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October 18,
2004 is Election Day in Red Deer.
Return to Election Forum 2004.
| Disclaimer: This page has been preserved for historical purposes only and should be viewed as a historical record of the content as it stood on October 18, 2004. |
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:
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.
[top]
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.
[top]
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.
[top]
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.
[top]
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.
[top]
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.
[top]
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.
[top]
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.
[top]
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.
[top]
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.
[top]
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.
[top]
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.
[top]
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.
[top]
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.
[top]
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.
[top]
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.
[top]
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.
If you have questions about Election Forum,
please email electionforum@rdpl.org.
Election
Forum 2004 | Information for Candidates | City
Election section
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