Ron Mantyka says if elected in Ward 8, he will prioritize fiscal responsibility, by promoting a culture that purses appropriate levels of spending and tax. He would put a focus on safety, homelessness and addictions and putting resources behind that. Mantyka would also like to see significant city reserves looked at and used more effectively.
Mantyka says he is in favour of promoting an age-friendly city that will accommodate inter-generational living. He says he is very conscientious about mega projects and making sure they are a Saskatoon solution. Mantyka points to the Saskatoon library as an example of this, saying the $132 million investment doesn’t make a lot of sense and upgrading the existing facility is a better alternative. Mantyka suggests $7 million going into reserves for the library should go to the Saskatoon homeless program. Mantyka suggests a review of governance on what council and management are each doing is a good idea. He would empower management to make more decisions and encourage a less hands on approach for council towards day to day operations. To create what he calls, a clear line of accountability.
Mantyka says his biggest advantage of other candidates is he is now retired, after years of experience in business development and project management. He adds he has overseen some fairly significant projects and has been an entrepreneur that has seen businesses from startup to going on the exchange. Mantyka says this experience, may allow him to impart some wisdom on younger enthusiastic council members.