8/8/2019 Ward 9 - Watts
1/2
Edmonton Journal Civic Election Candidate
QuestionnaireJennifer Watts, 39 Running for Councillor, Ward
9
E-mail
watts4ward9@hotmail.caWebsitewattsforward9.wordpress.comTwitterFacebook
What are the three biggest issues in your campaign?
Your number one issue, and why?
Economic Development. We want our city to be a source of new
ideas, to be rooted by innovation and action. We need to bebetter
at directing our efforts towards bringing the city back in to a
surplus position. I would like focus on new avenues forincreasing
revenue(s) for the city. As a city, it is important to balance
priorities as this is the basis of establishing a viable
andsustainable city despite economic conditions. This will lead to
the outcome of being a city that has sutainable growth
revenues,which will ensure Edmontonians have the qualityy of life
they deserve and expect.
Number two issue, and why?
Community Planning - Urban sprawl specific to Ward 9. As our
communities continue to grow, our infrastrcture needs will
grow.
This includes transit, parks, sewers, and schools and the things
it takes to build complete communities. As a city and as a ward,we
can allow for growth and change but the speed at which we approach
this should be questioned. I will challenge for morecomprehensive
development proposals, thorough and complete neighbourhood area
structure plans and for neighbouringcommunities to be involved in
the planning process earlier and throughout. I will stregthen the
use of land use planning tools tomanage urban sprawl with the
outcome of building balanced communities.
Number three issue, and why?
"Bread and Butter" Issues. As a city we need to action these
issues to resolution. Property taxes, road maintenance, smow andice
managment, community policing, emergency sevices, being an advocate
for health supports and services, and housing forseniors,
low-income families and the homeless. As a city, we need to be
repair our aging roads and revitalize our olderneighbourhoods. We
need to invest in our infrastructure to ensure our city is
sustainable and liveable in the years to come. Oursocial
repsonsibility should not be lost to those most in need, we need to
work together to ensure our supports and services areresponsive and
accessible.
Which should be a higher spending priority for council, LRT
construction or road construction, and why?
Roads As a city we need to be more proactive and develop
strategies to enable better movement throughout the city. In order
forthis movement to happen, we need to invest in our road system.
Edmontonians expect their roads to be well maintained,
driveable and safe.
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?
Yes
How important is social media to your campaign?
3 out of 5
What is your favourite blog?davealberta.ca
What is the last book you read?
A Journey by Tony Blair
What is the last piece of music you listened to?
Ray LaMontagne
What is your favourite beer? Answer this question to humour Mark
Suits, Edmonton Journal beer blogger
8/8/2019 Ward 9 - Watts
2/2
Favourite place in Edmonton, outside your home?
I have a few:Sorrentinos in Little Italy.Millcreek Ravine
Off-leash ParkWild Earth BakeryRoyal Glenora Staircase
Three fantasy guests you'd like to have dinner with, and why?
Can be living, dead or fictional
Andrew Coyne(MacLeans) Peter MacKay(Defence Minister) and
Michaele Jean (former Governor General) Imagine the range oftopics
and conversation, an interesting mix of people.
What type of car do you drive? Make, model and year
What is the best advice you ever received
When faced with a decision, make it and don't look back.
