By Al Poole

This is the third and last article in a series concerning the October 20 municipal election, with an emphasis on the financial challenges facing our city.

There are multiple and variant ways to participate in our community.

I respect people who step up for a role in municipal politics. It is a commitment requiring courage and likely a disruption in their personal lives. I admire anyone who accepted the challenge to allow their names to stand as a candidate for public office.

Seeing an ongoing trend of wasted effort and money I believe the citizens of Red Deer could be getting better value for their tax contributions. For a time, I considered embarking on that journey myself, but in the end chose a different path which is represented by the publishing of this series of articles

In the past I have been active in several community roles, some as private citizen and some as part of my role at NOVA Chemicals, Joffre Site.

My decision to write these three articles is an aggregate of my work and personal experiences and my involvement in the community, but above all my interest in the success of our city and its citizens.

Based on my understanding of the challenges facing Red Deer and my experience leading a large complex organization, I have confidence in my ability to identify the talent I believe will help move our city forward while correcting financial problems.

 I have met with all the candidates I am endorsing and believe they represent an effective blend of diversity of professional, life, and government experience combined with personal skills, knowledge, and energy to help Council be productive in the next term.

 Mayoralty Candidates

This is not the time to select a person for mayor who does not have prior municipal government experience, in particular experience in Red Deer. To be effective and lead at the right level prior experience is a key asset.

I asked a person I would consider an insider and close to the candidates who they would vote for, they declined to name a candidate. However, I found their response most interesting. They said of the three incumbents running for mayor one is generally focused on social issues, one is difficult to pin down, and one has strong business acumen and shows discipline in his approach across all topic areas but in particular financial management.

It was not hard to link a name to each one of those descriptors.  I believe Cindy Jeffries and Lawrence Lee have had ample time for positive influence on the Council and have not delivered. I do not see either of them being impactful as mayor. In their case the adage ‘past behaviour is a very good predictor of future behaviour’ is fitting. I hear the words they use at forums to describe themselves – they are just words.  I see no evidence of action. You can talk about caring, collaborating and building relationships but it is only the actions that matter.

I believe Victor Doerksen is the right person to be mayor of Red Deer at this time. He has the experience and knowledge to be an effective leader of Council, guide the City back to financial health, and set the City up for effective and efficient delivery of important programs and services. Victor, along with Councilors Barnstable and Buruma, was instrumental in Council approving the addition of two outside experts to the Finance and Audit Committee. Although it was late in the term it will prove invaluable during the next Council term.  The fact they reached out for expert help gives me hope the next Council will see that as an opportunity and reach out in other areas.  There is a wealth of knowledge and experience in the city residing in citizens. I view this as an untapped resource.

 Further, listen to this short video with Councilor Higham on Councilor Doerksen:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BCWahK3Mn/

Based on the reasons above I am pleased to endorse Victor Doerksen my choice for Mayor

Councilor Candidates

 To determine the candidates to endorse I sought a balance of some council experience, education, and leadership experience in a complex organization complimented by energy and curiosity to learn.

In terms of incumbents, I am endorsing Kraymer Barnstable, Bruce Buruma and Chad Krahn. Based on my observations I believe they did a reasonable job trying to curtail council spending. I believe they will benefit the next Council bringing forward continuity from past discussion of issues and know where to focus efforts.

In terms of new council candidates, I am endorsing Tristin Brisbois, Adam Goodwin, Calvin Goulet Jones and Gabriel Beck.

Tristin and Adam bring solid education and demonstrated leadership roles with increasing accountability.  I believe both will lead the way in asking the probing questions to get to root problems and will play an important role in facilitating and leading Council as a team focused on improving our community.

Calvin Goulet Jones and Gabriel Beck have impressed me with the level of investigation they did to understand the important issues facing our community.  I believe both bring passion, energy and a curiosity to learn.  Both are willing and happy to engage with citizens – an important change for this next council. In Gabriel’s case I must mention he on his own initiative and money organized the first open house on the Housing Accelerator Program.  Wow – that is a strong demonstration on taking action.

I am encouraged by the quality of several other candidates that if not successful in this election I hope will find other ways to be active and contribute to the wellbeing of the city.  They are Thomas Sypkes, Christian Comete, Hans Huizing and Cassandra Curtis.

Respectfully

Al Poole

Al is interested in effective leadership and governance at City Hall.

Al Poole is retired Site Leader of NOVA Chemicals, Joffre site.

This is the 3rd of three articles regarding the Oct 20 municipal election.

Part 1

The City of Red Deer’s financial mess – KPMG report outlines failure of council to control spending