Iveson backs three council candidates for October’s Edmonton municipal election

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Outgoing Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson is supporting three candidates running for council in the October municipal elections.

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Iveson issued endorsements in three district races Monday morning, including two for rivals against current incumbent councilors.

At Ward Métis, with the highest number of contenders at 12, Iveson endorsed YEGarden Suites founder Ashley Salvador. Salvador has advocated for the council on many civic issues during Iveson’s tenure, which he pointed to as a reason for the endorsement.

“Ashley is a brilliant, independent thinker who knows how to do things. His thoughtful and impactful advocacy on urban planning and climate issues is grounded in the practical realities facing Edmonton today, ”Iveson said in the statement. “Ashley is already an established and widely respected leader on city council and I know she would raise the bar for debate at the next council.”

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The two-term mayor also backed former Edmonton City Senior Planner Anne Stevenson in the downtown district of O-day’min, with 10 candidates vying for the seat left by the outgoing county. Scott McKeen. Three-term accountant Tony Caterina is in the running, but has not represented any of the neighborhood communities. Stevenson now works for the Right at Home Housing Society, which Iveson says is a critical experience for the city’s affordable housing initiatives.

“Anne’s professional leadership in affordable housing delivery and her urban planning expertise are so relevant to representing the core of Edmonton,” she said in her endorsement.

Iveson also endorsed former city poet laureate Ahmed ‘Knwmadic’ Ali, highlighting his passion for community building. Ali is one of six candidates in the Tastawiyiniwak district, including incumbent Jon Dziadyk.

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“Ahmed brings a dynamic life experience and professional background that will prioritize the issues of North Edmonton,” Iveson said on social media. “As a community leader and former poet laureate, his passionate and articulate approach to city building will enrich the council.”

Iveson was not available to speak to the media on Monday, but in an interview with Postmedia last Friday he said that these endorsements reflect what he has seen of the candidates during his time in office. He said it’s not necessarily about aligning with issues, but about the ability to participate and make complex decisions. Last week, Iveson issued transition memoranda on five key priorities the next council will face and offered background details and potential ideas for moving forward.

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“My test is whether people can handle the complexity of these issues, that’s a trait I’m looking for in potential city councilors,” Iveson told Postmedia. “Therefore, independence of thought and ability to handle complexity and not descend into a black and white polarization like we see everywhere in politics.”

It is not confirmed if those are all the endorsements coming from Iveson, but he told Postmedia that he is not sure if he will participate in the open race for the mayor’s seat.

Election day is October 18, but Edmontons can go to the polls beginning October 4 with early voting from 1-7 pm through October 13. There are 12 early voting locations throughout the city, one per district. Voting locations can be found at the city ​​website.

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