Jacky Maan

What are the three most important outcomes you want West St. Paul to achieve during the next four years? What measurable result would tell residents you succeeded?

My three priorities are improving drainage, managing growth responsibly and ensuring taxpayers get value for their money. Drainage and traffic are my first priorities. Residents should not have to deal with the same flooding and drainage problems year after year, nor with daily traffic. I want to see ditches properly maintained, unfinished drainage works addressed, and a clear plan for improvements. Second, new development must be supported by proper infrastructure without placing unnecessary costs on existing residents. Third, I want responsible and greater accountability at council. Success means completed drainage improvements, better infrastructure planning and clear reporting to residents on what council has accomplished.

How should West St. Paul balance keeping municipal taxes competitive with maintaining and expanding services? Identify one area of municipal spending you would protect and one you would examine most closely for savings or efficiencies.

Residents deserve reliable services without unnecessary tax increases. Council needs to carefully review spending, set priorities and make sure every dollar is being used effectively. I would protect funding for essential infrastructure, particularly drainage and road maintenance. Neglecting these services only creates bigger and more expensive problems later. I would examine administrative costs, contracts and operational spending for opportunities to improve efficiency. I believe in spending where it matters, avoiding unnecessary expenses and making decisions based on long-term value rather than short-term convenience.

When the RM has an operating surplus or significant reserve funds, how should Council balance saving for future infrastructure, paying down debt, funding current projects and limiting future tax increases?

A surplus should be managed carefully because it is taxpayer's money. I believe council should maintain reasonable reserves for emergencies and future infrastructure needs while also addressing existing problems. Where funds are available, priority should be given to necessary infrastructure improvements and reducing debt when financially beneficial. I would not support accumulating excessive reserves without a clear purpose, nor spending reserves simply to avoid a tax increase for one year. Every reserve should have a defined purpose, and residents should know why money is being saved or spent. The goal is financial stability, responsible investment and predictable taxes.

West St. Paul continues to experience rapid residential development. What costs should new development be expected to carry, and what costs should reasonably be shared by the municipality as a whole?

I support development, but growth must be properly planned and should not leave existing residents paying for infrastructure that new development requires. Developers should be responsible for infrastructure directly associated with their projects, including roads, drainage, servicing and required upgrades, through legally authorized agreements and charges. Infrastructure improvement that benefit the entire municipality should be shared fairly, based on the benefits received and applicable legislation. Growth should benefit West St. Paul, not create new problems for existing residents.

What types of businesses and commercial development should West St. Paul actively encourage? How should Council balance expanding the commercial tax base with traffic, infrastructure, nearby neighbourhoods and community character?

West St. Paul needs a stronger commercial tax base to help reduce reliance on residential property taxes. I would encourage businesses that provide local jobs and services, including retail, restaurants, professional services and suitable light industrial development. I believe council should work with businesses, encourage responsible investment and ensure development decisions make financial sense for the municipality and its residents.

What are your highest infrastructure priorities for the next term? How should West St. Paul respond to increasing traffic and demands on roads, drainage, wastewater and other infrastructure as the municipality grows?

I have lived in West St. Paul for twenty years, and I understand the frustration residents experience when the same drainage problems remain unsolved. I want a proper assessment of deficiencies, regular ditch maintenance and a prioritized plan to complete necessary improvement. Road conditions and traffic safety are also important, especially as new development increases traffic. Council must ensure roads, wastewater systems and other infrastructure can support future growth. My approach is simple: identify the problems, establish priorities, allocate funding responsibly and follow through until measurable improvement are made.

As West St. Paul grows, which municipal services need the most attention or investment — such as fire protection, community safety, public works, snow clearing, parks, recreation or bylaw enforcement — and why?

As West St. Paul grows, essential services must keep pace. My priorities would be public works, fire protection, road maintenance, snow cleaning and drainage. I also support maintenance parks and recreational facilities that serve families and seniors, provided investments are affordable and properly planned. I believe residents deserve dependable services, timely response and a Council that listens when something is not working.

What do you believe is the single biggest issue facing Ward 1, and what specific result should residents expect from you by the end of the next term?

I believe drainage and traffic are the biggest challenges facing Ward 1; I have lived here for twenty years, and every spring I see the water problems residents face, as well as the daily traffic. We need properly maintained ditches and improved traffic conditions. I cannot promise every issue will be resolved immediately, but I can promise to come prepared, raise residents' concerns and keep following up. I believe representation means showing up, listening and following through.