The city’s role in economic development was address in the Municipal
Development plan that was built of seven interrelated goals.
For more details of this plan you can go to the www.calgary.ca/MDP/
The city’s role in job creation?
A vibrant city with a solid growth plan should inject job creation. By posting city jobs on the City Website and utilizing other job websites for advertising careers is essential. We have lots of skilled resources at our fingertips especially with the recent downturn of the Energy Sector. A large number of residents lost their jobs in this sector over the past years. We cannot predict the price of oil and world affairs but we can utilize these skilled resources for other opportunities outside of the Energy Sector. We can retain these resources and utilize these skills in other sectors. We can work within our communities to engage more job fairs and work to attract more businesses to do business in Calgary.
As City Councillor, I will assist to balance taxes with city services by being well
informed on where our tax dollars are being spent and looking into what percentages are utilized to benefit city residents, of the taxes levied. Property tax rates are determined from polls, public engagement, review of economic and financial forecasts, socio-demographic trends, population growth projections, inflation, service plans, levels and costs. The Council approves a four-year business plan and budget, taking into consideration all these inputs and more. This happened last in November of 2013 and had the approval of the Action Plan 2015 – 2018 which again can be found on the City of Calgary website. Take in consideration that my emphasis will be focused on the concerns within my Ward but will not lose site of how it affects the entire City
I have several stances on the new arena debate for our City. Being actively involved with minor hockey for many years, I feel that having a NHL sports team representing our city has many advantages. As far as the existing proposal, I am aware of the negotiations that have taken place and am confident that the current council and the City Managers will work towards a viable solution. If I am elected, I will continue to work with council, utilizing my Negotiations skills for a Win / Win solution.
One of bigger issues in Ward 12 currently is the Safety and well being of its residents. I have been engaging with our residents of Ward 12 directly what they feel are their main concerns. My platform is based on communication and being that VOICE representing them. They want information and need to know where to go to obtain this information. It is not all about the green line, as the plans and funds are already in place, we now need to start being proactive instead of reactive for other issues. Issues like not having a police department east of the river. I feel that this is a vital part of our community safety. Why not use some other city facilities to house and accommodate small police stations or community stations – just like you may see within our shopping centres?
With the growth and encroachments of our neighbourhoods and our economic downturn, many wells and sites are now orphaned, as companies no longer operate them. These facilities are now being managed by the Orphan Well Association which falls under our provincial government. Keep in mind it will be the City of Calgary’s first responders that will be our front line. Are proper emergency response mechanisms in place to address major issues like the Fort McMurray fire. I would say not. If evacuation is not an option, how are we all going to manage to stay safe? Let’s keep our community’s safe and manage through awareness and come up with better communication and action plans, which I manage for rural Alberta projects with my career.