcasts — on our Regina City Election 2012 page.
