“I’m running for mayor in order to lead the city into the future,” said Sandra Masters during the launch of her re-election campaign.
Article content
Sandra Masters says she is running for a second term as Regina’s mayor to finish what she started during her first term in office — and then intends to move aside for a new vision.
“There is a rhythm to the work that’s being done,” Masters said Wednesday morning at the Cornwall Centre as she officially launched her platform for re-election. “And I don’t think you should interrupt that rhythm, especially when you’re trying to affect major change.”
Advertisement 2
Article content
And for that reason, Masters noted this 2024 bid for mayor would be her last, regardless of the outcome.
“I believe in term limits for mayors,” Masters said. “I think after eight years, the next person with renewed energy should come in and I believe it’s my obligation to make sure that the next leaders have the tools and planning in place to have accurate information for oversight, for accountability and for growth.”
If re-elected, Masters promised to build on her record when it comes to improving community safety, finding operational efficiencies, addressing the city’s $1-billion infrastructure deficit and attracting economic investment.
“There’s no one big promise. We need to finish the work we’ve started,” she said, before outlining a vision to continue momentum to move Regina forward if granted a second term.
“Like all of you who believe in Regina, I’m committed to be the voice Regina needs,” said Masters. “I am more committed now than I was four years ago. I understand more what’s at stake. We can’t afford to go backwards, can’t afford to stand still or start again. Our future as a city will not wait.”
Headline News
Article content
Advertisement 3
Article content
Her speech and platform touched on a wide range of civic issues, from fixing sidewalks to petitioning for continued provincial and federal investments. She floated goals like creating community watch programs, prioritizing downtown vibrancy initiatives and continuing to retrofit or upgrade city facilities with energy efficient elements.
She also outlined an idea for new online dashboards for the public to be able to track the progress of city projects and to provide more useful updates about planned or ongoing construction on water systems, roads and sidewalks.
When asked about the promise she made in her inaugural 2020 campaign to find 15 per cent in savings inside the city’s operational budget, Masters answered she feels that’s been achieved and can be furthered.
“What amounts to about $43 million in savings, in cost avoidance, in innovation, hits that goal,” she said. “We have managed, within the last four years, to keep mill rate increases under the rate of inflation.
“But we hear from residents all the time the places where we can improve and I get that. That’s the intention.”
Advertisement 4
Article content
Masters is one of 11 candidates running for mayor this year.
Advance polls for the municipal election begin on Friday, available from Nov. 1 to 4 at select locations from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Election-day polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 13.
The Regina Leader-Post has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe.
With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark leaderpost.com and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.
Article content
