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

Ben Ordman

I am running for city council to advance the quality of life of Red Deer citizens. To achieve this we must prioritize spending and plan development to achieve the maximum benefit for the greatest number of people.

It follows that community must include a safe physical and social environment where people have access to facilities, services and transportation.

I believe that crime prevention, law enforcement, emergency services and infrastructure are our main priorities. I support an expanded approach to crime prevention by the addition of a home security officer who is contracted to instruct citizens on property crime prevention. I support an expanded role for bylaw officers and the addition of more police ofticers. To assist police and ambulance service in faster response times to emergencies we should increase our snow removal capacity on city streets.

Infrastructure development is crucial to our city and must be a major priority. Through strategic planning and sound project management we can carefully select and manage the most crucial capital projects and cancel or reduce the investment in lower-priority ones.

All capital projects must be managed carefully through every stage of the process, from concept, bidding, contracting to completion. The bidding and auditing process must be precise to prevent underbidding and inaccurate progress reports. Cost containment measures to reduce overspending are essential at the department level at City Hall.

I firmly believe that the fundamental principles of prudent management are congruent with good governance. The citizens must be consulted to generate ideas to solve problems. Targets must be set, information gathered, processes managed and spending closely audited.

Many of the solutions to the problems we are encountering are already Implemented in other cities. With information sharing, research and dialogue we will achieve our goals.

I was raised in Red Deer and have lived in Vancouver, B.C. I have served as a college health care instructor, a health care provider and a realtor. I am the president of Neighbourhood Watch and a member of the city's policing committee. I volunteer as a suicide prevention presenter, and in fundraising for the food bank and women's shelter.

As a city councillor I would work hard to provide excellent service in governance, listening and representing all citizens. I will be open, forthright and fair in my contribution. I look forward to your support on Oct. 18.

Thank you.

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