[We sent your questions to all the Election 2013 candidates. We are posting their unedited responses in the order that they’re received. – Ed.]
1. In the context of our City’s growth, how will you support the development of existing communities as opposed to new neighbourhoods?
I agree with infill and promoting our maturing neighbourhoods in balance with integrating new neighbourhoods. Building more infrastructure before we can properly maintain what’s existing creates a level of stress on the system in its entirety – and citizens are left with the burden of increased taxes.
Ward 2 is mainly comprised of mature neighbourhoods which are slowly deteriorating while tax dollars are being funnelled into new areas. We need to find a balance where we are bringing mature neighbourhoods back to their full potential which will attract a new generation of residents, as well as introducing new areas to support our increasing population.
2. How will you support independent locally-owned businesses in Edmonton?
I am not opposed to introducing a progressive business tax for new, start-up businesses. This reduces their initial overhead costs allowing owners to reinvest money back into establishing their businesses within the community.
Buying local also does a number of things – It keeps more money directly in our community. It creates a greater sense of community (local vendors are usually very supportive of the community who supports them). By using one’s status (in this case on City Council) to promote the importance of supporting our local economy we also establish awareness of the benefits of doing so.
3. How will you support local food and urban agriculture in Edmonton?
4. How will you address Indigenous Edmontonians’ history and needs?
First and foremost we need to have greater inclusion of this group in development of our city. Edmonton has the second largest population of Indigenous people in Canada, therefore I believe there should be a greater presence of their history and influence showcased throughout our city. We need to ensure that a solid relationship exists between the City and the Indigenous Community, this will allow us to have firsthand knowledge of their issues and how to best serve their needs.
5. How do you envision the public transit system evolution?
I believe every area of the city deserves equal access to services. My vision for the City of Edmonton’s Public Transportation system is that we continue to implement (of course keeping current financial standing in mind) until all areas of the city are provided with a viable, fully functioning and easily accessible system. My goal is to have a system which allows citizens to easily and conveniently navigate the city.
6. What will you do to better engage post-secondary research / students / faculty with the rest of the community?
It would be a great initiative to have some type of partnership between post secondary faculty/students/research and the Community(ies) in which they reside. For example, while promoting Community Gardens on an earlier question, I see no reason why we can’t partner students within the horticultural/agricuItural programs with members/groups from the Community to assist in creating such gardens. This would allow a number of things to happen:
- The students are given the opportunity to apply what they have learned and work within the Community
- The Community is given the gift of knowledge and assistance
- This both engages and promotes the Institution and the Community.
7. What is the biggest challenge your Ward faces? What solutions would you seek?
The lack of a North West law enforcement facility – Although the NW law enforcement facility is approved and in planning stages, we must ensure that it is built on time and on budget. Many things may happen throughout the building process which can stall the progress of construction. The crime rate in Ward 2 is increasing, therefore any type of delay in this facility will have further negative effects on the Ward and surrounding area – we need to be proactive and keep this project in the forefront to ensure it stays on track.
Increased needs for seniors facilities – According to the City of Edmonton there are currently only 3 seniors recreational facilities serving Ward 2. Ward 2 is comprised of more than 15,000 seniors, this is far from adequate. One of my goals is to work with communities where a community hall currently exists to offer programs which would offset operating costs to allow seniors the use of their halls as a gathering place. This would alleviate the cost of new facility construction and improve their social interaction while increasing community engagement.
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