[We sent your questions to all the Election 2013 candidates. We are posting their unedited responses in the order that they’re received. – Ed.]
(photo to go here once we receive it)
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1. In the context of our City’s growth, how will you support the development of existing communities as opposed to new neighbourhoods? |
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My platform is Rejuvenation and Redevelopment. It’s the best way, long term. New areas have economy of scale for contractors convenience, but in filling keeps old communities alive. And what’s the point in driving past old neighborhoods to get to new ones? The old ones are still there. Unlike an old car, you can’t take a neighborhood to the wreckers.
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2. How will you support and promote independent locally-owned businesses in Edmonton? |
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I don’t know if it’s a governments job to ensure a profit for businessmen, other than keeping a level playing field. Indy Racing was toted as an opportunity for locals, but Indy brought their own people, one local business made millions, and many others were collectively owned $500,000. Politicians often seem to end up helping their buddies. Businesses fail for a variety of reasons. Nothing will change that. There’s not many wagon makers around anymore. Perhaps helping them adjust to changing times would be the best way to help them help themselves. |
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3. How will you support local food and urban agriculture in Edmonton? |
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I’ve always had a small garden, and have used farmers markets. I’ve seen the community gardens around town, and they don’t seem very well used. Most of the land available lays fallow. If people aren’t interested we can’t force them. |
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4. How will you address Indigenous Edmontonians’ history and needs? |
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Indians, if that’s who you mean, have a variety of goals and talents just like anyone else. You can’t give one solution for them anymore than for Scotmen or Norwegians. If you want to break it down all the all way, North America is their land. It was stolen through genocide. But we were born here and weren’t the ones who took away from them. Shall we get off? |
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5. How do you envision the public transit system evolution? |
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Ward 7 has its’ LRT. We’re not getting anymore for decades. Other than face lifts. If I win election, give me a proposal from the other Wards Councillors and I’ll look it over. Public Transit is very expensive, but I can’t say,’we’ve got ours but you can’t have one’. |
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6. What will you do to better engage post-secondary research / students / faculty with the rest of the community? |
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I’m trying to think of anything in Ward 7 that applies. It’s up to the individual to be realistic with their job prospects. Do you want to do want you love, or do you want a career that has lots of jobs in the future? If I could send a message to the past I would tell myself to become an Automotive Engineer. I think I would have enjoyed that. And there’s plenty of cars around. |
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7. Councillor candidates: What is the biggest challenge your Ward faces? What solutions would you seek? |
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For the past 6 years Ward 7 has suffered from Narrow Focus Spending. The Incumbent has dealt only with areas that had meaning for himself, and 10s of millions went there. I want the focus to be on the entire wards Rejuvenation and Redevelopment. Basic repairs aren’t very glamorous, but they are necessary. The greatest number of people in the ward are 50-54. That shows we need more focus on the upcoming elderly. As well, we must attract more young couples to the area. We don’t want the ward to be a retirement home. 60% of the people own houses. Money for home repairs is needed. 72% drive to work. Road repairs must be maintained. |
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8. How can our readers learn more about your platform, contact you with questions or concerns, or get involved in your campaign? |
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Check out; |