October 18, 2004 is Election Day in Red Deer.  Return to Election Forum - City Council Candidates

Steve Cross

Steve Cross for City Councillor - Planning for our Future … My Priorities

Accommodating Growth
Let’s face it – growth costs money. Your tax dollars are being stretched to the limit. Community services are being stretched to the limit. We are facing an unprecedented infrastructure-funding deficit. We have an urgency to identify sources of revenue other than your tax dollar to bring funding for Community Services and Infrastructure back in line. Our Federal Government has promised to assist Municipalities. Our Provincial Capital Grants have diminished significantly over the past ten years. I pledge to do my part as your City Councillor to actively pursue additional sources of funding and pledge to be prudent and fiscally accountable for your tax dollars.

Protective and Emergency Services
The overall efficiency and effectiveness of our Protective and Emergency Services determines the level of our personal safety and quality of life in general. As citizens, we need to now more than ever, develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with our Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The current Crime Prevention and Policing Study will be a useful tool in strengthening our abilities to combat crime. I pledge to do my part as your City Councillor to promote Community involvement and Community accountability to maximize the personal safety component and work with the RCMP to reduce crime in our Community. I also pledge to work hard to balance the needs for Protective and Emergency Services with the need for other services as our City grows.

New Industrial Park
The availability of current industrial land for light industry in Edgar Industrial Park is in decline. Local industry significantly benefits our City in various aspects. It is necessary to identify land suitable for an industrial park in the near future if we are to foster a continued thriving local economy. I pledge to do my part as your City Councillor to promote and secure land for a new industrial park.

New Neighborhoods
As our population increases, so does the frequency of the development of new neighborhoods. Our new residential area development is guided by New Neighborhood Design Guideline Elements, spearheaded by principles of fiscal, social and environmental sustainability. I pledge to do my part as your City Councillor to ensure that these principles are applied to the creation and development of our new residential areas.

Environmental Discussion Paper
The City of Red Deer recently adopted this important document to guide the assessment of past and current environmental initiatives and identify environmental priorities for the future. With this document as my guide, I pledge to do my part as your City Councillor to promote and implement important environmental initiatives.

Affordable Housing
With continued growth comes an increasing demand to address homelessness and the lack of affordable housing in our Community. I believe we all have a responsibility, including the homeless and the working poor, to identify solutions. I pledge to do my part as your City Councillor to promote the building of Community capacity to address homelessness and lack of affordable housing. Two possible solutions are to further foster long-term partnerships between not for profit organizations, private investors and businesses and to promote the development of transitional housing.

My Mission 2004 – 2007

To be an accessible and available Councillor, not only listening to, but hearing your concerns.
To make decisions that best reflect the betterment and health of our Community.
To promote a strong sense of Community based on caring for our neighbours and respecting private property and public spaces.
To promote a safe, efficient and accessible transportation system for the auto, public transit, pedestrians, cyclists and persons with disabilities.
Promote the wise use of water and clean air practices through public education and awareness.

Demonstrated Leadership in Red Deer
Vice Chair, City of Red Deer Environmental Advisory Board
Member of Rotary Club International - Red Deer Rotary Club East
Past Chair, City of Red Deer Policing Committee
Past Chair, City of Red Deer Taxi Commission
Past Co-Chair, Red Deer Downtown Safety Task Force (Defunct)
Past Chair, Red Deer Housing Committee
Past Chair, Red Deer Housing Committee, Management Committee

Personal Profile
Citizen of Red Deer for more than 45 years
Community Program Coordinator
Business background in Real Estate
Over 20 years serving our Community in various capacities
Wife, Lorraine Evans-Cross

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