Sign up for the paNOW newsletter
Coun. Dennis Nowoselsky says he wants to bring more transparency and a team mentality to city government. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)
Fall election

Coun. Dennis Nowoselsky discusses mayoral bid

Apr 7, 2020 | 5:00 PM

A veteran city councillor has his eyes on the mayor’s chair.

Councillor Dennis Nowoselsky said he plans to officially launch his campaign in June, but confirmed he will run in a conversation with paNOW after Monday evening’s meeting.

The Ward Seven councillor listed more investment in major infrastructure projects like water and sewer and increased transparency among the top changes he wants to bring to city hall.

“City government has to be much more transparent,” he explained. “I’ve sat on committees and boards where too much is kept from the public.”

He also wants to implement a different leadership style he said will increase co-operation between councillors.

“I won’t be big on just being the mayor; it’s my team,” he explained. “And the team can chair more of the meetings, can fill in more of the public functions, there will be more team participation.”

Coun. Dennis Nowoselsky speaks during a February council meeting. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

A 12-year veteran of city council, Nowoselsky said introducing a motion to be the first city in Saskatchewan to ban smoking in public places is one of his proudest accomplishments.

“Moose Jaw and Yorkton joined us at the same time. The three cities put the resolution to the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) convention, they supported it and the government made it law,” he said. “We got no smoking in public places that started with a fight by about 10 citizens here in P.A. I was one of them.”

Aside from spending the public dollar wisely, he said he’s also proud of his commitment to constituent service.

“Trying to get potholes filled, neighbours not fighting over cats and dogs, landlords taking care of their properties so we have a beautiful city — all the small things,” he said.

So far, Nowoselsky is the only person to publicly challenge Mayor Greg Dionne, who announced he would seek re-election in January.

The municipal election is set for Nov. 9.

alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom

View Comments