Judi Vandenbrink for Ward 1 Alderman

Thank you Team!!!

judi — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 04:09:39 +0000

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 . . . More →

Crowfoot LRT campaign a success

admin — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 04:09:37 +0000

Our campaign at the Crowfoot LRT Station was very successful, and a lot of fun. We handed out approximately two hundred brochures and completed 15 surveys about Calgary Public Transit. See survey template attached.

Most of the people we spoke to live in Ward 1. There were also a few people in Ward 2.

Almost everyone who completed the survey used the LRT 5+ times and one person said they used LRT 2-5 times

Everyone said they felt safe using the LRT in the daytime but only 4 people said they felt safe using the LRT at night. Two people said they never use the LRT at night.

When asked if the Park & Ride Fee changed the LRT usage; 7 people said yes and 8 people said no. One person said that the fee angers riders. Another said that usage would be greater without a fee but we need to be sure we have . . . More →

Sights, sounds and actions

judi — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 03:25:00 +0000

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. . . . More →

Sign Signs everywhere Signs

judi — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 17:20:54 +0000

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) . . . More →

Airport Tunnel Development Flawed

judi — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 03:57:34 +0000

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 . . . More →

Rocky Ridge Forum

admin — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 03:54:48 +0000

Hi there Rocky Ridge! If you are a Lake Club member, be sure to come out for a this private Ward 1 Candidates Forum in Rocky Ridge at The Lakes of Rocky Ridge – 450 Rocky Vista Gardens N.W. this October 6th at 7:00pm. Hope to see . . . More →

Aging, Forums and Priorities

judi — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 04:36:04 +0000

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 . . . More →

Events, Meetings, Surveys, Forums…

judi — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 05:14:49 +0000

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 100th Anniversary of Bowness celebration. Next year, watch for the new sign welcoming everyone to Bowness and . . . More →

”Wet-er” to Door Knock – A Weekend of Gardens, Inns and Races

judi — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:59:05 +0000

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 . . . More →

A Tale of Two Cities

judi — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 01:32:37 +0000

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 . . . More →