Moosomin elects 20-year-old to town council, years after the town helped his family fight deportation order

At just 20 years old, Victor Santos Cardoza has made history by becoming the youngest person ever elected to council in his new hometown of Moosomin, Saskatchewan. His passion for the community and desire to give back were the driving forces behind his decision to run for councillor.

Santos Cardoza’s family faced deportation back to Honduras in 2017, but the Moosomin community rallied behind them, advocating for their right to stay through various fundraising efforts and campaigns. This support inspired Santos Cardoza to give back to the town that had helped his family in their time of need.

Already having experience as the first junior councillor in Moosomin, Santos Cardoza felt prepared to take on this new role. His time in youth council exposed him to the challenges of local politics and the importance of building relationships within the community.

Outside of politics, Santos Cardoza is working towards becoming a certified carpenter, apprenticing with a local contractor in Moosomin. He believes that there is a lack of young perspectives on councils and saw an opportunity to bridge the gap and bring a fresh voice to the table.

Although Santos Cardoza does not have a specific agenda for his time on council, his main goal is to give back to the community that supported him and his family. He acknowledges his inexperience but is eager to learn from his fellow councillors and contribute to the betterment of Moosomin.

Santos Cardoza received overwhelming support from the community, securing his seat on council with 466 out of approximately 800 votes. He looks forward to a long career in local politics and even expresses interest in pursuing provincial politics in the future.

Saskatchewan has a history of electing young politicians, such as Thomas Sierzycki who became the youngest mayor of La Ronge at 21 years old in 2009. Sierzycki believes that a youth perspective is crucial for politics and that diverse representation leads to better decision-making.

In conclusion, Victor Santos Cardoza’s election as the youngest councillor in Moosomin is a testament to the importance of youth engagement in politics. His dedication to giving back to the community and desire to make a positive impact demonstrate his readiness to serve and represent the people of Moosomin.