When’s the last time somebody called the mayor’s office to congratulate you on something?

It happens more often than you might think. Probably about a week ago, two weeks ago. It was about the way things are being looked after in the city, the way money’s being spent and the decisions made for flower arrangements and the way things are being looked after.

How far would you say the positive calls outweigh the negatives, or vice-versa?

The positives outweigh the negatives. You’d be shocked to hear that. But I really do find a lot of positive feedback. I’d say about two to one.

How old was your son Michael when you realized you didn’t have a chance to beat him at racquetball?

Fourteen. That was the last time we were even-steven. I’ve lost to him about 329 times in a row, but I still keep playing him.

Who’s the most famous person you’ve met?

And most memorable, too — John Diefenbaker. I was probably three or four years old.

Three or four? And you remember it?

I do. My grandfather carried me up to the railway car. Can’t remember if it was in Brandon or Minnedosa, but I still remember it. Grandpa Burgess carried me up and introduced me.

If money wasn’t a factor, what would you ask council to build, starting tomorrow?

Starting tomorrow, it would be an indoor soccer facility, volleyball facility, with four courts for volleyball and two for indoor soccer. I’d love to see it, but you have to do what you can do.

Any chance of that happening?

In the future. We’re doing so many major projects right now, I don’t think it would be logical to go for that.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

Don’t take yourself too seriously. Also when people do level criticisms, it’s not necessarily at Dave, it’s at Mayor Dave.

Have you thought about parade plans if the Wheat Kings cap their Memorial Cup appearance next spring with a victory?

It would be a must. That would be fantastic. It would be the most exciting thing to ever happen in Brandon.

What’s the one project that didn’t materialize that you most regret?

I’d say probably the fire hall on First Street, but you look at the silver lining, I think it’s worked out better where it is.

What project or event has given you the most pride as mayor?

It’s funny, but it goes right back to the Canad Inns/Keystone combination. I always look back on how long it took, how much effort, and what it looks like now.

It’s been great for the city.

Oh, and when you look at what Eighteenth Street looks like now and what it looked like before, it’s been a huge transformation.

Is the mayor’s salary too low, too high, or just right?

It’s just about right. I know they increased it not too long ago, but no, no complaints.

If you weren’t the mayor and not talking to me right now, what might you be doing?

I’d think probably back in business. No matter what it is, I like working with people.

Are the city works crews trying to have every single street and avenue under construction or closed at the same time?

It’s a lot of pain for a lot of gain. We’ve done a lot this year. Eighteenth Street and First Street . . . we had a couple of accidents at the same time and couldn’t go anywhere in the city if you were living on the North Hill.

How much input do you have in connection to the beautiful flower gardens on the city Hall grounds?

Actually, I’m out there with the crews sometimes helping them. I actually talk to the staff quite a bit and share different ideas, but they know 99 times more than I do.

If you had to pick a city councilor to save your life from a shark attack, who would it be?

I’d say Ken Fitzpatrick, easily.

If I asked you to tell me the name of a councillor who you wish would button it every now and then, would you tell me?

No. I wouldn’t tell you.

But are you tossing around a few names in your mind right now?

No. All of the councillors have great qualities and some would even admit themselves they’re a little long on the wind, but I wouldn’t name names.