Andrew Stevens Ward 3

Here's a letter to the editor I wrote about Housing First in Regina (Leader Post, January 5, 2017).

The LP’s coverage of Housing First success stories reminds us that an end to homelessness is possible.

How will property reassessments impact your municipal tax rates? Here's some background as well as details about the appeal process.

During the campaign, residents living near Saskatchewan Drive complained about the brightness of electronic signs along that busy street. Here's the deal... and a chance for residents to get involved in change.

On January 9, join neighbours and community members for the second Ward 3 Community Council meeting at the Cathedral Neighbourhood Centre.

Here's an update on the 1915 Retallack Street park development motion.

On December 7 the City of Regina hosted an open forum for residents to learn about the rezoning of a building on 12th Avenue and St. John Street. If the rezoning is approved by City Council, this building could be the home of Carmichael Outreach, which is currently located just a few blocks away. That organization's need for a new building is undeniable. But is this intersection appropriate?

Come out for my first Community Council meeting in Ward 3. Everyone is welcome.

How many people are homeless in Regina? Is homelessness a serious issue in Regina?

In my call for feedback on the Citizen Budget tool, several residents urged Council to cut the Regina Police Service budget. Ultimately the RPS budget is approved by the Regina Board of Police Commissioners, which includes the Mayor and Council members. Between 2006 and 2016, the RPS received average annual budget increases of 5.4%, or about $3.2 million. Meanwhile, the City’s overall budget increased by an average of 6.4% over the same period.

Lobby groups like the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) are quick to chastise public sector employers for “overspending” on salaries and employment benefits. This chorus typically becomes louder around budget time. But is there evidence to suggest that public employers, like the City of Regina, are overstaffed and overpaid? Historical trends say no.