The Top Three Mayoral Candidates

Don Iveson


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KICKSTARTING THE INNOVATIVE CITY

posted October 7th, 2013 in 2013 Campaign, A fair city, A profitable and prosperous city, Economy, Policies

Policy in Brief

There is a reason why Edmonton is a city of 10,000 head offices, the best place to take an idea to reality. It’s all driven by innovation: in energy, in agriculture, in engineering and construction. We can help expand this spirit into new realms, new strengths, by making this the best place to incubate and expand a technology company, a social venture, a creative business.

What we’ll do in the short term

Build on the success of TEC Edmonton and Startup Edmonton to create more early-stage and mid-stage incubators: one focused on unlocking innovation and entrepreneurship in First Nations and immigrant communities and another to incubate social enterprises.

Where we need to be a generation from now

Edmonton has to outperform every other regional economy no matter the value of a barrel of oil. The mayor is the city’s chief recruiter and chief sales officer, and I want to encourage our tech sector to grow exponentially. Ideas are plentiful in this city. What we do with those ideas is what will transform Edmonton. Finding the capital and expertise to build viable companies is where the City of Edmonton and EEDC can help.

More thoughts from Don:

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A BALANCED APPROACH TO INFILL HOUSINGposted October 3rd, 2013 in 2013 Campaign, A beautiful city, A city with better housing & transportation choices,Affordable Housing, Policies, Smarter Planning

Policy in brief

Without pitting new neighbourhoods against old, it is time for Edmonton to make adjustments so that it can meet the growing demand for infill housing. Building a more compact and more efficient city means high-rises in a few areas — like downtown and around LRT stations like Century Park and Strathearn — but in other areas, it means narrow-lot houses, semi-detached homes and brownstones for families of all shapes and sizes, as well as more seniors’ housing. This kind of density is critical in making the cost of land more affordable, increasing the efficiency of the infrastructure already in place, and supporting community schools and niche businesses in mature areas.

What we’ll do in the short term

Revise the zoning bylaw so that infill is easier for everyone — from one-off private projects to boutique builders — to build. Meanwhile, the permitting process needs to be reformed to reduce the hassle and cost that turns so many people off building infill projects.

Communities where infill is likely need to be engaged in meaningful discussions about what it will look like, including how and when infill will occur. The city can rally support by providing infrastructure and amenities to push development and help those communities adjust with the effects of taking on more families.

Where we need to be a generation from now

The infill market will have matured and different housing options should be more common in mature areas of the city. No citizen should be forced to leave one area for another because the type of housing they need is not available.

More thoughts from Don

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BUILDING OUR LRT NETWORKposted October 2nd, 2013 in 2013 Campaign, A city with better housing & transportation choices, A fiscally responsible city, A functional city, A profitable and prosperous city, Capital Region, Policies, Smarter Planning, Transit

Policy in brief

LRT expansion is a major priority for Edmontonians. Council must continue to drive significant development of the full network, but it needs to be paced well and engineered in a way that allows for traffic to continue to flow. By 2017, we will have secured funding and begun construction on the Southeast to West line, bringing LRT to new areas of the city.

What we’ll do in the short term

Begin to plan for a full build-out of the network by 2030, focusing next on the SE line to Mill Woods line. Edmonton should not be paying more than 1/3 of the costs of our network, given how economically important it is for not only us, but the province and federal government as well. When building the line, we must think carefully about where we can put underpasses and overpasses to ensure we do not adversely interrupt the flow of vehicle traffic. Where possible, we should examine development of air rights to help offset the costs of those overpasses and underpasses. To ensure we have sustained funding to build our LRT, we will coordinate our approach to the province with our regional neighbours and Calgary to make the case for sustained LRT infrastructure investment.

Where we need to be a generation from now

LRT network is fully built out and we’ve got a high-speed rail to the airport. It will reduce traffic congestion for drivers, and help catalyze transit-oriented residential and commercial development in the city.

More thoughts from Don

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PROSPERITY FOR THE CAPITAL REGIONposted October 1st, 2013 in 2007-2010 Term, 2013 Campaign, A fiscally responsible city, A profitable and prosperous city, Economy, Policies

Policy in brief

Edmonton is not an island. The municipalities comprising our region play an important part in the economic and social prosperity we all value. As mayor, one of my key priorities will be to lead consensus building to craft stronger regional cooperation that maximizes our shared opportunity while ensuring orderly and balanced growth, including ensuring that the burdens and the benefits of growth in our region are not unfairly borne by Edmonton.

What we’ll do in the short term

As mayor I will rally the region around a shared vision and strategy for economic development, pursue a diplomatically negotiated end to our annexation bid and changes to the regional growth plan so Edmonton doesn’t bear a disproportionate number of costs. As mayor, my approach will be to come to the table in good faith, acting as an honest broker to bridge differences, leading with a continued emphasis on cooperation, mutual benefit and fairness.

Where we need to be a generation from now

My vision is that within a generation, we will have a rationally-planned, balanced regional growth that is driven by strategic job growth rather than raw population growth, growth driven by logical infrastructure prioritization rather than politics, and growth planning that protects key agricultural lands in the region.

Karen Leibovici

Because I will embrace diversity

Edmonton’s diverse cultural communities continue to grow. It’s no longer enough for us to just say “welcome.” Our city’s workforce must change to reflect this diversity. I will ensure that we initiate mentorship and training programs to give newcomers the knowledge and experience they need to be competitive in the workforce. Our aboriginal community needs to be a full partner in this initiative and our future. Let’s make it happen!

Because I will use tax dollars wisely

I’ve been described as a fiscal hawk. We have used debt to grow responsibly. As Mayor, I will ensure that you get value for your tax dollars, and that projects on the books come in on time and on budget.

Because I will grow Edmonton arts and culture

We are a city of many firsts in the arts and cultural world. Edmonton is certainly no longer a one-event city. Our reputation is growing, but we can still do more. As Mayor, I will promote the arts and help showcase our artists on the national and international stage.

Commitment to Support Arts (October, 09, 2013)

Because I will involve you in civic decision making

Edmontonians often tell me that they don’t feel they are listened to or consulted enough on issues of importance to them. As Mayor, I will give you a greater voice at city hall through an expanded “democracy strategy” that puts you and your ideas first. After all, this is your city and your opinions on important issues matter.

• Democracy Project (September 17, 2013)

Because I will build on our successes and entrepreneurship

So many important projects have been started. As Mayor, I will continue building an even greater Edmonton, incorporating new and innovative ways for us to improve. We are a city of entrepreneurs who share a vision of competing on the national and international stage. These entrepreneurs are passionate about the future of our city. I will do everything I can to promote and provide access to larger markets for Edmonton businesses.

Because I will cut red tape and make city hall more effective and efficient

You want reliable services delivered quickly. You want answers, not delays. Edmonton businesses and entrepreneurs want fast decisions and less bureaucracy to give them a competitive edge. Time is money. With the world moving at top speed, Edmonton needs to keep pace. As Mayor, I will cut red tape that slows us down and stands in our way of advancing as a city.

Because I will take care of potholes – and improve basic services for you

No one is more frustrated by our potholes than I am. As Mayor, I will immediately put in place a strategy to fix our pothole situation with a panel of experts to find remedies to this embarrassing problem. This will be part of a larger plan to examine the whole process of road building and establish as a goal to repave arterials over the next two years. I will also focus on improving basic services throughout all city departments.

Because I will get Edmonton its fair share

As Mayor, I will negotiate with the Provincial and Federal governments, using my experience and strong connections to make sure Edmonton gets its fair share to build infrastructure and complete our LRT. I will continue to work to unite our regional neighbours in a partnership so we can develop a regional economic plan based on shared benefits and costs. Edmonton needs to take its proper place as a great Capital City and the urban centre of Canada’s North.

Because I will ensure Edmonton has room to grow

There’s a lot of talk about annexation. This is all about giving you and your family a solid plan for our growing population, with new lands, services and community support. Edmonton is growing. I will ensure that we
grow responsibly
.

Kerry Diotte



Thousands of Edmontonians I’ve heard from over the last several months feel very strongly that it’s time for new leadership and new direction at City Hall.

We are all proud Edmontonians who want our city to be the very best it can be.

But as much as we love this town, we believe we can do better.

We need to do a better job of listening to Edmontonians and caring about the things that matter most to them.

A better job – after this spring’s pothole nightmare – of maintaining our streets.

A better job of snow clearing in winter.

A better job of making common sense choices between what some special interests in our city want, and what we as Edmontonians really need.

And a better job – after the massive tax and debt increases of the last decade – of keeping municipal spending and borrowing under control. At the end of this year our civic debt will be $2.9 billion. It was only about $400 million about 10 years ago.

That’s more than $3,000 for every man, woman and child in this city. And that’s before we borrow more than $500 million for a downtown arena.

We don’t want to leave our children with a legacy of debt.

We’ve got to do a better job. This is what I’ve been hearing from the voters of Ward 11 who elected me in 2010.

And for many years before that I heard it from readers in my job as a journalist covering City Hall.

For nearly three decades I have been fighting for a better Edmonton as a citizen, taxpayer, journalist and elected councillor.

It has been an uphill battle against an entrenched political elite and bureaucracy who don’t listen very well to Edmontonians and their local community leaders.

Every step of the way, I have been encouraged to keep up the fight by an ever-growing army of supporters.

In recent months, especially, people have been urging me to consider taking on a larger leadership role for our City.

And after extensive consultations with family, friends and supporters, I am resolved to take my fight for a better Edmonton to the next level.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends and fellow Edmontonians, I am very pleased to announce that I am running for Mayor of Edmonton in the October 21st civic election.

This means, of course, that I will be giving up my seat after that date as Councillor for Ward 11, and I urge my former constituents to elect a new councillor who shares our common sense ideas for making Edmonton better.

My announcement today also means, obviously, that I am not waiting for the incumbent mayor to make up his mind about his own political future.

But it’s clear many Edmontonians – an overwhelming majority according to the latest poll – think the arena funding framework is a rotten deal for taxpayers.

That’s why in all good conscience I could not support the funding deal even though I believe in a new downtown arena.

My commitment to Edmontonians is to make life better for all citizens by first taking care of core services. Our roads, drainage, recreational facilities and other key infrastructure.

We, from this day forward must make Edmonton better by using precious infrastructure money to fix roads, not subsidize billionaires.

We must stop the waste of tax money and get more bang for the buck.

We must make Edmonton better by ensuring that our dream and our destiny to become a truly great city is built on solid, sensible, affordable foundations.

What are your thoughts on the three candidates?

It is hard to choose a candidate because they all seem to say the same things. I watched all three top candidates on CTV News and I think Don Iverson is very nice to other candidates because Karen L and Kerry D were a little mean to other competitors. I think I would vote for Don Iverson.