I began this blog with a post highlighting why I chose to run. Today, in my final post before Monday’s election, I want to highlight my vision for my the ward and for the city. A large part of this vision is to see all of 118th Avenue restored from Abbotsfield all the way to NAIT (and, potentially, onto the airport lands) as a north side “main street” with vibrant shopping, arts and community districts, and smaller scale equivalents elsewhere in the ward.
To get there, we need to start in our communities. We have come a long way in the neighbourhoods that bound on 118th Avenue, after decades of neglect. Refreshed infrastructure including new sidewalks, roads and decorative features have made areas like Beverly and Alberta Avenue more walkable. New businesses, restaurants, festivals and other events such as farmers’ markets have started to coax residents from their home and onto the avenue. (continue reading…)
Wiser use of police resources must be part of the equation for making our neighbourhoods safer. Not only are beat officers out in the community getting to know the strengths and problem areas, but community members often get to know them and consider them part of the community. Some of the simplest solutions are often the best: refreshing infrastructure to make our streets more walkable and encouraging a vibrant local business community.
You can find the rest of Brendan’s campaign videos here.
As a car-free Edmontonian, I often spend time thinking about the roles that walking, biking, and taking transit play in moving people around our city. My bike has been particularly helpful on the campaign trail: it’s an inexpensive, efficient, and reliable way to get around. I often use transit to fill the gaps, but we need to improve service: extend the LRT, overhaul the route network, increase frequency, and extend service hours.
As part of my commitment to keeping transit as accessible as possible to all Edmontonians, I pledge to donate at least half of my council vehicle allowance to the ETS Donate-a-Ride program and to other local groups to help fund their transportation needs. Find more on the campaign pledge contained in this video here.
Ward 7′s neighbourhoods are changing for the better, and we need to embrace and own that change to build communities that work for us. At the same time, we need to preserve what makes our part of the city special.
You can also find video from the candidate’s forum on Tuesday night posted on the city’s website. Brendan’s opening comments begin at the 25 minute mark.
I recently had the opportunity to sit down for a coffee at the Carrot with a neighbour of mine who is an officer with the Edmonton Police Service. I had asked him for a meeting because – while I certainly have my own opinions and thoughts on crime and policing in Edmonton – I wanted to get some ideas from someone who is actually out there every day doing the work.
Two of the first strategies he suggested were increasing the number of beat officers and using geographic policing. I’m a fan of both strategies because they play a big role in improving the relationships between citizens and EPS. Beat officers can be even more effective when on foot or bicycle, being more in tune with their surroundings while having a more open and visible, presence. The result is a dramatic increase in perceived safety, and a reduction in “broken windows” type problems, such as graffiti. (continue reading…)
As a proud resident of Alberta Avenue, I have had a front-row seat to Ward 7’s inspiring rebirth. As a board member of my community league, local social worker, regular volunteer at The Carrot, and transit advocate, I have worked with you to make our neighbourhood and city a better place to live.
We’ve come a long way, but to go further Ward 7 needs a councillor who lives in and understands our community – someone with a positive and proactive vision and the courage to move forward. On October 18, I hope you’ll lend me your vote.
As some might already know, I love my bike – cycling is one of my favourite activities. It’s also my main method of transportation for the better part of the year: it’s an inexpensive, effective and reliable way to get around the city and a great way to build physical activity into my day-to-day life.
Sometimes though, biking from one community meeting to another can be a little difficult and – depending on the destination – some trips can be outright nightmares. Simply put, there are many areas in the city where the cycling infrastructure is either poorly maintained, poorly connected or absent altogether. (continue reading…)
City Council Candidate Brendan Van Alstine is pleased to announce an official endorsement of his campaign from current City Councillor Dave Thiele.
“I support Brendan because of his deep-rooted involvement in his community, his passion for this city, and his proven ability to lead positive and visible change.
I have had the opportunity to collaborate with Brendan on a number of issues including improved city transit, sustainable city development, and the role that these initiatives play in building safer, more vibrant communities. I am pleased to endorse him as a candidate.”
Dave Thiele, Current Edmonton City Councillor
Councillor Thiele participated in the 2007 and 2008 editions of the TRUE Transit Challenge, a week-long event created and organized by Brendan where city councillors give up their cars for a week to ride ETS.
[Ed: This is the first in a series of posts from campaign team members. First is Monika Penner, Volunteer Coordinator. Monika's always looking for new volunteers.]
I joined Brendan’s campaign because he is deeply committed to addressing issues I believe are important not only to the communities of Ward 7, but to Edmonton as a whole. His experience and vision in addressing issues of safety are especially important to me as someone who confronts these issues in my daily work. (continue reading…)
With less than 3 months until the next Municipal Election on October 18th, 2010, my team and I have worked hard to update the website to better engage in a dialogue with you, the citizens of Ward 7 and of Edmonton. We’ve added links at the top so that you can connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Connect2Edmonton (which will host its own election forum later on). Most important is this blog, where I will add detail to my election platform. Please check back here throughout the run-up to the election and consider lending a hand. I want to make sure that I am hearing your opinions and concerns so that I can better represent you through the election, and, I hope, afterward as well. (continue reading…)
Dave Thiele, Current Edmonton City Councillor