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Edmonton Journal Civic Election Candidate
QuestionnaireAl Slemko, 59. Running for Councillor, Ward 10
E-mail
[email protected]://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=116175708439673
What are the three biggest issues in your campaign?
Your number one issue, and why?
Infrastructure - There are plenty of studies and literature that
have concluded that Canada has reached the breaking point. Mostof
our infrastructure was built between the 1950s and1970s. Now it is
due for replacement. You can see the potholes andcrumbling bridges,
water-treatment and transit systems that cannot keep up with
demand, traffic gridlock, poor air quality and alack of affordable
housing. We need to have a plan to address this pressing need.Last
years civic budget noted that $.04 of every tax dollar goes to
municipalities; the balance is for provincial and federalbudgets.
Our priorities are often decided based on the election promises of
other levels of government. We need secure fundingdollars for
maintaining the existing as well as new infrastructure for the long
term rather than from election to election.
Number two issue, and why?
Mature neighbourhoods are just as marketable as the
neighbourhoods on the outer edges of Edmonton. We need to
promoteour neighbourhoods and the benefits of living in Ward 10 or
the more central communities. We have schools, recreational
facilitiesand transit service. We need to maximise these services
to sustain our city. Properties should be affordable within our
Wardboundaries. There should be incentives for building or
developing in the more mature neighbourhoods so that housing is
costcomparable to housing in the new areas. Communities need small
grocers, tailors and restaurants. The uniqueness of
ourneighbourhoods like Pleasantview, Keehewin and Grandview should
be fostered and encouraged
Number three issue, and why?
Tax or user fee? We must establish with residents and property
owners a base line for services, and to what level they
expectservices to be funded by taxes. As it stands every year it is
a moving target. What was once considered a service provided
bytaxes becomes a user fee. Once we have defined the level of
service we want the mill rate can be set. I also feel
someefficiencies can be found without increases in taxes.
Which should be a higher spending priority for council, LRT
construction or road construction, and why?
LRT construction I think it is necessary to continue with our
investment in public transit and LRT. When transit, is cost and
time effective citizens use LRT or public transit. The movement
of goods and services also benefit by the higher number of
publictransit users because it means fewer cars on the roads
especially during peak hours. We should maintain existing
roadwaysbecause we want commuters to be able move with ease and
without frustration. The policy on roadway repairs should
bereviewed if there is no work being done a metal plate would allow
for continued movement of vehicles.
City council has turned down a motion to hold a non-binding
plebiscite on keeping the City Centre Airport as a
general aviation facility. Should the new council reopen the
airport issue?
No
Do you live in the ward where you're running?
No
How important is social media to your campaign?
3 out of 5
What is your favourite blog?fatcycliist.com
What is the last book you read?
"In the Hands of a Chef "
What is the last piece of music you listened to?
Lyle Lovett
What is your favourite beer? Answer this question to humour Mark
Suits, Edmonton Journal beer blogger
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Negra Modelo
Favourite place in Edmonton, outside your home?
North Saskatchewan River valley and the Whitemud ravine because
of all the bike and walking trails.
Three fantasy guests you'd like to have dinner with, and why?
Can be living, dead or fictional
Frank Lloyd Wright because I have always been fascinated by his
work.
Nancy Green because she was one of the first great Canadian
skiers. She has given a lot back to the sport for Canadians.
Tom Hanks because I like his movies.
What type of car do you drive? Make, model and year
Mazda Protege 2000
What is the best advice you ever receivedTreat all people like
you would like to be treated. - Mom
