Santos Cardoza youngest ever elected to Moosomin council
November 18, 2024, 1:41 pm
Ashley Bochek
Victor Santos Cardoza was elected to Moosomin Town Council last week at 20 years of age. He is the youngest person elected to town council in Moosomin, and is excited for his new role.
“The big inspiration behind my decision to run for council is what happened to my family several years ago when we were going to be deported, but the community rallied together behind my family and supported us through desperate times of need and everybody here in Moosomin gave so selflessly to me and my family, and then from that moment forward it has inspired me to give back to the kind and selfless folks here in town and to serve them in any way I can and to repay that favour and give thanks for everything they have done for me,” Santos Cardoza explained.
He says he never expected to be elected to town council one day.
“No absolutely not, this was nowhere near in my mind of possibilities or anything I could have dreamt of. I thought the idea would be so far-fetched. I thought someone of my background coming here to Moosomin that it would take generations to become part of the community enough that someone could be on council, and I didn’t think it would be anywhere near my timeline whatsoever.”
First youth councillor
Santos Cardoza says his experience as Moosomin’s first youth councillor impacted his decision to run for town council.
“I think over time as I was introduced to new opportunities and new people through my youth councillor experience, it really opened my eyes. I got to meet great people and establish relationships throughout the years, especially with Kevin Weedmark and our fellow councillors here in town and some other government members in the government of Saskatchewan. Just getting to hear them, having conversations with them, and getting to know them, it piqued my interest and from that moment I wanted to learn more and I am still learning more to this day.
“A lot of things I have taken into consideration from being the youth councillor. Like the human responsibility of being a councillor, the challenges I will be facing every day, and problem-solving techniques, getting to take input and new ideas. I think that is crucial for this position and getting to listen to the folks and have conversations about their concerns.”
Santos Cardoza is excited to be working alongside newly elected mayor Murray Gray as part of council. Gray helped bring Victor on as the town’s first youth councillor.
“That is truly phenomenal. I couldn’t be happier for Murray, I think it is a well-deserved win on his part,” he said. “Murray is somebody who genuinely took an interest in me, he showed me the ropes, gave me a voice and an opportunity, so for that I thank him. I look forward to collaborating with him more and having more of an impact now that I am of age and I can be part of the council and contribute a lot more.”
Leading up to election
Santos Cardoza says he made it his mission to meet and have conversations with community members leading up to election day.
“I met with a lot of folks throughout town leading up to the election. I talked with some business owners and had one-on-one chats. Mainly, I sat with folks to get their input and for them to pass on some of that wisdom and knowledge of our town because I’m young, so I wanted to learn from their experience and hear their input. I sat with people, and I listened. I took as much input as I could so now I can reflect on that input and apply it to my new position.”
Beyond excited for new position
Santos Cardoza is beyond excited and thankful for his new opportunity as elected town councillor.
“I am really, truly excited. I am excited to give back. Now my impact can be a lot more significant and now I can hopefully inspire some meaningful growth here in town and keep working forward. I know our community is changing and growing at a rapid pace and I am extremely excited to be a part of that change here in town. I am looking forward to hearing people’s concerns and getting people’s needs met.”
Thankful for the community
Santos Cardoza is thankful for the people of Moosomin believing in his leadership and values for this role.
“I felt truly humble. That is the kind-hearted and selfless folks of Moosomin considering me to be competent enough for this role. I am in complete awe, and I am truly humbled that the folks of Moosomin saw me as responsible enough to be in such position. I am truly thankful for everybody whether they voted for me or not. I am humble of their kind words and motivation.”
Next steps
He says he plans to continue learning and interacting with the community going forward as part of town council.
“The next steps, I look forward to interacting, learning, and listening to everybody in town because I know this will be a big learning curve for me now, and there will be a lot of new firsts for me.
“Going forward if there are any opportunities that arise that I can be a part of or I can work on, I would love to. I know from my time as youth councillor, I have established a little bit of understanding, but it goes without saying that there is plenty to learn still, and I can’t wait.”
Message to community
Santos Cardoza wants to thank everyone in Moosomin for their continued support throughout these years.
“I just want to thank everyone who voted here in Moosomin and supported me and voted for me in this election. I dedicate this win to them.
“My morals and values are nearly a reflection of everybody in town because I was raised here and raised by a lot of people here in town, not just my parents.
“A lot of folks here in town shaped the values and morals I have today, and this community single-handedly raised me throughout these years and for that, I thank them and I am going into this position now with their values and their beliefs, and I will work as hard as I possibly can to represent them.”
