8/8/2019 Ward 11 - Berghdal

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Edmonton Journal Civic Election Candidate

QuestionnaireShane Bergdahl, 29. Running for Councillor, Ward 11

E-mail  shane@electshaneb.com

Website www.electshaneb.com

Twitter  @ShaneBergdahl

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=118681518169074

What are the three biggest issues in your campaign?

Your number one issue, and why?

Transit, Seniors and Community Policing. Schools is the forth but is not directly under the City's control.

They are all important however transit is probably number 1. We have ignored LRT expansion for far too long and we need tofocus on it now. Having said that, LRT expansion also needs the financial support of all levels of government, not just municipal.We also need to be aware that there are other infrastructure issues that require attention and to not just focus on transit.

Number two issue, and why?

Seniors would be a close second. Our population is quickly aging. There is almost 18,000 seniors in Mill Woods alone andresources are not keeping up with the needs. We need more and better accomodations as well as programs for our seniors.

Number three issue, and why?

Community Policing.

Our "community policing" model has helped to reduce crime. Edmonton needs to continue building partnerships and developingprograms that keep our neighbourhoods safe and improve our quality of life.

We also need Edmontonians to be the eyes and ears on the street. They need to feel that their input is important and takenseriously by the authorities. Too many times I have heard that the people registering a complaint or information are given the thirddegree or not taken seriously. That needs to stop.

Which should be a higher spending priority for council, LRT construction or road construction, and why?

LRT construction Either / Or questions are not really fair. Both require priorities. By expanding the LRT, traffic on our roadswill be reduced but they still require attention. Some of the LRT paths being planned will impact vehicle flow on those roads,pushing vehicle traffic to seek alternatives. Some of these alternatives may not be up to the additional loads and will require somework. Both are intertwinned.

City council has turned down a motion to hold a non-binding plebiscite on keeping the City Centre Airport as ageneral aviation facility. Should the new council reopen the airport issue?

No It is time to move on. We have been arguing the airport issue for almost 2 generations now and people are quite tired of it. The vast majority want it to go away.

We pay City Council to do the research and handle the tough questions. Most people do not have the time or expertise (but somedo) to determine the right course of action regarding the City Centre Airport. City Council did that, held some consultations andmade that difficult decision. It is now time to move on.

Some people may not agree with Council's decision and that is fine. You can't please everyone. We now have a well fundedlobby machine (Envision Edmonton) that is now publicly and financially supporting many people running for City Council. Just lookto the Mayorial Race as an example. Envision is funding at least one candidate against Stephen Mandell. They are alsosupporting at least 1 candidate in every Ward of the City.

No where have I ever seen such a lobby group attempt to load the next City Council with their supporters. My guess is that if theyare successful, they will be voting to undo the Airport decision.

Single issue groups seldom have the best intrests if the population. They are generally focused on their pet issue alone.

Edmonton is far more than an airport.  Do you live in the ward where you're running?

Yes

How important is social media to your campaign?

4 out of 5

What is your favourite blog? Connect2Edmonton

8/8/2019 Ward 11 - Berghdal

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What is the last book you read?

A compolation of 1920 - 1940 Sci Fi stories. Made me laugh.

What is the last piece of music you listened to?

Demo track from Capital T I

What is your favourite beer? Answer this question to humour Mark Suits, Edmonton Journal beer blogger

prefer Rickards Red

Favourite place in Edmonton, outside your home?

In the community, anywhere. I enjoy connecting with the people at the neighbourhood level.

Three fantasy guests you'd like to have dinner with, and why? Can be living, dead or fictional

Johnny Dep. My wife quite likes him and, if I was able to arrange dinner with Johnny, maybe she would forget some of the things Ihave forgotten to do over the years ... lol

What type of car do you drive? Make, model and year

2007 Pontiac G5

What is the best advice you ever received Think before you speak and remember how you are affecting others.