Issues facing Edmonton
How will you improve transit safety?
I plan to work with local authorities to increase lighting, surveillance, and community patrols on public transit routes. Including the use of Peace Officers as patrols, not just fee collectors. In addition we need to address the mental health issue on our streets. We can not keep waiting for the Provincial government to provide some solution for us.
What about property taxes?
I aim to ensure fair property tax rates by advocating for transparent budgeting and protecting homeowners from excessive increases. Council needs to be changed. They need to own their mistakes and failures. City council needs to become transparent with the cost of all of these projects and not force the residents to be digging through multiple sites including the provincial government to figure out what portion of it was paid with their tax dollars.
How will you address inner city poverty?
My focus is on expanding affordable housing, supporting local job programs, and partnering with community organizations to provide essential services. In the past I worked with the Boyle Street Community to help those living on the street have agency. I did this by creating protocols allowing them to vote when they otherwise would have not been able to. I will continue to work to help those less fortunate and to improve the downtown residents.
How to contact you?
You can reach me through the email page on this website for questions, support, or to get involved in the campaign. And I will always make myself available to the public and small business owners of O-day'min. No longer will you have to wait a week or two for a response as you did with the current city council.
Key Questions being asked.
Key Issues
Addressing city services, safety, poverty, taxes, and jobs for Edmonton.
City Services
Fixing the basics—LRT, road maintenance, sewers, and garbage collection—must be the City’s top priority. These core services are not optional; they’re essential to daily life for every Edmontonian. Yet for too long, they’ve been neglected while City Council focused elsewhere. That ends now. We need to properly fund and manage these services before even thinking about new spending.
Transit Safety
I will advocate strongly for improved transit safety. First of all what good is it developing all of these train lines if people are too scared to use them? You should be comfortable with riding the train or putting your children on them knowing they are going to arrive safely.
City Counsel has failed to ensure that people can travel safely on city run trains and buses. They seem more interested in using Peace Officers to collect fees than on the rider's safety. If elected I will work with council to change this. We need Peace Officers, Security and Police to regular monitor public transit. The people of Edmonton need to know they can use public transit safely each and every day. And I will work hard to make that happen.
Inner City Poverty
Addressing inner-city poverty requires a multifaceted approach that combines economic, social, and policy solutions. Here are some of my strategies:
Job Creation and Economic Development:
Promote local businesses and attract new industries.
Provide incentives for companies to hire local residents.
Support small businesses and entrepreneurship programs.
Education and Skills Training:
Improve access to quality education at all levels.
Offer vocational training and adult education programs.
Implement mentorship and after-school programs for youth.
Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention:
Develop affordable housing projects and subsidized housing.
Strengthen tenant protections and eviction prevention programs.
Support supportive housing for the homeless and those with mental health issues.
Healthcare Access:
Increase access to comprehensive healthcare services.
Promote mental health and substance abuse treatment programs.
Social Services and Community Support:
Enhance social safety nets, including food assistance and child care support.
Foster community engagement and empowerment programs.
Crime Reduction and Safety Initiatives:
Implement community policing and crime prevention programs.
Address root causes of crime such as poverty and lack of opportunities.
Transportation Improvements:
Expand public transportation to connect residents to jobs and services.
Make transportation affordable and reliable.
Policy Reforms:
Advocating for policies that address income inequality.
Improving minimum wages and employment rights.
Combining these strategies with community involvement and tailored local solutions will give us the best results in combating inner-city poverty.
Jobs & Economy
Promoting job growth and economic development in our city, can be achieved through targeted strategies that leverage the city's strengths and address its specific needs. Here is how we can effectively approach jobs and the economy:
Invest in Key Industries:
Support sectors like energy, technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
Promote innovation and diversification beyond traditional oil and gas industries.
Foster Innovation and Technology:
Develop technology parks and innovation hubs.
Provide grants and incentives for startups and tech companies.
Collaborate with universities and research institutions to commercialize research.
Enhance Workforce Development:
Offer training programs aligned with emerging industry needs.
Partner with local colleges and universities for skills development.
Promote apprenticeships and vocational training.
Streamline Business Regulations:
Simplify permitting and licensing processes.
Provide a welcoming environment for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Infrastructure Investment:
Improve transportation networks, including public transit, roads, and freight corridors.
Invest in digital infrastructure like high-speed internet to attract remote work and tech businesses.
Attract Investment and Talent:
Promote Edmonton as a vibrant, livable city to attract skilled workers.
Offer incentives to companies that relocate or expand into Edmonton.
Support international trade and investment missions.
Promote Sustainability and Green Initiatives:
Invest in renewable energy and green infrastructure.
Support industries focused on environmental sustainability.
Leverage Cultural and Tourism Assets:
Promote Edmonton’s festivals, arts, and cultural events.
Develop tourism infrastructure to attract visitors.
Encourage Public-Private Partnerships:
Collaborate with private sector stakeholders to fund and implement development projects.
Focus on Quality of Life:
Invest in affordable housing, healthcare, and recreational amenities to make Edmonton attractive for residents and talent retention.
Implementing a comprehensive strategy that combines these initiatives, while engaging community stakeholders, will significantly enhance job growth and economic development in our city.