Name: Jim Elliott

Current Occupation: Environmental Ed. Consultant

Voter Information: 551-8500; jimelliottformayor@gmail.com; jimelliottformayor.wordpress.com

I have lived most of my adult life in Regina. I went to the University of Regina getting a Bachelor of Science and a Certificate in Community Development. The last 15 years or so I have been an Environmental Education Consultant providing environmental programming in schools and other venues here and across the province. I also work for the REALM Foundation (realmfoundation.ca) and work with an individual with multiple disabilities. I have worked with many non-profit organizations both locally and nationally including some who have worked directly with the City of Regina. I ride a bicycle all year long and donate blood regularly.

QUESTION AND ANSWER

1. Briefly, why are you running for council/mayor?
Financially, environmentally and socially, I see the city going in an unsustainable direction and saw a need to inject myself in the directing of this city.  I have tried to give advice, but have seen little change.  So why not be the one in charge instead of just providing advice.  With my knowledge, experience and passion, I know that I could make the necessary changes if elected Mayor.

2. What is the single most pressing issue facing Regina? How would you solve it?
The biggest issue is housing.  Without it, we cannot move forward and deal with many other problems.  I would take action by setting up the Regina Housing Commission and have them lead the changes explained in the Task Force Report on Housing given to the city in 2000.  Personally, I would make it part of my work plan for 2013 and tackle the biggest problem, the lack of available rental units in Regina.

3. 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?
I want to make transit, paratransit and other active modes of transportation the easiest choice for residents of this city.  This includes doubling paratransit and expanding transit service.  It means more bike lanes and clearing more sidewalks in the winter.  In a broad way, I want this city to accept the challenge of being more physically active every day to combat the growing problem of obesity.

4. Name something the last council got right.
The introduction of the discounted transit and paratransit pass was one.  This allowed financially strapped individuals and families a basic right of mobility in our city and the same ability as other to be active in their community.

5. Now, point out their biggest mistake.
Recently, the introduction of the financial penalty when they introduced the recycling program was the worst.  This will discourage residents to move in the positive direction of recycling and keep people producing garbage, a financial burden of taxpayers.

6. What are you reading these days?
Damned Nations: Greed, Guns, Armies and Aid by Samantha Nutt, M.D., founder of War Child.

7. Beyond your residence, do you own any property in Regina or in the immediate area?
No.

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FUN QUESTIONS!

1. What is your favourite Regina restaurant?
Copper Kettle

2. Who is your favourite Regina artist?
Belle Plaine

3. What actor would play you in the gritty cable drama, Queen City Hall?
Donald Sutherland

4. How would your character die?
Being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Probably drowning in the Albert Street underpass in a flash flood.

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PICK A SIDE

Cats or Dogs? Cats

Vampires or Werewolves? Vampires

Boxing or Roller Derby? Roller Derby

Steak or Sushi? Steak

Hill Towers or Legislative Building? Legislative Building

Quance Street or Dewdney Avenue? Dewdney Avenue

Artesian or Wascana Park Gazebo? Wascana Park Gazebo

Prairie Dog or Richardson Ground Squirrel? Richardson Ground Squirrel

Giant Grasshopper or Stegosaurus? Giant Grasshopper

Saskaboom or SaskAdvantage? SaskAdvantage

Bike or Sports Car? Bike

Le Macaron or Five Guys? Le Macaron

The Beatles or the Rolling Stones? The Beatles

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BONUS QUESTION: Make up your own question (And answer it, of course!)
What area of the country would you like to visit that you haven’t yet and why?
It would be the Northwest Passage of the north.  I have always been fascinated by the early explorers of this country and marvel at their skill and sheer guts to tackle such a formidable, unforgiving land.

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