Working On Your Behalf for the Next 3 Years

In the past three years as your Ward 2 Councillor, we have worked together to accomplish a great deal. There is much more that we can do in the area of social, economical and environmental sustainability.

My vision for the next three years includes the following:

Community

 Advocate for responsible driving initiatives in residential areas:

• Increase electronic traffic driver feedback signs.
• Support volunteer speed watch programs.
• Increase safety through education and enforcement.

 Promote increased community involvement:

• Encourage the creation of neighbourhood associations and community gardens.
• Park revitalization and multi generational utilization.
• Increase playgrounds accessibility.

Municipal

Encourage and Support:

• Balanced sustainable growth of the County.
• Implementation of an organizational efficiency audit.
• Measures that increase transparency and accountability of Council and Administration.
• Develop a strong customer service focus and culture.
• Continued emphasis on youth engagement.
• Collaborate with business to create a vital and diverse business community.
• Increased housing options for an aging population.
• Increased assistance for seniors living in the community.
• Increased emphasis on accessibility.
• Implementation of the light efficient community policy.       

Capital Region

• Stay focused on maintaining our leadership position in the Capital Region.
• Collaborate with the 24 neighbouring municipal partners to plan for sustainable regional growth.

Provincial

• Build a positive synergistic relationship with the provincial government.
•  Lobby for full development of the 23-acre hospital site, beginning with the completion of phase 2 by 2015.
• Demand underground powerlines.
• Champion the building of a new courthouse by 2015.

Running for Office

In my  July 25, 2010,  blog A Day in the Life, where I describe what a Councillors job is to me, I stated that I  consider being a Councillor for Strathcona County residents a full time job – and then some.

I talked about the importance of elected officials serving their community.

It requires time to build relationships and to support non-profit organizations, churches, businesses, the Chamber, parent council and other community minded stakeholders.

I blogged about the importance of time spent on committees that focused on all levels of issues: neighbourhood, municipal, regional and provincial.

As an elected official, I spend hundreds of hours on strategic planning, in council workshops, budget sessions and Council Meetings. 

By far the greater percentage of my time is spent on resolving issues residents have; concerns that are not being addressed to their satisfaction, questions regarding the complexities of the system or disagreements with County process or policy.

I consider that my obligation to my residents is to maintain that schedule for as long as possible. I believe that I should maintain my focus on municipal matters and reserve my time for residents until Election Day.

There are guidelines that speak to the importance of all candidates for office having a level playing field. Well - most candidates who are not incumbents have a job. They use their personal time to campaign – often taking a leave of absence the 30 days prior to election to ‘run hard’ for office.

I chose not to declare months ahead of election day, take out ads, give out campaign literature, promotional items or use official functions in order to maintain my office. Instead, I chose to remain focused on fulfilling my duties, as your Councillor, for my full term of office.

On Sept. 8, 2010,  I was asked at a public meeting by a resident whether or not I was running. At that time, I mused aloud that it would be right to run again if I had lived up to the expectation of the residents who had voted me in last term. I noted that I believed I had achieved some worthwhile community objectives that improved the quality of life of our people on both a community and regional level. Knowing that I have more to do, I feel that running again is the right thing for both my community and myself.  

But note that I have not produced any electioneering materials; I have not put out a brochure or a platform prior to now. In fact, this whole website is populated with information that does not wave the campaign flag but is meant to give my residents an insight into what I believe in, what stands I took and why I took them.

Above all, I believe my job is to listen to you, and to serve the needs of the people of Ward 2 and Strathcona County. 

Issues Behind the ‘Hospital News Release’ Incident

Now that Council has ratified a way to move forward that will protect the rights of all individuals involved in the much publicized incident (see Blog: Why an Independent Investigation) I feel an obligation to clear the air with regard to two specific areas.

Firstly, statement after statement in the press has led people to believe that the incident was about an individual’s right to speak out. The issue was not about freedom of speech.

This is about one Councillor’s reaction to a press release which he did not agree with - that is a policy issue.

Who has the obligation to edit and approve County press releases? It is not Council as a whole. That is neither the practice nor the policy in this municipality.

The policy in Strathcona County is similar to that of other large municipalities in Alberta. Draft releases are circulated for approval to applicable department manager, executive team member, Commissioner and the Mayor. This approval process is a rigorous one that is put in place as a way to ensure  facts are correct.

At the Sept. 14, 2010, Council meeting, as a result of one Councillors disagreement with the tone of a press release, a motion was rushed to the floor of Council. Three Councillors spoke to changing the approvals policy so that Council would be the approval agent for press releases that concerned the Capital Region, the hospital and power lines. 

This was an ill conceived motion with no backgrounder or benefits-risk analysis. The result drags Council, a governing body, into operations. The current policy has proven effective for many years and should not be changed without some thought put into it as to the merits and down side.

Secondly, there was much ado made in the press recently about Mayor Olesen and myself meeting with representatives of the provincial government to obtain a clarification over the hospital. 

This is not about the Mayors ‘right’ to meet with a couple of Ministers – because, indeed she does have that right, in fact, the obligation, to represent the needs of our people at a meeting with provincial representatives.

I believe the meeting was in response to the call for clarification from myself, Strathcona County residents, and complaints voiced in the media. As the need for it was urgent , Minister Evans arranged a sit down with the appropriate Ministers.

Mayor Olesen had two hours to respond. While she was entitled to attend the meeting alone, she was able to get in touch with me and I attended in the capacity of Deputy Mayor.

Similar types of meetings have occurred at various times in the past – none of Council objected to those meetings.

Hopefully this will answer any remaining questions the public will have and we can move on with the business of running the County.

Why an Independent Investigation?

From Sept. 9 -14th, Strathcona County has been in the center of a mini maelstrom. As one twitter enthusiast said: ‘who knew Strathcona County Politics could be such a soap opera!"

Residents and press have had pieces of information – parts of a story. There has been a mix of fact and fiction. Some politicians were quick to jump into the public arena spouting personal opinions and third hand rumour to the press. 

Other principals in the event stood back, making no comments, in an effort to protect the rights of all participants until the full facts could be assembled and reviewed. As a result – there was a regrettable lack of balance in the media. The entire issue has become a very emotional one with half truths melded into personal opinions and biases.

It is the right of all citizens to hear the facts and feel confident that justice is being served.

Did an elected official contravene policies on Systems & Data Security when he used County communications systems to criticize a County news release?

Did an elected official breach County policies on a respectful workplace?

Did the Commissioner act correctly when he suspended computer privileges (for less than 24 hours?) Was it a disciplinary action or an attempt at damage control or something else?

Our Council was put in the position of needing to ascertain the best way - the fairest way to get at the truth while protecting the innocents. Councillor Wlodarczak presented to Council an option that resonated with most of Council as the best way to accomplish the objectives of seeking truth while protecting basic democratic rights of all concerned.

I have remained entirely outside of the media mayhem. I am not on the side of any particular individual. I am on the side of needing to hear the truth and the facts – brought back to Council, and the public as quickly as possible. Only an unbiased independent investigation will accomplish that.

Council has ratified the following motion that calls for an independent and impartial review done by George Cuff and submitted to Council and for public release by Sept. 30, 2010. Mr. Cuff is highly respected for his work in the area of municipal governance, best practices, public administration and Board/Council-management relationships.  

MOTION:

County News Release

Hi Five to Brittany Lane

A few weeks ago I had the honour of being invited to a family celebration. The Brittany Lane Housing co-operative has gotten together for their annual ‘block party’ for 18 years now. That in itself is something to celebrate!

It was a great time for kids and parents alike. There were an incredible array of fun things to do including face painting, a blow up trampoline and a baking contest. Joining me on the judging panel this year was Diane from the WOW Cheesecake Factory and the Mayor. Even with Diane’ professional taste testing skills it was a tough choice!

The focus of this event has always been family, fun and a look back over the year’s achievements – but this year was one to marvel at the goal they had reached. This cooperative took on the task of creating one of the first urban community gardens in Strathcona County. (Other residents spearheaded a new garden at Bev Facey as well – more about that in another blog!).

Brittany Lane resident Ayanna got the idea after attending several informational sessions I held to encourage our city folks to start the ball rolling. I started these sessions after seeing what our residents had achieved in Old Man Creek over the years.

The concept of community gardening filled Brittany Lane’s mandate of encouraging neighbourhood interconnectedness and educating people as to the importance of growing your own quality food and teaching children where food comes from. Residents dug and shovelled through rain and sleet to create award worthy raised beds of stone to plant their flowers and vegetables in. Three Seasons Landscaping company pitched in many volunteer hours and materials.

I believe this community garden will provide focus and pride for both Brittany Lane and the surrounding neighbourhood. I salute Brittany Lane for their efforts and look forward to seeing residents reap  benefits for many years to come.

Ministers Met Today with Mayor Olesen and Deputy Mayor Carr

Minister Iris Evans arranged a meeting today in order to clarify the Provincial stand on the Strathcona County Hospital.

Minister of Infrastructure Ray Danyluk and Minister of Health Gene Zwozdesky met with Mayor Olesen and myself in response to County residents’ concerns over uncertainty about phase 2 of the hospital. MLA Dave Quest and Commissioner Robyn Singleton were also in attendance.

Minister Iris Evans and MLA Dave Quest were gravely concerned about recent misinformation appearing in the media.

Ministers of Health and Infrastructure declared their commitment to a full scope hospital in Strathcona County. Phase one was put into an accelerated construction phase this summer. Phase 2 is already in the developmental stage. The Health Minister confirmed that phase 2 will contain 72 inpatient beds and surgical suites.

Mayor Olesen pressed Minister Danyluk for specifics on the current building of Phase 1. We were assured that phase 1 was being built to hospital - not clinical - standards. Mechanical, electrical and technological infrastructure are all to hospital standard in preparation for phase 2.

No details could be given with regards to costs of phase 2. I emphasized the need for a solid time commitment. In response, Minister Zwozdesky cautioned that the economic downturn had left the Provincial government struggling to complete 1,000 health care projects and an actual time commitment was not possible at this moment. 

Minister Evans assured us that she and MLA Dave Quest would keep the Mayor and Council posted on new information and would provide timely updates on design and construction of both phases 1 and 2.

Minister Evans, who has championed this cause for so many years, seems determined that Alberta’s promise to Strathcona County will be kept.

If Strathcona County residents want to walk through the open doors of phase 2 of our Hospital, sooner not later, I believe that we must remain vigilant in our monitoring of the development and demand progress as the design and construction of both phases move forward.   

To read the Strathcona County News Release:  http://www.strathcona.ca/departments/Communications/News_Releases/StatusofHospital.aspx

Residents Ask About Powerlines

Transit Centre

A resident recently asked about the impact of powerlines on our Ordz Road Transit Centre. Commuters need not be concerned.

The Transit Centre on Ordze Road is approximately 350m east of the proposed routing. Maps provided at the August Heartland Transmission Project open house in Strathcona County indicate that the proposed line extends over the west edge of the Transit Centre parking lot. The proposed towers do not physically interfere with the Centre or the parking lot. A representative from Altalink indicated that the parking lot was not a problem for them. It is important to note that the parking lot is within provincially controlled land and Alberta Infrastructure - not Altalink - makes the final determination as to the future availability of this parking lot.

Capacity

I have been asked why our region courted the upgraders if the powerlines were to be an integral part of the picture. Upgraders and the powerlines are not as direct a link as some might think.

The proposed line has capacity that far exceeds that required for current and proposed upgraders. More alarmingly the capacity was revised upward after the economic downturn!

 Here a few points that illustrate this:

• AESO released a needs study related to these power lines in May of 2008. The "Heartland Summary Report" called for a 500kV line and a 240kV line and can be viewed at the following link:   
• A global economic downturn hit in the Fall of 2008.
• The provincial government passed the Electric Statutes Amendment Act in the Fall of 2009. This edict required that the Heartland project be 2 - 500 kv lines. A vast difference in capacity.

A schedule at the very end of the Electric Utilities Act outlines critical transmission infrastructure for Alberta:  

To get a balanced few of both sides residents need to examine the following sites very thoroughly: 

Heartland Transmission  and  RETA

Look forward to your comments.

Mr. Premier - Lend Me Your Ear

The stories are manifold, the ‘facts’ contradict each other. Several Ministries are involved. Each MLA, Minister, opposition leader and Councillor has something different to say…why....because the story and the timeline changes on a month by month basis.

Enough is enough. I am tired of rumour and ‘fact’ slinging.

Our Strathcona residents were promised a hospital in the days of Ralph Klein.  Fifteen plus years have passed. Do we need a hospital less with an escalation in population to 88,000 people? With the pronouncement from the Provincial government that parts of Strathcona County are included in the high density growth area? Do we need a hospital less with the growth and expansion of the Industrial Heartland?

It is now time for our Premier, who has enjoyed many years of staunch support from our County, to ‘cowboy up’! I want to know if he is going to honour the promises made by his government.

Mr. Premier - do you support the hospital in Strathcona County? Our residents need a hospital, they were promised a hospital, and above all – they need honesty and transparency. Give us the specific scope of phase 2 and a real timeline. Nothing less will do.

Further, Mr. Premier I call on you and the other MLA’s who are supposed to be representing their Strathcona County residents to meet with the Strathcona County Mayor and Council within the next 15 days to outline the specifics and sign off on it. Do not let this fifteen year old wound fester any longer.

I call upon our residents to send their message loud and clear to the Premier’s office.

Contact information for the Premier is: Phone 780.427.2251; Fax: (780) 632-6888
fortsaskatchewan.vegreville@assembly.ab.ca

Regional & Provincial Relationships

In a previous blog, I talked about the role of your local government and why it is critical to the vitality and sustainability of our community. The three key functions of our local government are the provision of core services, community planning and money management. 

But we cannot do that in a vacuum. We need to, and do, interact and participate with our municipal neighbours, regional stakeholders and province.

We work with our neighbours on Water Commissions, the River Valley Alliance, Industrial Heartland, and the Beaver Hill Initiative. These and many more partnerships ensure that we share responsibility for adjoining areas and wisely utilize our resources. 

On the regional level we contribute to and benefit from interacting with 24 other municipalities on the Capital Region Board. Mayor Oleson has been a strategic player in the evolution of that organization and retains a key position of several committees. Councillor Wlodarczk, Dunn and myself represent Council in the areas of GIS, Transit and Affordable Housing. The principal goal of these 25 autonomous municipalities is to plan as a team to meet the challenges of the future. Sharing knowledge and planning together with the Province, we can more effectively use what resources we have.

Provincially, we work as members on both the of the Alberta Municipalities’ Associations for urban and rural jurisdictions. In addition, I am a member of the Inter City Forum on Social Policy – meeting and lobbying with other municipalities to get our concerns across to the provincial government.

It is true that all municipalities are ‘children’ of the Province. Local governments were created and are legislated by the Province. The Municipal Government Act (MGA) is the primary statute governing the municipal affairs and does give municipalities’ a fair amount of autonomy in local decision making.

As I said, we cannot live in a vacuum. Taxes are not enough to provide for all the needs of our people. Secure, direct funding is imperative to implement the needed programs in our communities. As the Province downloads more responsibilities for things like affordable housing and health care - we as municipalities must increase our lobbying power with the government.

While we do not make the decision as to when and how big Strathcona County’s hospital will be, or whether to bury the powerlines, we do have many avenues and ways to influence the Provincial government. As individual Council members, we must continue to engage you, our residents, listen to your opinions and advocate your wishes to our local provincial MLA’s. Council as a whole works with MLA’s and Ministers to make our position known and further our case for fair treatment.

Please continue to let your concerns be known to your Councillor.

Local Government - the Engine of the Community

How much do you know (or care) about your local government?

As I look into the gallery on a Tuesday Council meeting I usually see 2 to 5 members of the public, the local media and a dozen or so staff. Estimates suggest that only 3% of the Canadian public are actively engaged in politics. I believe that our residents in Strathcona County fit into this norm.

Residents usually become engaged and interested for two reasons: either because our municipality has demanded resident participation by holding open houses and other public meetings, or because our municipality has failed to meet expectations.

Most of the calls to my office are from people who are voicing the failings of local government to provide the services they need and expect. If a resident experiences drainage issues, lack of recycle pick up or potholes in the street, the light is fully focused on the failures of local government and what their municipality is not doing for them.

For a moment – let’s focus on the bigger picture and why your local government is critical to the vitality and sustainability of our entire population. Three key functions are provision of services, planning and money management. 

Your local government’s core function is providing community services. Residents’ health and well being in day to day and emergency situations rely on an effective delivery of: fire, ambulance and police services; water, road and sewer operations and infrastructure; recreation facilities and programming; and public transit. Another vital community service provided for by local government is social programming that offers a broad range of opportunities for young families, seniors and residents who face challenging situations.

A less visible, but just as crucial function is providing long range planning that results in a safe, caring and well run community of the future. To do this, your local government must plan and effectively manage growth that will provide a high quality of life for all citizens. 

Possibly the most critical role of your local government is their fiscal responsibilities. They are responsible for taxation and the allocation of those tax dollars. Budget creation and management includes a long list of responsibilities such as proactive raising and management of grants and other monies.

Your local government needs to be held accountable by its electorate in all of these areas. The good news is that local government is the most communicative and most accessible of all levels of government. Our elected officials live, work and play in our community. They are your neighbours. Most are able communicators who know that the key to success in serving our community is in engaging you, our residents. I and several others utilize many forms of social media, make ourselves available by phone, personal and group meetings and public engagements.

If your local level of government is the engine of the community – then it is people that are the fuel that drives the engine. Never hesitate to approach your elected representative to raise issues and discuss how we can make our community a better place for our children and parents.