Back in early September the Canadian Taxpayers Federation asked those running for mayor and council six questions.

We would have liked to have put forward a couple dozen questions, but let’s face it; candidates’ schedules are quite hectic during an election. Thus, we tried to keep things brief and focus on some important issues.

All seven candidates for mayor responded and here’s what they had to say:

We asked each candidate if they would start putting new city employees in a less costly pension plan. After all, the city’s current plan is costing taxpayers a fortune. Allowing employees to retire in their early 50s with golden pensions courtesy of the taxpayer comes with a big bill!

Thankfully, Steeves, Havixbeck, Bowman, and Fillion agreed with the need to put new employees in something less costly.

Turning to infrastructure, politicians in Winnipeg have spent hundreds of millions of tax dollars on ‘nice to have’ items over the past decade – a new stadium, a new human rights museum, a new arena, etc.

As this transpired, our roads crumbled, our water pipes wept with brown water and many of our traffic lights cried out by flashing inoperably. We asked each candidate if they would spend the next four years making road repair a priority and say “no” to those asking for money for more “nice to have” projects. Thumbs up to Steeves and Fillion for supporting a four-year time-out on luxury projects.

We also asked candidates if they would try and improve city services by using something called “managed competition.” In short, it involves having both existing city employees and private businesses bid to provide certain services. This model means city employees have to be competitive with their cost structure in order to win bids and keep their jobs.

This approach has allowed cities like Indianapolis to save money while ensuring the same service levels. Bowman, Steeves and Fillion agreed with using this proven idea.

On a similar note, we asked if candidates would support using “gainsharing.” It’s a process that has been used in Maryland and other jurisdictions that encourages employees to come forward with money-saving ideas. If they do, the city would share some of the financial savings with them; a win-win for employees and taxpayers. Bowman, Fillion, Ouellette and Steeves support exploring this idea.

In terms of taxation, Ouellette and Bowman support capping property tax increases for inflation. Steeves promised an outright freeze for four years and Havixbeck supports something in between.

Finally, we put forward two questions on ways the city could improve accountability – by disclosing their business and property assets to avoid conflict of interest situations as well as a new idea for improving the disclosure of city information to the public. All candidates supported the former while five of seven supported the latter (the two opposed had alternative ideas for addressing the situation).

There are certainly other issues worth considering before you mark your “x” on Election Day so take a good look at each candidate’s platforms for more info. If a candidate hasn’t answered something you’re wondering about yet, there’s still time to track them down.

It’s way easier to get them on the record now than after they’re comfortably elected and untouchable for the next four years.