We invite the 11 mayoral candidates running in the Edmonton municipal election to submit an op-ed by September 17th. answering the question: “Why should I be mayor of Edmonton?”Mike Nickel was one of those who accepted the offer.
Tuesday: Michael Oshry
Edmonton is clearly at a crossroads. We are all tired of divisive partisan politics in our city. It’s putting us further back.
We can’t mow the lawn. Our garbage rates are double that of Calgary. Almost all major capital projects are behind and over budget. Violent crime is out of control. There are no real opportunities for our youth.
It’s a real mess.
Most people don’t know that the war on cars is a real policy proposal from the city administration that calls for banning cars in certain areas, quadruple parking costs, adding toll roads, new vehicle taxes, and more. . Remember a few months ago when they tried to add parking meters to city parks? That was just a small sample of what they want to do.
Fortunately, enough public pressure built up to stop that terrible idea. They all defended their city. Thanks for doing that!
And that’s what this election is about. Can we unite enough people through common sense ideas to change the direction of our city? I believe we can and we will.
Our property taxes continue to rise as affordability becomes more difficult for seniors, families, and small businesses. I calculated the major capital projects for 2015. Those projects were estimated to cost $ 3.5 billion, but in the end they cost $ 6.3 billion. In two years, management increased by 22% and consultants by 32%.
Think about how many overtime hours in a year you have to work to pay for all that waste. That is real time away from your family and your passions.
The 10-year plan to end homelessness did not work. These people roam our streets endlessly looking for help that will never come. How is this compassionate for them? How compassionate are you to neighbors and residents who are giving up their neighborhoods?
We need clean and safe treatment beds for those suffering from addictions and trauma. I too will be your mayor! I will advocate for those healthcare spaces.
Respectfully, many of my competitors for mayor throw up buzzwords and say all the right things, without adding much in terms of tangible politics. So here are my main black and white policies:
- Restore the safety of our communities;
- Fewer managers and consultants; more front-line workers;
- Improved basic services;
- Fiscal responsibility in the city council;
- Tax relief for all;
- Protect our river valley from development;
- Guarantee permit periods for companies;
- Restore Edmonton as an affordable city;
- Offer a real plan for our homeless;
- Finish photographic radar.
Reference-edmontonjournal.com