Archive for the ‘Focus – Vision Within View’ Category

Working our way to Democracy. I would call my small attempt at working towards democracy in my first election a success. The people of St. Albert were given a choice. I truly appreciate those who voted for me as trust is a gift that should be held with care. For others who did not vote for me because I had not yet earned their trust I understand as well. I have heard many reasons why people vote for someone(the most signs, first to their door, an alternative, age, race or gender). True democracy to me is when 100% of eligible voters make an educated vote.
We are way below numbers that should be voting. A thought I had that might improve the interest and actual process of future elections could be to have televised interactive forums once a week for a number of weeks ahead of election time.
No signs, no individual advertising and just getting as many people as possible involved in getting to know the candidates. Just a thought.

I have met an amazingly huge amount of amazing people this week(all ages). One appointment to the next has been both exhausting and exhilarating. I have loved the campaign and the challenge although at times bittersweet. I know in my heart that if I am elected on the 18th, I will be in my element. I love people and it has reinforced my hope that although I have met many negative attempts to discourage and weaken me in this campaign, the wonderful people I have met have been numbers far greater. Thank you for all of the kind advice, hugs, smiles, waves.

Today a wise Senior resident of St. Albert mentioned to me that the basis of all good in a community is Civic Pride. Civic Pride promotes taking care of homes, looking after and keeping the community clean. Wanting to have our river clean is about Civic Pride. Caring about how our city is developed is Civic Pride. Controlling crime in the community is Civic Pride. I believe this election time is fostering Civic Pride. People are mentioning they are voting for the first time or the first time in years. People are getting excited about having control and having hope. Civic Pride could be on the rise.

It is exciting how many people are getting involved and looking for change. This election could perhaps be one of the greatest voter turnouts we have seen  in some time. Now this is what it is all about.  I’m loving hearing from the people.

Yesterday’s emergency council meeting strongly re-affirmed my reason for running for Mayor. Mayor and Council once again bent to outside interests and totally dis-respected its citizens. The dishonesty and disorder in the method of approach was very apparent. I now have the responsibility to get my best game on. I am not just a critic as I want to make and intend to make things right for the people of St. Albert. I am now aware how our kids feel for try out time in our great game of  hockey. I know I have the strength and ability to do the Mayor’s job much better than he. I know I work much harder than he does and I know that I have much more compassion for people and what becomes of our city. I am honest. I just need to get my best game on at try out time. Political forums are try out time- you have the crowd watching, judging and you have the older more experienced jabbing, taunting, pretending . This politics is a tough game and I know I will have to bring my best game to view over the next few weeks. I want to thank all of the people who are already supporting me, and I will make things right in all of the mess currently going on in St. Albert. To all of St. Albert, please believe that you can feel very safe putting your trust in me. I will win this game, I am the overall better person for the job. I will lead a strong new team.

It is interesting to see council backing down on the vision and strength in leadership rant we have been hearing for oh so long. The power of the vote is amazing and we are finally starting to see result. The fear of not getting voted back in power is causing back-tracking, sudden interest in communities letters that have been long ignored, engaging with public opinion from other than a self placed pedestal view. Can it be trusted, I think not. I suggest we all hold our votes close to our heart. Follow your hearts and follow your instincts and then VOTE. I know I will.

People are frustrated because no-one is listening, people want change because no-one is listening. I promote change because no-one is listening. I am not a slick politician, I haven’t learned the moves, I don’t have billboards on several corners and I am still honest.  According to the Mayor, I am not enough of a challenge to run a real campaign against, so he will depend on only expensive advertising and his record. The funny thing is councils record is what caused me and many others to run against them.  I started the campaign with positive solutions, but lots of roadblocks have been placed in the last few weeks. The mess called DARP which led to many other issues including the distress the seniors face about having to basically lease or rent space in a new facility which started out as theirs and has somehow evolved to a mini servus place. The people of Akinsdale who spoke so well for their community last evening and then received a reply as if nothing was spoken at all. The Mayor talking of the services we all expect but not being accountable for providing them at an acceptable cost. The plans to infill, the plans for high-rise buildings, all the plans without asking or listening to the people. This is the time for change. I will work hard at making it happen. I will work hard to elect only those who should be elected and only those who are still not above listening. Then we will focus on a positive plan going forward.

This weekend artists of Alberta were celebrated throughout the province. As, I have mentioned previously, art is an all encompassing term to me and does not just represent expensive art pieces. It is all of the gifts and talents many people have to offer and share. Art can be as simple as the kindergarten finger painting to the most complex form of , music, dance, writing or art itself. Art is what describes history. Long after generations have past, their buildings stand and their art lives on. The purpose of Arts days is to allow all people access to many forms of art by free admissions and open participation. There were extensive volunteer efforts throughout the province and many joyous tears for the successes of many. Congratulations to all.

St. Albert desperately needs a city council that will put the best interests of the city as a whole at the forefront of their efforts. Currently St. Albert is separated into many different pods it seems. When you have a leader focusing on their own vision quest and ignoring the people, the people are forced to group together in defense of their own rights or wants. We are currently a city of indifference, protest, unhappiness and now a law suit and yet still no-one seems to be listening. For a city to flourish there must be a cohesive effort, and the effort must start from the top. I am proud to see many St. Albertans becoming passionate about what is going on in their city and I hope there is a huge voter turn-out. In the same sense I am disappointed that there is so much discontent. St. Albert needs a cohesive effort to get back on track as the amazing city it can be.

Decisions concerning the Habitat for humanity plans for Akinsdale are once again coming up in just a few days. If the head of Habitat cared as much for people as he claims, he would focus on helping individuals in St. Albert with much needed renovations that they cannot afford. There are many houses and suites in St. Albert that could use some work to bring them up to standards in safety and energy efficiency(and they happen to be in the so called affordable price range as well). To be intent on destroying green space and repeatedly insulted those who want to protect it is just wrong no matter which way you look at it or how many times.