Mandate to Lead
In the November, 2024 civic election; the residents of Saskatoon will have to decide, whether they want fundamental change (a new deal) going forward or more of the same kind of political representation from their current city council and provincial government.
 
Seat on City Council before running for Mayor
I have been advised and cautioned that before running for Mayor of Saskatoon; I should first seek a seat, on city council, as a ward councillor. The problem with this advice is that the City of Saskatoon cannot afford another 4 more years of the same. The City of Saskatoon demands fundamental progressive change.
 
Simple Motivation
My motivation is simple: The City of Saskatoon needs fundamental progressive change. And, when the current City Council reported that the City of Saskatoon may need to increase property taxes and by as much as 18 per cent in June, 2023. 
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​All I could think about is how the elderly and lower income homeowners, those living on the fringes of society, cannot afford an 18 per cent property tax increase. And, even if city residents could afford an 18 per cent property tax increase; this does not mean it is acceptable for anyone to shoulder the burden of an 18 percent property tax increase. In fact, this proposed 18 per cent hike represented an average increase of $630.00 dollars a year in property taxes.

No Criticism, from prospective Mayoral candidates, of Proposed 18 percent Property Tax Increase in 2023? 
With this failure to lead, on display and for everyone to see, by anyone currently on Saskatoon City Council or vying to serve on Saskatoon City Council in any capacity. This failure to say or do anything, offer any criticism, whatsoever; this silence should effectively preclude anyone from serving on Saskatoon City Council altogether. And, make no mistake, if elected, these same individuals who have nothing to say about the prospects of an 18 percent property tax increase in 2023; these same individuals offer no solutions and only more of the same as previous inert Saskatoon City Councils.​
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What the City of Saskatoon needs is fundamental progressive change.

I am Opposed to:

- New downtown sports arena
- New downtown library
- New bike lanes (current bike lanes will be maintained)
- Property tax increases of more than 3 or 4 percent
- Reducing City of Saskatoon staffing levels to save money

The Problem is…
The City of Saskatoon needs to keep its money here.

In fact, there is very little reason why huge sums of City revenues are being siphoned off by the federal and provincial governments through taxation, which is the source of the city’s financial misfortunes. Except for poor administration on the part of the current provincial government. And, except for, maybe a monopoly of power held by the federal government. But, that’s it – everything can and should change at the municipal level.
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Slim Pickings on Candidates for Mayor
It appears that there is slim pickings on quality candidates vying for Mayor of Saskatoon. 
 
If any of the current establishment candidates for Mayor are elected; the City of Saskatoon can expect more of the same – nothing will change. None of the current candidates have a plan, let alone any clear and unambiguous platform, on how they are going to improve the lives of the residents of Saskatoon.
 
With a Mandate to Lead
If I am vying for the job of Mayor of Saskatoon; I better be an expert in everything that comes within my purview as a candidate for political office as Mayor. Especially when it comes to wanting to make fundamental progressive change.
 
In fact, in the process of deciding to run for Mayor of Saskatoon; I had to become an expert in the various issues faced by the City of Saskatoon, which is conclusively outlined and meticulously detailed in my articles in the accompanying 4-sections:1) A New Deal, 2) Housing Crisis in Saskatoon, 3) the Province’s Financial Priorities and 4) Political Platform.  
 
It is not only my responsibility, but in addition, my duty to inform and educate the voters of Saskatoon on the reasons why the city is in its current state of affairs. And, anything less will necessarily fall short of a political candidate’s duty to the people.   

The City of Saskatoon cannot afford more of the same; the City of Saskatoon needs fundamental progressive change. 
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The City of Saskatoon demands fundamental progressive change. 
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Vote Mike Harder for Mayor of Saskatoon.