Thank you everyone for your support during this election campaign. I’m 15 lbs (7kgs) thinner from all the walking (quite the boot camp) and have a better appreciation of being part of a campaign. A lot of work!  I could not have done it without the great team of people working with me. So now we celebrate. I hope you can join me at Embers Restaurant and Lounge at the Sheraton (across from Canada Olympic Park) sometime between 7:00pm – 11:00pm. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

One day to go before election-day, what an adventure this has been! We’ve handed out 32,000 brochures, spoken to many, many people, dogs, and cats. One dog in particular made us do a lot of talking, as he was on the loose, and had found his favourite bag of garbage that he did not want us near. He growled and barked and we obeyed and moved to the other side of the street in a hurry. Nothing happened but it sure got our heart racing.

I also met a young couple who was pushing two baby strollers, one with their child, and the other with their old dog who has cancer and was not going to live much longer. I wanted to give these wonderful people a big hug. It made me remember the last year of my old dog’s life. Many people made fun of me pushing Joey in the stroller. My dog could not walk very far but really enjoyed his time in the park, so I tried to take him as often as I could.

I did not realize how many Hares (or Jackrabbits) we have in the NW. I’m surprised the flower gardens were still so beautiful. The Hares must have found something better to eat. I enjoyed looking at everyone’s gardens. I’ve many ideas on how to plant my flower boxes next year and how to make my home entrance-way more attractive. Some of the mail boxes were also very fancy. Some were painted or built out of wood, but one in particular won the prize for most unique. It was a mandarin orange box that was wrapped in tin foil. I had a good laugh; it was probably made by a child for his/her grandparents.

We will make our way into Ward 1 for one more day. I still have far more houses to visit than time, but I have done my best to visit as many people as possible. I look forward to Monday with excitement and anticipation.

The voting polls open at 10:00am and close at 8:00pm. Please be sure to get out and vote. Hey, I know a very good candidate for Alderman.

This election has been an eye opener for me. I really enjoy speaking to all the people in Ward 1, but there are some things that I wish we could change. I cannot believe all the signs that have been scattered all over the city and the absolute disregard for the bylaws. I guess candidates are above the rules. The first few weeks I put up my signs according to the rules but as time went on I wondered why I was so concerned, as the rules did not seem to matter. I’m guilty of having three of my signs removed…I bet others have had as many as 50+ signs removed.

We need to review who we are electing and why. Name recognition should not be the only thing that counts. I might be mistaken but here is my list of what is required to successfully lead a city:

1)    Integrity and passion

2)    Education and well developed communications skills

3)    Patience and listening skills

4)    Negotiating skills

5)    History – a connection to the city

6)    Volunteerism – to prove you care about your community

7)    Stamina – for the long hours

8)    Vision – big picture thinker

9)    Business skills (bookkeeping, accounting, math)

10) Experience and life skills

These qualities and skills do not seem to be reflected in all the candidates and that concerns me. Please evaluate your candidates carefully, for these qualities and skills, in your critical role as a voter.

I had an interesting day last Sunday listening to information about the airport tunnel and I’ve decided the development is flawed and I cannot support this expense. The tunnel is one of those nice to have, but how are we going to pay for it, items.

If we had the LRT going to the airport through the tunnel that woul…d serve more of a purpose than a passage for vehicles. I also believe we should not go ahead with this project unless the Province is providing funding. Calgarians do not want their taxes increased and that is the only way we can pay for the airport tunnel.

For coverage of the event, read the Metro article.

What a week, I feel like I am a year older….oh ya, I am.

On Monday I participated in my first campaign forum at the University of Calgary. We were given questions in advance and then were asked questions from the audience. I had very good advice going into this event, I was told to “just be myself.” I followed that advice and felt very comfortable talking to the audience.

There were approximately 70-80 people in attendance. All six candidates were perched on stools, ready to answer questions. I gave the opening speech and wrapped up the evening with a closing speech. I talked about my background and my deep roots in Calgary. There is so much potential for this city if we had the right leadership. I know I can make a difference. I just need Ward 1 residents to believe this.

I received an email from a Tuscany resident who saw my signs and read my brochure. She asked me for my top priorities. So I sent the list below.

My top 10 priorities (in no particular order) are:

1. Community engagement – City Hall has created a disconnect from citizens. We need more citizen engagement.

2. Affordable housing – including secondary suites, and mixed density redevelopment (start implementing Plan It)

3. Improved building standards and less red tape to build sustainably (including installing alternative energy sources)

4. Fiscal responsibility – independent auditor, taxation changes

5.  Transit improvements, traffic calming and bike lanes

6. Green spaces – create more parks and recreation areas (clean & healthy  air, land and water – ecological integrity)

7. Sense of Community – work with Community Associations and Business Revitalization Zones

8. Homelessness and the working poor – intervention, living wage and affordable housing

9. Safe Communities – Block Parents, police patrols

10. Reduce Urban sprawl

I had a booth at the University on Wednesday and talked to students about the importance of voting. Many did not understand the roles of the Mayor or the Alderman and were happy to find out more about civic politics.

On Wednesday afternoon I was invited to the River Café to observe the presentation of the first LEAF-certified restaurant in Canada. LEAF began in Calgary, Alberta in 2009 in response to a recognized need for a service which helps restaurants reduce their environmental impact, and makes it easy for diners to identify green restaurants. LEAF provides a benchmark to measure the environmental sustainability of food service establishments in Canada, and fosters sustainability by working with the community to support the local economy. LEAF is the first national food service certification of its kind. Congratulations to River Café for this monumental achievement.

Watch for my team and I as we will be out door knocking all weekend. Come out and join us.

Next week I will attend two forums; first at the Tuscany Club – 7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 5 and the next at the Lakes of Rocky Ridge  - 7:00 pm on Wednesday, October 6. I hope to see you there.

Another busy week, and only three weeks until Election Day.

Last weekend I had the pleasure to attend the grand opening of the Self Connection Book Store in Montgomery and met lots of  people. I even reconnected with a few people I’ve not seen for awhile. The store is located in the new European style building along Bowness Road where they have businesses on the ground level and homes on the upper two stories. It would be great to see more of this type of development in Ward 1.

Monday was Nomination Day and City Hall was buzzing with people and media. It was an exciting morning. Thanks to all the people who came out to support me.

I attended a Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) meeting on Tuesday and am getting involved with the preparations of the 100^th Anniversary of Bowness celebration. Next year, watch for the new sign welcoming everyone to Bowness and the 100^th Anniversary flags that will line the streets of downtown Bowness.

On Tuesday evening I had the pleasure of attending a presentation by Hunter Lovins and meeting this amazing woman. Hunter was Time Magazine’s Hero of the Planet in 2000. She’s a renowned 30 year consulting veteran and expert on energy efficiency and renewable power. She was Newsweek Magazine’s Green Business Icon in 2009. She is also the co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute, founding Professor at Presidio School of Management, co-founder and President of Natural Capitalism Solution and the co-author of 9 books including Natural Capitalism, & the e-book Climate Protection Manual for Cities. Hunter is a straight-talking woman and her message for Albertans was to “Go Green” and by doing so, we’ll make a lot of money, diversify our economy and won’t get left behind. I hope a lot of Calgarians heard her message as she makes good sense. Just ask several companies who’ve listened to Hunter and are doing very well.

On Wednesday I went to a Mayoral Forum that was presented by Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organization at the Epcor Centre. I’m thankful that the Aldermanic candidates do not have to participate in as many forums as the Mayoral candidates. There were lots of questions about homelessness. It was interesting to hear each of the candidates share their ideas on how to solve this difficult issue. There is no simple answer but it is good that there is dialogue on the topic.

In between the various events, and filling out the many surveys, the team has been out knocking on doors and putting up signs. There is never any shortage of things to do on this journey to become Alderman.

If you have time, come out to the first forum for Ward 1 candidates on Monday, September 27^th. The forum will be held at the University of Calgary 3^rd floor MacEwan Hall Student Centre at 7:00pm.

This wet weather makes a very interesting impact on the door knocking. Do I go to the door to talk about my vision for Calgary looking less than a well coffered business person or do I wait out the rain? I’ve been out in the rain and have heard comments like you are very determined or go home and get out of this weather….what is an aspiring politician to do?

I visited the Bowness Harvest Fair on Saturday morning and was delighted to see all the active gardeners who shared their produce and recipes. Unfortunately, I did not have much luck with my garden this year and had nothing to bring to the vegetable swap. My garden provided me with lettuce, onions, beets, green tomatoes and very small spaghetti squash. I hope to be more successful next year.

In the afternoon I attended the Farewell to the Crowfoot Inn event. Statesman Developers will be knocking down this 40 year NW landmark and replacing it with The Groves of Varsity. The farewell event was held at Uncle Eddie’s Bar, a venue where I’ve met friends for drinks and watched some live entertainment. It is sad to see another entertainment venue disappear but it is also great that; “The new Groves of Varsity development will provide valuable resources to Varsity residents including executive style condominiums, medical/professional offices, a pharmacy and a Manor Village Life Centre Senior’s Community.” This development will be built with an energy-efficient heating system (geothermal), environmentally friendly concrete, low flow toilets and other environmentally friendly devices. I will be watching the progress of this development and perhaps suggest it for one of the EcoLiving Tours www.ecolivingevents.ca.

On Sunday The Amazing Tuscany Race and Chase was held for Tuscany residents, a wonderful event to bring together the community in a fun, social atmosphere. I stopped by their BBQ and spoke to event organizers and volunteers who were pleased with the overall turnout. It was great to see all the volunteerism in Tuscany. This makes the area a desirable place to live. Great work Tuscany.

I’ve just received my signs and will be putting them out to encourage people to vote for me on October 18^th. If you are interested in having a sign or helping us put up signs please call 403-874-6046.

Stay out of the rain.

I had another very interesting week of pre-election activities this past week. Two very stark contrast events that I attended were the Barb Higgins for Mayor event at the Olympic Plaza and a tour to learn about the living conditions for homeless people in our city presented by the Homeless Awareness Calgary Committee and Alpha House.

During the Barb Higgins for Mayor event we were shown the backing of money and star power supporting this very public candidate. While Barb sparked my interest with some of what she said,  I wish she had said more.

On Thursday I attended a night tour of the streets of Calgary with a former homeless person. All Calgary Municipal Election Candidates were invited to attend but only 12 candidates participated. I was the only Candidate from Ward 1.

My guide for the evening was Donna, an inspiring lady who shared her struggles to survive in the downtown core when she made her home on the streets.  Donna made us aware of how many street people are there due to a tragic circumstance in their lives. These circumstances ranged from drug and alcohol abuse, the loss of a job or the death of a loved one. She explained that when this happens, many end up on the streets where it is very difficult to turn your life around. Donna was successful and now has a job and a home.

Our next stop was Alpha House, a warehouse like facility, which was very uninviting and depressing.  It was so sad to see the many people sleeping in such crowded conditions on two-inch foam mattresses but at least we can say that our homeless have a place to go. We were told that Calgary was one of the better cities in Canada for the homeless but it did make me wonder what else could be done. We need more intervention before people get on the streets and Calgary needs more affordable housing for people when they do recover.

After our tour we gathered to talk about our experience. Another tour guide (also a former homeless person) told us it would help if we did not ignore the person on the street when we pass them but make eye contact and smile instead of pretending they are not there.

I’m very happy that I went to this event and highly recommend that others go and see the good work these groups are doing.

If I am elected as Alderman for Ward 1 on October 18 I will support the groups that are working with the homeless people, I will ask that our minimum wage be increased to a living wage and that we look at developing various forms of affordable housing.

With only six weeks until the election I’ve been door knocking and meeting the constituents of Ward 1. Everyone I’ve been able to meet thus far into my campaign has been friendly and willing to talk about the issues in their ward.

Many of the challenges residents are concerned about could be dealt with through better communication between ward residents and the City. For instance, one neighbourhood woke up to jackhammers breaking up concrete for a bike path. While improvements to bike paths are welcomed by many in that area of the ward, they had not been informed that this was to take place at 7:00 in the morning. (I think this should be a courtesy offered to resident, even a note in their mailbox). If there had been consultation with residents the construction would have been diverted. The pathway that has been developed has one homeowner opening his gate right onto the new path. This is a safety concern for both the cyclists and the homeowner. The path will have to be changed at additional cost to tax payers and has caused an inconvenience to the homeowner as he needed to go to the City to have this fixed. I will also suggest the City require that their contractors offer residents some courtesy (advance notice) when proceeding with work that directly affects them.

I had a telephone conversation yesterday with a lady who lives in Ward 1. She was walking on a bike path and hit by a bicyclist in Bowmont Park and was badly injured. She is concerned that cyclists are not following the speed limit along the pathways and suggests that we need more signage posting the speed limits and speed bumps where bicyclists are traveling too fast. I give her credit for speaking out and making sure that this does not happen to others. I have promised to contact the City with her concerns and to find some resolution to this issue. This indeed is a concern faced by all Calgarians who use the pathways and should be a priority for the City to resolve.

If elected as Ward 1Alderman, it is my intention to be available to constituents to discuss their concerns and to find suitable outcomes to the issues that affect them.

I will continue to visit the residents of Ward 1 throughout my campaign and I hope that everyone will get out and vote in the election on October 18^th.

September 10

After calling 311 to find out about speed limit signs on bike paths I was told there were no signs in Bowmont Park. I suggested that there should be. I will continue to speak to others about this.

After visiting communities in Ward 1 and talking to many people, I’ve listened to a number of issues. I’ve sent the following questions to various departments of the City and have received one response. The issues are:

1) Is there any way that Rocky Ridge residents can get other access into their area? They are suggesting even an emergency exit but would love to see an overpass.

2) Valley Ridge residents are asking about a proposed new interchange for their community. Is there going to be one? Will a sound barrier wall be constructed for residents close to the interchange (runs parallel to the highway)?

3) There is a large mound of dirt to the east of Valley Ridge where it looks like they are going to build more houses. Residents are asking when that will be as they do not like to look at the dirt pile.

4) Scenic Acres residents are angry about the white fence that separates the community with the LRT Park and Ride. They say the fence is constantly vandalized. There were pieces of the fence missing when I was there. They really want a brick fence. What needs to be done to have this changed (the entire community next to the fence complained about this)?

The response thus far is:

1) There are no plans for additional access into Rocky Ridge.  Information can be found on the City’s web page at:

http://www.calgary.ca/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_779_231_0_43/http%3B/content.calgary.ca/CCA/City+Hall/Business+Units/Transportation+Infrastructure/Construction+Projects/LRT/Northwest+LRT+Extensions/Northwest+LRT+Extension+to+Rocky+Ridge+Tuscany.htm

2)      Valley Ridge: There are no plans for an additional interchange into Valley Ridge and no plans to construct a noise barrier in this area.

3)     No Response

4) For maintenance issues related to fencing and graffiti it is best to have the residents contact 311 and the appropriate maintenance area will respond.

I will add another post when I hear more about these issues.