Given the past 18 months, living the realities of a pandemic, the oil and gas sector downfall, and construction project constraints now is not the time for tax increases.

To rebuild we need to focus on economic development. We need to increase industry, commercial and residential investment.

City facilities have had decreased operation expenditures due to shutdowns and restrictions over the last 18 months resulting in a surplus that must now be used to keep taxes at a zero increase.

This is the time to rebuild our economy, not to raise taxes.

I will work hard to attract local, regional, national and international investment. We need to support and nurture economic development including new technology-based industries, retail and medical support services. There are also many opportunities to repurpose vacant commercial properties to once again become vibrant businesses who will employ many within our community. We must be competitive and resourceful and welcome new ideas and opportunities while at the same time reduce red tape to make Grande Prairie the city of choice to do business.

I am a business focused candidate. This does not negate the social sector of our city, but without a vibrant economy we will not be able to provide all the programs needed for our social and not-for-profit agencies. Success for social agencies comes from the ability to fund them.

On a prorated basis, this region is one that generates more taxes and royalty revenues to the Province than most others in Alberta. Unfortunately, this is not reciprocated back by the Province when it comes to funding our municipalities. We need to have a stronger voice, advocate more and work with other local municipalities to get the funding our residents deserve. This will not only create a fairer system it will also help in ensuring our taxes do not rise.

I will seek to work with our municipal partners, our MLA’s and organizations like the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, to ensure equitable allocation of provincial funding comes back to our city.

Grande Prairie City Council needs to engage more with our regional partners to promote our region as a primary economic driver for the province. Collaboration with local municipalities along with working with organizations such as the Peace Region Economic Development Alliance, Alberta Economic Development, Regional Tourism, Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce, and Community Futures, is the path to economic sustainability and prosperity for all.

I am a strong advocate of the RCMP and Enforcement Services. They do an excellent job serving our community. To assist our enforcement, we need to strengthen our neighborhood associations to mitigate crime. We need to be proactive, not just reactive.

Additionally, more programs are needed to alleviate the root causes of crime in our city. I am currently involved with new initiatives such as the Mobile Outreach Program, the Crime Mitigation Grant Program, and the RCMP Community Engagement Program. Each of these has had success and continues to be needed to keep our community safe.

We each live our lives uniquely. I am an advocate for all our citizens to provide an inclusive community. Health and wellness are key, fighting for the marginalized, isolated and taking action to reduce the visible and invisible poverty, racism, and homelessness.

One example: I would like to see sound indicators at our street corners.

I would like to see our city council seek out environmentally active businesses such as a better waste management system, clean energy options, geothermal and green eco-friendly commerce opportunities.

We need to continue to plant trees, create green spaces in developments and keep our natural parks and trails in great condition. The edible landscapes and becoming a Bee City have been great initiatives giving our citizens an increased quality of life.

I do support photo radar for the sake of safety, not as a revenue stream.

I am in support of speed control at schools, parks, and residential areas. I feel digital signage is a great solution to reducing speed and should be implemented at every school and park. Awareness tools are proven to positively affect driver behavior and will help with safety outcomes.

Where digital signage is not practical, the vehicles used in photo radar must be clearly identifiable.

The current business model needs to be revised. The end goal is safety, why are we paying contractors on the basis of tickets given? Funds collected need to go into the digital signage and safety programs.

I am committed to the residents of Grande Prairie to be fiscally transparent and fiscally responsible. These are our collective dollars. Decisions made by the city council must include higher transparency with using all means possible to give opportunities for community members to engage and to provide feedback.

As your City Councillor, I will be accountable to you for making this happen.