Election 2013 questionnaire response: Allan Santos, Ward 5

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

Considering that Ward 5 consists of both existing and new neighbourhoods, I believe that both need to be supported. The challenges of the diversity in this ward require different types of support but not one at the cost of the other.

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

We have always believed in being consumers of local businesses for our home and children. Supporting local businesses have so much potential to build community, but it is often faced with a lot of “red tape” when for business licences, zoning and other related bylaws which can discourage local entrepreneurs. City Council needs to work with city administration to streamline those relevant processes.

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

I would like to see the development of more urban gardens. There are many spaces in the city that would support community gardens; in addition, it’s been exciting to see the number of farmers markets grow in the city over the last number of years. Our family enjoys visiting and supporting various Farmer’s Markets around the city.

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

One of the characteristics of this city that makes it such a wonderful place to live, is that it is a dichotomy of old and new, modern and historic. Between new communities coming to life on the outskirts and older communities being revitalized near the city core, this history of our city deserves to be celebrated. Our story has so many moving parts. Our Indigenous Edmontonians’ are a huge part of our story. That story needs to be honoured. I don’t intend this to sound simple, but the needs of our Indigenous Edmontonians’ are not so different from anyone else who lives in this city: people want to be heard, to belong, to know that they matter. We have not done the best job on this front and although I don’t have the answers, I know that it’s a challenge that the next City Council will need to face.

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

We have begun to transform our transit system by updating our fleet and making plans for the LRT expansion including Millwoods, Castledown and Lewis Farms. Expanding the LRT is an expensive but necessary step for our growing city. It does however require more discussion with the city constituents. The point of the LRT is for rapid transit to one’s destination. I believe, with this outcome in mind, less LRT stations are needed than currently planned, which will result in reduced costs and less disruption for communities. Transporting people effectively throughout the city is costly. I will also push for Smart Card technology on all our buses and trains and the use of more smart buses.

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

While I may have some ideas, I think the best thing is to ask both the post-secondary community and the Edmonton community. I think there are already some great examples we can build on in Edmonton, like the location of U of A’s Faculty of Extension in the downtown core. But there are many diverse post-secondary institutions in Edmonton, and together, by working with them and looking at lessons learned in other municipalities, I’m sure we could find some creative solutions.

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

I believe that one of the biggest challenges that Ward 5 faces is its diversity. The needs in our new communities look considerably different in our older communities. Our new communities are in need of infrastructure to support the growth – wider roads, access to public transportation, schools, community centres, etc. Our older communities are in need of refurbishment – roads that are resurfaced and not just patched, sidewalks and sewers that support our older homes, and continued consultation on the west leg of the LRT. Regardless of the diversity, Ward 5 residents want and deserve infrastructure that supports their needs and upkeep that allows all residents to move freely around the city in all seasons.

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

Your readers can find out more about me and my platform on the internet – my website: “AllanSantos.ca“, FaceBook: “Elect Allan Santos For Ward 5 Councillor” and on Twitter: “AllanSantosYEG”. I welcome questions and volunteers.