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

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Go to Question One - Question Two - Bonus Question.


Question Three - posted October 7, 2004

Members of the Not-For-Profit Sector in Red Deer met and developed questions to be posed to candidates running for City Council, Mayor and both School Boards.

1. The Not-For-Profit Sector provides programs and/or services that address specific needs in our community (recreational, cultural, or charitable). Not-For-Profit Organizations vary considerably in their make-up, their objectives, and their methods of operation. These organizations are governed by volunteer boards of directors, with specific roles, responsibilities, and functions. What do you perceive to be the ongoing challenges currently facing the Not-For-Profit Sector, and as a member of City Council or one of the School Boards, what role will you play in addressing them?

2. Recognizing that, in Red Deer, there are in excess of 500 community-based, Not-For-Profit agencies serving thousands of individuals from all walks-of-life (you, your family, neighbours, and coworkers), how will you provide an ongoing and responsive conduit to the Not-For-Profit Sector?

3. Diversity includes age, class, different abilities, education, ethnicity, family, gender, marital/relationship status, race, religion, work experience, geographic size and location, and sexual orientation. What is your plan to honour, respect, and foster inclusiveness of all members in our community?


Go to these replies:

1. Fred Scaife 2. Lloyd Baumgarten 3. Larry Pimm
4. K.C. Pavlick 5. Jeffrey Dawson 6. Lynne Mulder
7. Blake King 8. Roger Will 9. Ray McBeth
10. Morris Flewwelling 11. Phil Hyde 12. Lorna Watkinson-Zimmer
13. Elliott Bessey 14. Dawna Barnes 15. John Cockerell
16. Dave Murphy 17. Cindy Jefferies  

 

From Fred Scaife, candidate for City Council

1. The easiest answer to give is organizations need funding assistance, but it is not my answer.

As the Executive Director of the Food Bank, one of the cities most far reaching charities (over 15,000 people this year) I have insights as to what many of the cities NPO’s are in need of. I am of the opinion that there needs to be a communication conduit for charities with the city. As a member of city council I would be able to help determine what organizations are in need of and to assist them reach their goals, in many ways a continuation of what I do now.

2. The need to have a council member present or a part of a community committee is of paramount importance. Many organizations suffer from a feeling of isolation, by creating a committee of NGO’s and NPO’s (Non Governmental Organizations and Non Profit Organizations) that is endorsed and supported and recognized by the city organizations would be able to tie into information sources that would be of great assistance.

3. There are many organizations that reflect diverse social climate in the city. The Diversity Committee, the Immigrant Woman’s Cooperative Kitchen, the Native Friendship Center, the Golden Circle to name a few. These existing organizations would be assisted by the process outlined in #2. Members of many of these type organizations including myself are currently working on plans to promote diversity in our city. So my plan to honor, respect and foster inclusiveness of all members in our community is to continue the work I am proud to be apart of.

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From Lloyd Baumgarten, candidate for Catholic School Trustee

My activities over the years in the Not-for-Profit sector have been many and varied and continues to be so today. I praise the Not-for-Profit representation in the Public Library forum.


I am chair of the Central Alberta Council on Aging whose mission is to advocate for seniors and work for their quality of life regardless of their health and means. I co-chair the Catholic Social Services Central Alberta Advisory group which supports the efforts of Catholic Social Services (a nonprofit agency) which offers a variety of programs to thousands of clients with various different needs,with no regard for their religious affiliation. I am the incoming chairperson of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Volunteers Association. This large group of volunteers offers services to patients and supports staff who operate the various shops at the hospital. Monies raised by the flower shop, clothing/uniform shop, VA Cafe, Quick Stop Eatery and the Gift Shop are passed on to the
hospital for equipment and patient comfort items.

The greatest challenge for the Not-For-Profit sector is fund raising in a very crowded and competitive market! Many functions/programs of the Not-For-profits, previously sponsored by government grants, are now totally dependent of the charitable good will of citizens and businesses.  These charity dollars are spread very thin!  Many citizens rely on the support they receive from Not-For-Profits because they are helped without "strings attached" and do not sacrifice
their dignity.

Not-For-Profits require continual Council recognition for their efforts to highlight the work they do. Such recognition offers a form of much needed free advertising for their fund raising.


Recognizing everyone as a child of God with all the same rights to exist and share in God's abundance, makes it easy to foster inclusiveness.

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From Larry Pimm, candidate for City Council

1. The Not-For-Profit sector makes a tremendous impact on our community, often through extensive use of volunteers.  2001 was declared by the United Nations to be the International Year of the Volunteer. That Year, The Red Deer Social Planning Department researched and published a very interesting document entitled, "The State of Volunteerism."  Although the statistics are becoming dated, the report still offers some valuable insights into the
the state of volunteerism in Red Deer.

First, it's big. In the previous year, the study estimated that 26 640 people acted as volunteers in Red Deer, averaging 127 hours of service. That represents over 3 000 000 hours of unpaid service. If this service were valued at $10.00 per hour, the value of volunteer service would be greater than the total
property taxes collected in Red Deer that year.


It's diverse. Volunteers go where they think they are needed and they stay if they believe they are making a difference. According to the study, 27% volunteered for cultural and recreational organizations , 22% for health organizations, 16% for religious organizations, and 14% for social service organizations.
The biggest challenges facing the Not-For-Profit sector involves stability and predictability. Short term project funding and unpredictable fund raising efforts account for too much of most agencies budgets. It is almost impossible to make reasonable long term plans in these circumstances. Our FCSS Board follows a reasonable approach.  Almost all the FCSS services are delivered by community Not-For-Profit agencies. We count on them to deliver good value for our tax dollars, and they can count on The City of Red Deer to provide reasonable funding stability and predictability. Itÿs a win - win model that should be considered where ever applicable.

2. I'm prepared to listen to anyone from the Not-For-Profit sector and think about their ideas and requests. If bringing those ideas or requests to administration or Council seems appropriate, I will do so.

3. When I think of diversity, I think of my friends. Every race, every religion including those who profess to have no religion at all, straight, gay, they are my friends. When I watch my grand daughter playing with her little friends, I'm totally proud...I think the kid's color blind! (We can learn a lot from kids.) Spare me the theory and the rhetoric, people are people. My plan...to try to live it.

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From K.C. Pavlick, candidate for City Council

1. The biggest challenge facing NPOs in Red Deer today is rising demand for their services. Red Deer is growing at a rapid pace and the demand for assistance is growing even faster. To simplify this question in an effort to answer this question, we are talking about people. (I realize some exceptions exist such as the SPCA) People who need help and people who want to help. I have proven over the last 30 years of community service that I have the people skills to make any situation a little better.

2. My election brochure (Download K.C.'s Election Brochure PDF Format) begins with the words "Listen. Think. Act." These are not just words to me. These words are a philosophy I try to follow in all aspects of my life. I will provide an ongoing and responsive conduit to the NPO sector by 1.Listening to what they have to say, 2.Thinking about what they have to say, and 3. Acting on what they have to say, if required.

3. I think inclusiveness grows out of equality. But equality is elusive. If an organization hires a candidate because of specific race, gender or other trait that is in no way related to the position, this is not equal or inclusive for the candidates who do not satisfy these traits, but who are otherwise more suitable for the position. With three daughters aged 9-14, our house looks like the United Nations most days (just as loud too). I have confidence in the melting pot here in Red Deer. Many initiatives meant to increase equality and inclusiveness have the reverse effect, and may even injure the City as a whole by excluding our most suitable candidate.

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From Jeffrey Dawson, candidate for City Council

The challenges not-for-profit have are financial and volunteers. The city’s job is not donate taxes to organizations we think are fit. We are challenged to keep taxes affordable so people have more money to donate. We can foster an attitude of volunteerism (something the city already does and encourages) and we can provide facilitation between different organizations to prevent overlap of services and duplication of administration. (Again something we already do). As far as respecting everyone, I and the city structure as a whole already does respect all regardless of their background.

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From Lynne Mulder, candidate for City Council

First, let me say that the not-for-profit sector is the backbone of our community. It never ceases to amaze me how big people's hearts are and how much they care for one another to ensure that everyone can have a better quality of life. Those involved in providing leadership in this sector are a huge resource to our community as are the many volunteers who ensure that services can be delivered! Having devoted a great deal of time and energy in United Way, I have found the experience so rewarding and I can honestly say that it has changed my life and has provided me with the opportunity to better understand the not for profits and appreciate all that they do.

1. The biggest challenge as I see it is around competition for resources because of dependence on fund raising and volunteer participation. It seems to me that we could achieve some economies of scale by looking into a central "nerve centre" in order to decrease administrative costs and perhaps house a resource registry - we have so many folks with expertise just waiting to apply it in ways other than their day job. As a member of council, I would like to work with the group that is currently looking at these opportunities and lending my support to this effort.

2.I will continue to be fully involved in United Way regardless of the election results. I would like to see United Way play a leadership role in bringing groups together for the purpose of building a stronger community. I will continue to be open to all not for profits and ensure that their issues are heard and that council listens to proposals. We must ensure that the leaders in our not for profit sector are active participants in committees and task forces that are formed by council to explore community issues and identify solutions and approaches. I believe that we must keep our not for profits front and centre on everyone's radar screen and take every opportunity to publicity recognise, market and endorse their work.

3. I personally honor and respect diversity in our community. Having spent most of my professional life in Toronto where the richness of diversity was ever present, I worked very hard at celebrating that diversity both personally and professionally. Red Der must find opportunities to embrace all of our citizens and to find every opportunity to celebrate diversity. Because we are growing so quickly, it will be important that we pause regularly to review our changing demographics and to incorporate these demographics into all that we do.

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From Blake King, candidate for City Council

The challenges I see facing not-for-profit organization in Red Deer is awareness and competition.

As a city council member I would encourage organizations to work together. Similar organizations or organizations that complement each other can share buildings, advertising, events and other similar resources to lower their operating costs.

As for funding I have seen numerous not-for-profit organizations continually receive funding but just run it throught their every day operations. If funding is used strategically, like many organizations know, it can be used to build or promote the organization rather than just operate the organization.
We can develop mentoring programs where business executives can share their development ideas and expertise.

Red Deer could start a community publication to promote not-for-profit organizations. This would require funding at first but would become self suffiecient as it developed an advertising base. We have a very large population around us including Edmonton and Calgary. If our fundraising can tap into these markets Red Deer's not-for-profit organization will be very successful.

With some imagination and creativity we can make each not-for-profit organization very successful. Red Deer's city council is in need of new ideas and creativity and I can contribute.

The way to honour, respect, and foster inclusiveness of all members in our community is to accommodate everyone. We can do this by developing our community with diversity in mind. Not by just having social clubs here and there but by providing a stage for these clubs to display themselves. One example is developing a market tucked in along the river somewhere where all groups can display their culture including food, music, dance, art, drama, crafts functions etc... and we can promote festivals throughout the year that showcase different cultures.

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From Roger Will, candidate for City Council

1. In the past 5 years, I have chaired five fundraising campaigns for not-for-profit organizations and have experienced the difficulties of putting something new and fresh together to attract the dollars necessary to keep the organizations going forward. This was especially made clear when I was the Fundraising Chair for People's Place, Red Deer's homeless shelter, and we would have been forced to make a decision to cut back our hours or to close our doors if funds did not come in. This is a reoccurring problem in many of the not-for-profit organizations as revenues through fundraising and donations make it extremely difficult to draw up a proper budget. The fundraising agencies that raise lots of dollars such as the United Way have more and more requests for funding which affects the allocations to existing not-for-profit organizations. The consistency or stability of funds to an organization year to year can also cause problems for organizations in obtaining funds from these sources.


However, there are some solutions. In some cases, it would be advocating on behalf of the agency to the provincial or federal governments for proper funding. Other times, it would simply be a matter of the City providing assistance in organizing or training. At times, the City might have to take a more active role in order for them to survive in the community. In other words, there may be times when the City through providing services, tax breaks, or funding may have to step in to enable the organization to continue. This last measure should only be undertaken after careful consideration to ensure the benefit for the community as a whole as they would be dealing with the taxpayer's hard earned dollars.

2. I would be more than happy to sit down with not-for-profit organizations and hear any ideas and suggestions that they may have. I would also be willing to take these to council and/or other levels of government where appropriate.

3. To foster inclusiveness of all members of our community, I would take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to us. An example would be through many of the cultural events in Red Deer where we celebrate our differences in ethnic backgrounds and share our culture with each other. Another part is keeping our facilities affordable and accessible to all citizens. The City has a great opportunity to foster inclusiveness when they appoint their boards and committees and should choose a good cross-section of the diverse people in our community.

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From Ray McBeth, candidate for Mayor

1. I believe the most significant issue the " Not for Profit" groups face is volunteers, cash, and the accountability that comes within these organizations.

I have been involved with numerous groups over the years and at times have wondered if we do not "burn out" our volunteers by not actively recruiting more members on an on-going basis. It is important to have our not for profit groups working together and sharing resources if at all possible. I would strive to provide that insight and to assist, where possible, with funding ideas and concepts.

2. Reaching out to over 500 groups is a huge task and I do believe the answer lies in our on line capabilities at City Hall to be able to converse with these groups and to ensure that issues are dealt with efficiently. Contact with each other is key!!!

3. As the General Manager of RDTV here in Red Deer, I had the privilege of being our Cultural Co-Ordinator for the province of Alberta. I can assure you Inclusiveness must be a daily goal for all groups. I would be very attentive to the rights of all groups.

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From Morris Flewwelling, candidate for Mayor

1. The ongoing challenges facing the volunteer sector centre on human and financial resources. The groups are challenged always to generate funds and recruit volunteers and to pay for limited staff. The federal government has just launched a national review of the role and challenges faced by the civil sector.

As a member of the municipal government, I would address the challenges of the civil sector through helping them to develop strategies for sustainability. Indeed, my leadership in developing the Red Deer Community Foundation a decade ago was all about developing financial sustainability for the civil sector groups. Too often I had seen great ideas and huge amounts of energy expended to develop a very valuable program only to see it crumble a erode to nothing due to lack of funds or people resources. It was a wasteful cycle. The Foundation assists organizations with initial funding and challenges them to develop an ongoing funding plan.

The City engages several groups through service contracts. These currently include agencies like the Citizens' Action Group, Tourism Red Deer, Riverbend Golf and Recreation, and the Museums. These arrangements work well and could be refined and extended.

The City should continue to support the Leadership Centre to develop leadership capacity within our community. The City could play an active role in recruiting, training and deploying volunteers.

The City should be supportive and should facilitate assistance to the civil sector. The City cannot undertake financially to support all of the non-profit agencies.


2. I would provide an ongoing and responsive conduit to the civil sector as I have always done. I have always been approachable and willing to assist organizations with advice and counsel on fund- raising, volunteer recruitment and building organizational capacity. I would work closely with the Community Information and Referral Service and with the on line capacity of both the City of Red Deer and the Cultural Capital web sites.


3. My plan to honor, respect and foster inclusiveness of all people in our community would simply build on my past record of public service as a community volunteer and as a museum professional. I have demonstrated success in bringing together diverse opinions and positions in such projects many years ago like the Dawe Community Centre, the Red Deer College Arts Centre and the Ellis Bird Farm. In each instance the challenge was to bring together special and separate interests to support a community vision.   Leadership is all about convening the communities of interests to find a common solution that serves and validates everyone. The process of community development is seldom neat and tidy, regular and predictable, but it is ultimately the only way for a community to build strength and capacity.

Red Deer has had a proud record of accommodating minority groups and citizens with special needs. This includes such initiatives as the Municipal Integration Strategy for assuring universal access, Canada Day Celebrations on July 1, the melding of federal funding for housing for both the community and the aboriginal community and cooperation with the Red Deer County on access to recreation facilities. We know that at a community we can accomplish much more by working together than by competing with one another.

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From Phil Hyde, candidate for City Council

1) The Not-For-Profit sector is a large and very important part of our community. I have personally been involved in a large number of them over my 12 years in Red Deer and 34 plus years in Alberta. Some of the ongoing challenges I believe include accessing limited funds from our community members and ensuring these funds get to worthy projects, which we all know there is no shortage of. I believe Council's role is to ensure access to all levels of government funding and to provide assistance and support in grant applications to members of the not-for-profit sector.

2) As I would for any group or citizen, I will always listen and respond accordingly to the Not-For-Profit sector. My door is always open.

3) I believe that all citizens are equal. I have no grand plan for respecting diversity. Respecting all aspects of diversity is something I just do as part of my daily life.

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From Lorna Watkinson-Zimmer, candidate for City Council

As one who has spent some 30 years with a non-profit organization. I have nothing but accolades for the non-profits. The challenges are many, the biggest I see is funding. There is always that time of year when an organization worries as to the feasibility of continuing their programs with limited funds. Volunteer burn out is another challenge. People have so many choices now and some organizations are suffering because of low membership.

The value of these non-profits is immeasurable. Not- for-profit-organizations contribute to the quality of life in our city, they give enormous assistance to the needs of their members, the members feels a sense of belonging, their membership and involvement counts and contributes to the organization which in turn contribute to the well being of our city. As a city we encourage and promote these organizations, and will continue to do so.

Last year Mayor Surkan proclaimed, 'Diversity Day.' It was a day when the diversity of our citizens was recognized, celebrated and nurtured. The stage has been set, this will be celebrated every year.

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From Elliott Bessey, candidate for City Council

1. NPO’s are far reaching and vast in both the fields they help in and what there needs are, I feel Red Deer does not effectively communicate with these organizations on the whole. I believe the main problems facing NPO’s is Communication, Promotion and Funding. If Red Deer chooses to address lets say
the homelessness situation in Red Deer. Would it not be best to contact and enlist the help of NPO’s already dealing with the problem for many years?  Before you make costly decisions that probably will not affect the situation just spend more money on thoughtless programs. Also I believe Red Deer should make a list of the 5 main problems they wish to help in and then contact the NPO’s most qualified in the area and then sit down and meet with them on group basis as they address each problem. Talk about the problem and the possible solutions and choose the best option to help solve the problem. Red Deer should provide some funding to get the ball rolling and if necessary ensure the ball stays rolling. I mean who better to solve the problem then those already attempting to do so? With this partnership you have communications of all agencies trying to solve a certain problem of the community. You have a basis of funding and stability provided both by the City and the groups themselves. Also by creating a list of the top 5 Priorities of the City you will have promotion of these groups and ideas to the citizens, which will raise awareness and in turn open up more funding options.

2. Well when the City identifies the main areas it will focus on then they will meet with all groups dealing with that problem. This will provide an open forum of ideas, options and solution for the problem. As for the other agencies I feel that council members should attend meeting as invited guests more often. SO the group can share their ideas, goals and plans of attack to the problems they are facing. Also it would raise council’s awareness to the many different agencies out there and the problems they on the whole may not even be aware of. I think it should be the duty of the council members to go to as many NPO’s meeting as they can go and just listen to the problems these agencies are facing. Also it will give the NPO’s a chance to talk to the council members more and hopefully get more representation or consideration in the future. This fits in with my idea of more open community friendlier city council as well.

3.First thing first there is no such thing as race. It is culturally constructed phenomena used to justify the class system felt in the past and carried on to the present. As stated before by simply listening and inviting the already existent groups that deal everyday with the problems, issues and even promotion of the cultural uniqueness. I would like to see invites to organization to provide feedback on proposed city bylaws and ideas. I know everyone is welcome to speak on issues presented in the council chambers, but invites extend the willingness and wanting of the council to hear the topics. You would probably get more people and cultural input if you invite groups and NPO’s to speak at council meetings. Again council members should to the best of their duty attend cultural events and groups and see what people are doing to continue their cultural identity and growth in the city. To me anyone in Red Deer has the same status: A citizen of Red Deer. This carries the same weight as any one else.

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From Dawna Barnes, candidate for City Council

1. If feel very fortunate to sit on a number of Not-For-Profit sector boards as well as the privileged of working with others. In my opinion the greatest challenge facing these organizations is the funding and staffing (paid & volunteer) which challenges them in terms of reaching their goals and maintaining sustainability within the community. For many it is a balancing act just to deliver the programs they presently have let alone take on new challenges. In terms of my role on council I believe I can support the direction that our various departments take when working with our Not-For-Profit organizations. I can be engaged and I can advocate on their behalf to our corporate and residential community as well at the various government levels.

2. The best way that I can serve as a conduit is by listening and staying observant and engaged in what these organizations do. Working on such projects as Opening Doors provides that opportunity to connect. (see more information @ www.mycommunityinformation.com)

3. I believe my record speaks for itself in terms of the many community initiatives that I have been involved with thus far. Having had the great opportunity to live in a number of Canadian communities and traveled extensively I embrace diversity. It is one of the great characteristics that make us Canadian. I learnt many years ago from my father that each and every one of us has a role to play and we each bring value to community. I will always live my life respectful of my neighbours and fellow being.

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From John Cockerell, candidate for Public School Trustee

As a potential school board trustee, I feel it is the duty of every student to be aware of not-for-profit organizations. The students should know what each one does, where they are located, and who is involved. Furthermore, I believe in instilling a sense of civic duty in each student by action. Teaching the three Rs is important - but so is teaching about community, and in particular, volunteerism. You don't learn the three Rs by simply watching someone else do them. You must practice with hands on. The same is true with volunteering. You must practice it - as a civics class, not just something for "after school". Such things as removing graffiti, picking up trash, interacting with marginalized people such as drug addicts and the homeless will teach a student a lot.

Only those of us who have volunteered really know that the major benefits always come back to the volunteer. Those that haven't should try it. I guarantee you can turn your life around.

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From Dave Murphy, candidate for Public School Trustee

1. I feel quite excited in being able to respond to these questions as I am currently working within the field of non profits as the Executive Director of the Youth and Volunteer Centre. In addition, I was part of the group of non profits that posed these questions to the field of candidates. One word that sums it up for non profits is organizational capacity. The non profit sector is being asked to do increasingly more with limited resources, creating human resource, capacity building and long term funding issues. My role as trustee would include finding ways to continue building synergies between our school district and the non profit sector.

2. I believe currently this is taking place within our school district through partnerships, alliances and community presentations from non profit agencies, just to name a few examples. The Town Hall meetings that are held annually are one way to encourage open dialogue across the non-profit sector. In 2004, one of the priorities that was brought forward through the Town Hall meetings was the issue of volunteerism and citizenship for our students. One of the roles of Trustee is to have open communication with a wide variety of stakeholders. The non profit organizations are one of those stakeholders. I would ensure that this continues and would take advantage of the relationships and communication vehicles I have built within the non profit community over these past many years.

3. As trustee of the public school board it is important to have inclusiveness. I would continue to advocate that learning is open and accessible to all members of our society. Our school district prides its self in being able to accommodate a diverse range of students including special needs, the Aboriginal student and to offer a wide variety of learning opportunities. Diversity adds a richness to our classroom. I would continue and build upon the successes already taking place within our school district. It is important to ensure that our schools value the importance of respect and understanding of those involved in our schools.

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From Cindy Jefferies, candidate for City Council

What would our community be without our Not-For -Profits? They make such a valuable contribution and take of the needs of so many when no one else will. I am thankful for the work they do in our city.

I believe Not-for-Profits are faced with many challenges ranging from lack of funding, a continual need to make the community aware of the role you play and its importance, the need for key connections in the community, lack of manpower (either paid or volunteer), volunteer and staff burnout, the continual feeling of not being able to begin to address the needs that exist no matter how hard you try – there is never enough to do all the things you believe should, or could be done, fundraising and lack of sustainable, long term funding (sounds a bit like the education sector?!) As a member of City Council I believe it would be important to become familiar with the range of Not-For-Profits in our community and their goals, to try and understand their issues and challenges, to gain good background knowledge. With this information and awareness continue to look for connections which might be of assistance – helping to link our community. Having a good working knowledge of this sector would be beneficial in discussions and decision making at the council table. Developing relationships with those of you who work in the Not-For-Profit Sector would be of utmost importance.

How will I provide an ongoing and responsive conduit? I think I have started to answer this part in the question above, but I would emphasize the importance of relationships and familiarity. I believe as a trustee, and as chairman of the board, I have demonstrated a willingness to work together, to listen and ask questions. I believe I am approachable, and I have a desire to learn in order to arrive at good decisions and to be an effective voice.

Your third question about diversity expresses what public education is all about. As a trustee, as a parent, and as a community member I celebrate our diversity. I have supported and encouraged decisions which speak to the need to be accepting of everyone. Just yesterday, in speaking to a class of students, I had the opportunity to challenge students thinking on perceived differences in our community and to encourage them to respect and appreciate our differences – trying to demonstrate what discrimination feels like. At risk of sounding cliché or conceited, I walk the talk!

My plan would include continuing to take advantage of opportunities to challenge peoples’ thinking. I look forward to the opportunity to learn more about groups like: The Central Alberta Diversity Association.

I thank you for the opportunity to respond and I am hopeful that come Monday I will have the opportunity to learn more about the important work of the Not-For-Profit Sector and to begin to work together for the betterment of our community.




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