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

My name is

Cindy Jefferies

I am running for

City Council

I would welcome the opportunity to hear from you. I can be reached at:

Perspectives on HOT topics:

Growth: I believe this is an exciting time for the City of Red Deer . We are a growing, dynamic city with many opportunities ahead. As we look to build our community, we must recognize that our city is a good place to live and do business for many reasons. Continued growth is dependent upon more than a competitive tax structure. Sports, recreation, arts and culture all contribute to our quality of life. In fact, they give life to our community. As we move forward we must consider our future infrastructure needs in concert with the needs of existing infrastructure. We are at the point where many of our existing facilities need to be refreshed. At the same time, we feel the pressures of growth- we must balance the two.

Taxes: Ideally taxes would increase, when necessary, in small increments. I believe this years tax increase reflects a need to restore buying power in order to maintain the current level of services and address issues which have been deferred in order to deliver successive 'hold the line' budgets.

Revenues: The potential for a 'new deal for municipalities' with provincial and federal governments is encouraging. We must continue to be advocates for local government and for our community. I believe we will need to continue forming partnerships and working together to meet our infrastructure and service needs.

Transportation and Traffic: Longer term, 'bigger' city thinking is necessary. As traffic levels rise some of our old patterns of use will need to change. We should encourage the use of major arteries which have recently been upgraded to handle larger traffic volumes. Planning, encouraging use of transit, and creating opportunities for bicycle and pedestrian traffic should be factors in addressing the traffic issues we face. Neighbourhoods and communities should not be divided to solve traffic problems.

Crime, Policing, and Social Issues: Living in a safe and caring community is a priority for all of us. Today, we hear of crime, substance abuse, mental illness, homelessness and poverty in our city. What's the solution? In my opinion, there is no ONE solution. A long term solution needs to be multi-faceted. Increased policing may be one aspect of a solution, but addressing societal issues, looking at the 'root causes' will present others. Whenever possible, I believe we should take a preventative and proactive approach; it saves money , and people , in the long run!

My background:

• I am a graduate of Red Deer Public Schools (L.T.C.H.S. 1981)
• I attended the University of Calgary and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication.
• When we lived in Calgary I worked for the Calgary Convention and Visitors Bureau as Manager, Membership Services. I also worked as a Sales Representative for Calaway Park .
• Dan and I were married in 1987, we returned to Red Deer in 1991.
• Prior to starting a family I worked for the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce as a Coordinator for the Business Education Partnership Program and in Membership Sales and Services.
• In 1995 I was elected as a trustee for the Red Deer Public School District . I served as vice chair from 1996-1998. I have served as Board Chairman for the past 6 years.
• As a trustee, I have served on two provincial association committees, and I was part of a regional team presentation to Alberta 's Commission on Learning.

My husband Dan and I have three sons, Stephen, 12, Collin, 10, and Neil, 6. Java, our one year old chocolate lab, is also a big part of our family life. We are lucky to have many family members in Red Deer and area. We enjoy spending time at Sylvan Lake , going camping and visiting with friends and neighbours. Our children participate in lacrosse, golf, hockey and freestyle skiing - we keep busy helping out!

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