With the upcoming October election, we’re still rather disheartened by the fact that there continues to be misguided ideas about what makes a good candidate for city council.
This includes incumbents and newcomers alike who believe that things like name recognition, apple pie statements and who you know are what will guarantee you a seat on city council.
May we suggest that, rather than prove these people right, before we enter the voting booths, we ask incumbents and newcomers the questions that are important to each of us. For instance:
• Knowing that our current city council is in favour of increasing the density of St. Albert by two-and-a-half times, what exactly does this look like to them? Have they given any thought to the financial, aesthetic and environmental costs? In short, have they done their homework?
• Are they prepared to listen and follow through with the wishes of the taxpayers of this city whenever possible or do they simply expect all input to end and for us to simply “trust them” upon their election?
• What ideas do they have to reduce financial leaks when it comes to cost overruns? Again, have they done their homework?
In all honesty, if the only things we can expect of our candidates is to have them stand on a podium and pound their chests or make coffee dates where they can whisper ideas to a few or take up space at various photo opportunities or simply sit on their backsides and wait for someone to recall their name, how effective will they be as leaders of this great city?
Once again, before you enter a voting booth, please remember that you have an opportunity to vote only for those candidates who share your beliefs. It is not necessary to choose a full card to be heard. To date, I have only found a total of two who come close to my way of thinking. However, I am hopeful that there will be more choices as the election draws nearer and candidates finally get down to telling us what they really believe instead of what they think we want to hear.
We are a small city, but we can do mighty things. Don’t let pretty pictures and unkept promises draw you into a void.
Fred Trotter, St. Albert
