Election 2013 questionnaire response: Javed Sommers, Ward 6

1. In the context of our City’s growth, how will you support the development of existing communities as opposed to new neighbourhoods?

Developing new communities costs the City far more than redeveloping existing communities with already-present infrastructure; it increases long-term City liabilities and the City should take this into account prior to approving new suburban development. The City should re-examine its service, revenue, zoning, and taxation policies with a view to incentivizing developers to redevelop existing communities, as this is in the City’s long-term civic, financial and environmental interests.

2. How will you support and promote independent locally-owned businesses in Edmonton?

Higher-density neighbourhoods create the conditions for local businesses to thrive, such as 124 Street. Lower-density neighbourhoods tend to create areas like South Edmonton Common that are more conducive to car traffic and big box stores. The City should encourage higher-density development in existing neighbourhoods over lower-density development in new areas.

3. How will you support local food and urban agriculture in Edmonton?

I really like the way the City facilitated the redevelopment of the old 97th street overpass area into a community garden by working with LIVINGbridge and other stakeholders. This type of project engaged the community, made the area a nicer place to be, and even introduced a bit of urban agriculture. Other projects like it should be actively encouraged.

4. How will you address Indigenous Edmontonians’ history and needs?

The City recently honoured the anniversary of the Treaty 6 agreement. Increasing cooperation and communication with First Nations groups through events like this is an important prerequisite to fully engaging these communities in the City.

5. How do you envision the public transit system evolution?

Public transit will become sustainable only when sprawl starts to become contained. Just as with other service programs, the City must start to prioritize transit dollars to sustaining or improving service in existing neighbourhoods.

6. What will you do to better engage post-secondary research / students / faculty with the rest of the community?

Ward 6 neighbourhoods are made up of diverse people and communities from all sorts of backgrounds, education levels, and incomes. Particularly engaging post-secondary research / students / faculty is not a priority for my campaign.

7. Councillor candidates: What is the biggest challenge your Ward faces? What solutions would you seek?

Ward 6 has a handful of dilapidated communities that need effective redevelopment to make them a better place to live and work. The City should actively encourage development in areas like Boyle Street over new suburban communities because renewing these communities is in the City’s civic and financial interests. City service, zoning, revenue, and taxation policies need to be revisited with an eye to encouraging development in these existing areas over new areas.

8. How can our readers learn more about your platform, contact you with questions or concerns, or get involved in your campaign?

Call my campaign at 587-938-5094, reach out to us on Twitter at @electjaved, visit our Facebook at www.facebook.com/electjaved, or send us an email at electjaved@yahoo.ca.