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Calgary Mackay-Nose Hill Election Profile 2012

April 22, 2012 - By

Calgary Mackay-Nose Hill is a new riding under the 2010 boundary redistribution. It’s a combination of Calgary Mackay, Calgary Nose Hill, and parts of Calgary McCall. The current MLA, Neil Brown, will be running for re-election and a third term. He previously represented the riding of Calgary Nose-Hill. Calgary Nose Hill has voted Progressive Conservative since its creation in 2004.

Calgary Nose Hill previously had voted Progressive Conservative for all three senate spots in 2004.

Below is a brief biography and quick interview of the candidates in Calgary Mackay-Nose Hill in order of last name:

Roy Alexander (Wildrose): Alexander was born outside of Montreal, and later moved and has lived in Huntington Hills for close to 30 years. His profile states he has a Masters in Leadership, but the institution is unknown. He has owned a photography business for 25 years, and currently invests in real estate and does consulting for non-profit institutions.

Roy Alexander did not return a response for an online interview by the time this post was published.

Neil Brown (Progressive Conservative): Brown holds a B.Sc from the University of Calgary, an M.Sc in Zoology from the University of Alaska, a Ph.D in Biology from [...]Read More

Tags: ι ι ι ι Categories: Provincial Election - News

Highwood Election Profile 2012

April 22, 2012 - By

Highwood was created in the 1971 boundary redistribution. The riding itself has had a rich history of elections and coverage, and this election is no different. Daneille Smith will be contesting this riding for the Wildrose as both a party member and as the leader of the Wildrose. Edward Benoit was elected in 1971 as a Social Credit MLA, but was defeated in 1975 by Progressive Conservative Wolstenholme. 1982 was a closely watched election as Gordon Kesler won a by-election in Olds-Didsbury under the banner of the separatist party Western Canada Concept. Kesler would lose to Progressive Conservative Harry Alger in the race for Highwood months later. Progressive Conservatives have held onto Highwood since 1975. Many parties have ran in Highwood, making election choices very diverse and plentiful. Current and previous parties including the Social Credit, Progressive Conservative, NDP, Liberal, Western Canada Concept, Alberta Reform Movement, Greens, Separation, Alberta Alliance, Wildrose, and the Alberta Party.

The riding is currently vacant as incumbent MLA George Groeneveld decided not to run again. Groeneveld was Premier Ed Stelmach’s Minister of Agriculture.

Highwood elected Progressive Conservative for all three senate spots in 2004.

Below is a brief biography of each candidate in the riding in [...]Read More

Tags: ι ι ι ι Categories: Provincial Election - News

Calgary Northern Hills Election Profile 2012

April 21, 2012 - By

Calgary Northern Hill is a new provincial riding that was created from Calgary Mackay as part of the 2010 district redistribution. Calgary Mackay elected Teresa Woo-Paw in the 2008 election, and prior to that, Gary Mar (a leadership contender for the Progressive Conservative Party in 2012) in 2004. For historical reference, Calgary Mackay was Calgary Nose Hill before, in which the electorate voted for Gary Mar between 1993 and 2001. Incumbent MLA for Calgary Mackay Teresa Woo-Paw is gong for re-election in this new riding this time round. The electorate voted Progressive Conservative for all three senate spots back in 2004.

Below is a brief biography of each of the candidates in order of last name:

Kirstin Morrell (Alberta Liberal): Kirstin has a background in corporate communications and was managing editor of the Red Deer Press for two years. She has also worked for Calgary-McCall’s MLA Darshan Kang constituency office before running for the Liberals.

Prasad Panda (Wildrose): Panda is an engineer with 25 years of experience in the energy sector. He is currently working for an integrated energy company.

Stephanie Westlund (Alberta NDP): Westlund holds a Bachelor’s degree in Developmental Studies and a Masters in Resource [...]Read More

Tags: ι ι ι ι Categories: Provincial Election - News

Calgary Northwest Election Profile 2012

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April 19, 2012 - By

Calgary Northwest was created in 1979, and has been split and re-distributed as part of the 2010 boundary changes. The riding has elected two different parties since 1979, with the Progressive Conservatives spending the most time in the riding. Frank Bruseker won the riding for the Liberals in 1989 and served two terms before being ousted by Greg Melchin (PC) in 1997. The MLA at the time of dissolution for this election, Lindsay Blackett, will not be running again. He served one term under Premier Ed Stelmach as Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. Some had speculated he decided not to run again because he was not awarded a cabinet post under Allison Redford, but  told the Herald that he was contemplating an exit for a few months before that.

6 parties will be contesting in the riding this election. As well, the riding chose Progressive Conservative for all three senate seats back in 2004.

Below is a brief summary of each candidate and a link to their websites (in order to last name):

Chris Challis (Wildrose): Challis holds a degree in business management from the University of Lethbridge, and is the president and CEO of two oilfield services [...]Read More

Tags: ι ι ι ι ι ι ι Categories: Provincial Election - News

Calgary Foothills Election Profile 2012

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April 16, 2012 - By

The 2008 race in Calgary Foothills saw the return of the Progressive Conservatives for the 12th time since the creation of this electoral district. That means the Progressive Conservatives have held onto this constituency since 1971, or 41 years for those who keep track. The Alberta Liberals tried to mount a serious challenge against Len Webber, the incumbent MLA of Calgary Foothills in 2008, by nominating Mike Robinson. Robinson is the former President and CEO of the Calgary Glenbow Museum, and was considered to be a star candidate for the Liberals. However, the PCs were able to sweep the election in a landslide victory under Ed Stelmach, and Len Webber was able to hold onto his seat. This time, the PCs in Calgary face the threat of the surging Wildrose party.

It is interesting to note that as of 2008,70% of  Calgary Foothill’s residents hold a post-secondary degree. All 4 candidates in this district hold post-secondary degrees.

The last time Alberta held a Senate nominee election in 2004, Calgary Foothills voted Progressive Conservative for all 3 senate spots.

Below is a brief profile of each of the candidates (in order for last name):

Jenn Carkner (NDP): Carkner is [...]Read More

Tags: ι ι ι ι Categories: Provincial Election - News

The conversation deficit that we must avoid

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October 28, 2010 - By

The election buzz is still in the air, but this Nenshi euphoria may have clouded a bit of how we will proceed as citizens over the next three years. The media has also been drawn into this Nenshi hype, and the only column against Nenshi was poorly received. While the turnout at the swearing-in ceremony was unprecedented, one must look at it with cautious optimism.

It is hard to get rid of a system with those in power who were brought in under the same system. While Nenshi has committed himself to a variety of campaign finance reform measures, he spoke little on the way aldermen and the mayor are elected. The first past the post system has given a false sense of victory. Nenshi was only elected with a plurality of votes. It would be hard to make the argument that change is in the air and that Calgary is moving progressively when 60% of the popular vote was not for Nenshi. If we look at the math more closely, the city can only claim that 21% of Calgarians actively said they supported Nenshi.

47% of eligible voters did not cast a ballot for Nenshi. They were [...]Read More

Categories: Mayor of Calgary

All eyes on Naheed Nenshi

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October 18, 2010 - By

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010 will be Calgary’s 36th mayor’s day, and his/her time to shine and to celebrate his/her victory. However, October 18th, which is election day, will truly be Naheed Nenshi’s day, win or lose. Nenshi has come a long way from being a low polling candidate overshadowed by Ric McIver and Barb Higgins, to a surging 3rd candidate who can now claim one and a half newspaper endorsements (one from the Calgary Sun and an honorable mention from the Calgary Herald) and polling in the 20s at least. Nenshi’s background and history is one of great interest, and far more detailed and known than his challengers Higgins and McIver.

Biography

Nenshi was born in Toronto and grew up in Marlborough in Calgary, and the beginnings of his political interest began right at Queen Elizabeth Jr/Sr High school, where he was the Prime Minister of school’s 10th mock parliament. Interesting enough, then MLA Bob Hawkesworth was invited as Speaker of the House. Nenshi went on to become president of the University of Calgary’s Students’ Union, and his current campaign manager Chima Nkemdirim, served as Vice President External.

Nenshi would finish his university education with a Bachelors of Commerce [...]Read More

Tags: ι ι Categories: Mayor of Calgary

Do we have to prove that we can break Barb Higgins?

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October 15, 2010 - By

As a former mayoral candidate in some election in some city, Thursday was a very interesting day for me to watch, and a very long day for mayoral candidate Barb Higgins. What was supposed to be a simple one one one with Mike McCourt turned into Higgins’ worst nightmare. I have a couple of comments to make because while we are all so excited about this election, it has turned ugly and nasty, and quite frankly at times, a gong show.

When I ran, I ran to address issues and get people talking about the civic election. I was glad to see that the turnout go from a terrible 19% to 33%. I may have pointed things out and debated about issues that were important for a city that was still booming in 2007, but I did not throw mud around at people or attacked the candidates personally. I ran a campaign about spending hours talking to student journalists, steering away from personal attacks, and did my best to represent my age group of 18-25. I wanted to have a civil conversation, and the public responded well to that kind of dialogue. What we have seen from Bob Hawkesworth’s [...]Read More

Tags: Categories: Mayor of Calgary

VoteCalgary forum tests candidates’ knowledge

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October 14, 2010 - By

I was invited to the VoteCalgary aldermanic forum on Wednesday and heard all the aldermanic candidates given their 90 seconds on various questions that were important to the CHBA and UDI. While some are critical of the development industry and their stance and influence (money particularly), the forum gave us a glimpse of something else beyond what we usually hear about special interest groups. Whether we like it or not, land use and development consumes 70-80% of a city’s agenda and function. While many have been looking at issues like arts and culture or perhaps the much-dreaded airport tunnel issue, the main focus of city hall and city administration is about land use. If there is one thing that candidates need to be on top of, it has to be about land development.

The forum was all about specifics. All you have to do is look around the room and see what people from the industry are thinking about when candidates talk. Here are some thoughts about tonight:

1. You have 90 seconds, not minutes: It’s OK to go a little bit over the time limit to finish your thought, but your priority is in answering the question. It really [...]Read More

Categories: Uncategorized

Ward 4 Interview with Jon Wong

October 8, 2010 - By

Jon Wong was born and raised in Calgary and in ward 4. He went to the University of Western Ontario and received a B.A. in political science and governmental affairs with honours. He currently works as a marketing and business director for a painting contractor. In his spare time, Jon is involved with coaching amateur sports at the club level and at all three levels of schooling.

Why are running for alderman in Ward 4?

Wong wants to give back to the community that he was born and raised in.

“I commend all candidates for running. It’s not an easy thing to do,” says Wong.

However, Wong says that there has been a lack of focus and understanding about the community from candidates as his top concern is meeting community needs.

What does the city look like 100 years from now?

Wong hopes that Calgary will evolve to what Plan It set out the city to be. He also wants to see Calgary as “the best place in the world” to live in.

“We will have a self sustainable community, a vibrant economy, and the infrastructure is there for everyone,” says Wong.

Is social media an important driving force, or [...]Read More

Tags: Categories: Alderman - Ward 4

Ward 4 Interview with Carol Poon

October 8, 2010 - By

Carol Poon was born in Calgary at the Holy Cross Hospital. She lived in Chinatown until she was 7 and moved to North Haven, which was then still on the edge of town. She graduate from James Fowler and went on to become an X-ray technician. She began a message therapy career in 1990 after attending Mount Royal College. She is married with two children and still lives in North Haven.

Why are running for alderman in Ward 4?

Poon says that she is running in ward 4 because she grew up in this area and because “it was something I needed to do.”

“I feel I have the skills for it,” Poon told CalgaryPolitics.com. “You can’t complain about things, you have to do something about it.”

What does the city look like 100 years from now?

“I would like to see a city where transit is the primary source,” says Poon.

She believes Calgary will be a place where communities are multi-use and community centred. She also envisions not just an oil and gas capital, but an energy capital.

Is social media an important driving force, or is it still the voting demographic and the hot issues that dictate [...]Read More

Tags: Categories: Alderman - Ward 4

Ward 4 Interview with Curtis Kruschel

October 8, 2010 - By

Curtis Kruschel has lived in Huntington Hills for the past fourteen years with his wife and two daughters. He is involved in his community mainly through sports. He is a referee coordinator for many north west communities in Calgary, as well as the president of the Nose Creek Swim Association.

Why are running for alderman in Ward 4?

“I’m running because I’ve been an active part of the community,” Kruschel tells CalgaryPoliticsl.com.

Whether it is the swim club or the soccer club, Kruschel says that he is deeply involved in his community and that is important when you are running for office. He wants to take it a step further by running so that he can give a voice for communities and clubs that he is involved in.

What does the city look like 100 years from now?

Kruschel sees a large train network in place that would join the four outer towns that currently surround Calgary. He believes that Calgary will also be a hub for oil business in Canada and a strong business core in the downtown area.

However, he also sees a future where the city will be more dependent on renewable resources such as solar, and [...]Read More

Tags: Categories: Alderman - Ward 4

Ward 4 Interview with Leslie Bedard

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October 7, 2010 - By

Leslie Bedard was born in Saskatchewan and moved to Alberta when she was twelve. Later on, she worked for the Edmonton John Howard Society after attending Grant MacEwan College. She moved to Calgary in 1997 and pursued a B.A. in English and a B.Ed at the University of Calgary. She has taught in several high schools in the city, and is now pursuing a Masters in Counseling Psychology.

Why are running for alderman in Ward 4?

Bedard cited her main reason for running in Ward 4 because she lives in the ward. She believes that she is a strong candidate because she “can work together and bring something to the discussion.”

“I just think there’s a lot of people in this because people are angry,” says Bedard. “It’s not a job we should be doing out of anger.”

What does the city look like 100 years from now?

“I hope that Calgary maintains its small town feeling,” Bedard said.

Bedard believes that the sense of community and friendliness is important to Calgary while trying to maintaining and growing itself as a business hub.

Beyond that, Bedard hopes that people will start to carry Calgary through all sorts of growth regardless [...]Read More

Tags: Categories: Alderman - Ward 4

Ward 4 Interview with Jane Morgan

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October 7, 2010 - By

Jane Morgan was born in Drumheller, Alberta, and currently lives in Highland Park. She has worked in a variety of jobs including insurance and telecommunications. Since 2004, she has owned her own book-keeping and consulting company. She has been active with the Wildrose Alliance, and acted as executive director in 2009.

Why are running for alderman in Ward 4?

Morgan wants to restore accountability and the lost confidence people have in city hall. She says that being fiscally responsible is one of her top priorities if elected. She also described how she has been through good times and bad with Calgary, and it was time for her to give back to the community.

What does the city look like 100 years from now?

“Technology will continue to grow in leaps and bounds,” says Morgan. “What I like to see are more unique ideas of how you work, such as telecommunicating, and work centered somewhere else.”

Morgan’s own employees work from home, and believes that this could be a growing in trend for Calgary in years to come.

Morgan also believes that growth will be key to Calgary’s future.

Is social media an important driving force, or is it still the [...]Read More

Tags: Categories: Alderman - Ward 4

Ward 8 Interview with Zak Pashak

October 7, 2010 - By

Zak Pashak currently lives in Sunalta and has so for the last seven years. In 2003, he opened Broken City, which serves as a live music venue. He is also the founder of Sled Island music festival, which has been a success since its inception in 2007. Pashak has also been named by Alberta Venture as one of the 50 most influential Albertas in 2010.

Why are running for alderman in Ward 8?

Pashak describes himself as an urbanist and believes that Ward 8 Is the best place to live. He owns a business in the ward and has hosted a music festival in and around the ward as well. Through all of this, Pashak believes he has dealt with a lot of people in the ward to give him the understanding and knowledge to serve in Ward 8.

What does the city look like 100 years from now?

Pashak believes that there will be some “pretty significant changes” a hundred years from now. He sees a city that will be environmentally sustainable, efficient, and affordable.

“[Calgary will have] a strong small business scene with a lot of great and independent business,” says Pashak.

Is social media an important driving [...]Read More

Tags: Categories: Alderman - Ward 8

Ward 8 Interview with John Mar

October 6, 2010 - By

John Mar is a born and raised Calgarian. His family has mining operations in Northern Ontario, and he was an RCMP. He was also the former president of the Scarborough Community Association. He is the current alderman for Ward 8 (youngest on council), and sits on a variety of committees including the Calgary Police Commission and is involved in the 10 year plan to end homelessness.

Why are running for alderman in Ward 8?

Mar is running for re-election and believes that there is still work to be done to finish some of the projects that he is involved in. That includes the West LRT and helping Meals on Wheels.

“I want to see these continued and finalized,” says Mar.

What does the city look like 100 years from now?

“I think you’re going to see huge technological changes that we cannot fathom,” Mar told CalgaryPolitics.com.

Mar also adds that there will be new ways we think about transportation. We will be a major player on the world stage, and we may no longer be a resource based economy anymore.

Is social media an important driving force, or is it still the voting demographic and the hot issues that dictate [...]Read More

Tags: Categories: Alderman - Ward 8

Ward 4 Interview with Sean Chu

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October 6, 2010 - By

Sean Chu immigrated to Canada in 1985 after three years of military service in Taiwan. He worked for his family’s pizza joint before becoming a police officer. He decided to be involved in politics after having children. He has received the Alberta Centennial Medal for Outstanding Community Service , and picked to be on the Premier’s Calgary Advisory Committee.

Why are running for alderman in Ward 4?

Chu believes he can make a difference because it is his nature to help people out, and one way to do that is through city council.

Chu has a variety of volunteer experience, and believes his connections to ward 4 will highlight his involvement. He says that his family and friends all still reside in ward 4 and he wants to give back to that community.

What does the city look like 100 years from now?

“I envision the city to be five times its size,” says Chu.

He also envisions a north-central LRT and better traffic flow. Chu cited an article that if traffic flow is improved by 10%, productivity goes up by 25%. He also sees a better bidding process for the city and that there will not be “the ‘f’ [...]Read More

Tags: Categories: Alderman - Ward 4

Ward 4 Interview with Brad Northcott

October 6, 2010 - By

Brad Northcott grew up in Huntington Hills and when to John A. MacDonald and John G. Diefenbaker schools before they were junior and senior highs respectively. He has raised all of his kids here and has decided to give back to the community as his kids now have all grown up. He graduated from SAIT as a journeyman plumber and now operates his own plumbing business.

Why are running for alderman in Ward 4?

Northcott thought that issues such as pools and libraries needed to be addressed because these were concerns that may not get as much coverage in the media. He also thought that the airport tunnel issue was extremely important.

What does the city look like 100 years from now?

“It looks like we’ll have higher density in the established neighborhoods,” says Northcott.

He also believes that the north-central LRT line will be an important issue in the future, and was concerned about the disruptions it may cause in the future for communities.

Northcott looks back and is amazed that ward 4 is now “the outer ring of inner communities.”

“Density will grow and pressure on infrastructure will grow,” remarks Northcott. “The building blocks need to be put [...]Read More

Tags: Categories: Alderman - Ward 4

Ward 4 Interview with Gael Macleod

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October 5, 2010 - By

Gael Macleod was born in the Martimes, and has lived in Sandstone since 1995. She has worked in the banking and finance industry for  fifteen years. At one point, she worked for the Treasury Department for the Government of Alberta. She was also the chair of the board of directors for the Calgary Community Lottery Board. She is currently the executive director for the Alberta Real Estate Foundation and has been for almost 20 years.

Why are running for alderman in Ward 4?

Macleod believes that she understands and knows what is going on with the issues.

“I have done a lot of volunteer work with the city,” says Macleod. “I have a really interesting balance of skills, education, and knowledge of what’s going on.”

She believes that this is a natural progression for her. She also believes that having an MBA and a strong finance background are credentials Calgarians are looking for.

What does the city look like 100 years from now?

“I would hope the city would not be much bigger in terms of geographic scope,” says Macleod.

Macleod also believes there will be a lot more LRT routes, and that Calgary will be “a leader of alternative [...]Read More

Tags: Categories: Alderman - Ward 4

Ward 4 Interview with Jeff Haussecker

October 5, 2010 - By

Jeff Haussecker was born in Saskatchewan, and obtained a B.Sc and Bachelor of Architecture from McGill University .He spent 2 years working with the Canadian International Development Agency in India on a township redevelopment project. He has been an architect for eighteen years, and has managed and design projects for North American countries, as well as overseas.

Why are running for alderman in Ward 4?

Haussecker believes that the interaction he has had with people around the world will give him the necessary experience to be an alderman. He told CalgaryPolitics.com that there was a turning point in his life and that he wanted to pursue this position.

“This position is absolutely perfect for me,” says Haussecker.

Haussecker also pointed out that he lives in the ward.

What does the city look like 100 years from now?

Haussecker envisions a much greener city with almost no vehicles to rely on. He wants to see green roofs being put into place on newer skyscrapers. As well, a more pedestrian friendly city is on his mind.

He is also hopeful that the city will not need as many police officers regarding addictions in the future.

Is social media an important driving force, [...]Read More

Tags: Categories: Alderman - Ward 4

Ward 8 Interview with Antoni Grochowski

October 5, 2010 - By

Antoni Grochowski has been a resident in Calgary since 1977. He is a registered architect and a realtor. Currently, he is enrolled in the University of Calgary in fine arts, and taking courses to further his knowledge about the education system and the modern challenges that it faces.

Why are running for alderman in Ward 8?

Grochowski has been living in ward 8 for the past ten years, and thought this was an interesting ward with very different issues compared to the other wards, especially ones arising out of the downtown area. He also ran because he thought there was not a lot of competition in Ward 8.

Furthermore, Grochowski saw it as an opportunity to engage citizens in the democratic process.

“There is no discussion when a candidate is acclaimed,” Grochowski says.

What does the city look like 100 years from now?

Grochowski only hopes that Calgary does not turn into a deserted city 100 years from now. He points to the fact that even a great city like Ancient Rome with a million residents could lose a lot of people dramatically.

Grochowski also relates to his travels down to the United States.

“in Nevada, I visited 20 ghost [...]Read More

Tags: Categories: Alderman - Ward 8

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