City council needs an attitude adjustment
Friday July 02, 2010
Kerry Diotte

City council needs an attitude adjustment and I want to help make that happen. That's one of the major reasons I'm seeking election in Ward 11 on Oct. 18.

Like many people, I believe most politicians say one thing when campaigning, then change their tune once elected. I've seen it happen countless times and it makes me as cynical as anyone.

It's galling when candidates campaign on a platform fiscal responsibility then vote for tax hikes two or three times the rate of inflation. It's equally galling when those professed protectors of the public purse wind up voting for schemes and projects that waste tax money.

There are countless cases. Years ago council spent millions to tear apart what was a rather nice park in Churchill Square and build a concert nightmare that's hardly ever used by citizens. Edmontonians didn't want a concrete-and-paving-stone civic square, they wanted a park with grass and trees like the one they'd enjoyed for years. A city council committee recently approved funding a statue that would be a memorial to homeless people who died. That'll cost taxpayers about $36,000. It's no wonder people become cynical about politicians and politics.

Perhaps that helps to explain why only 27% of eligible voters bothered to cast a ballot in the 2007 civic election. Citizens just don't think the people who wind up elected have any common sense. Approving the homelessness statue doesn't help voters to change their cynical view.

As a candidate in Ward 11, I want to prove a member of council can have common sense -- that it's not sucked out of a person's brain the moment they're elected.

I have been a keen observer of local politics since 1985 -- including many years at city hall writing about civic issues.

I have received tons of feedback from citizens during that time that has helped shape the platform on which I'm running.

-- I believe the voter is ultimately my boss once I'm elected. Many politicians forget who got them there and don't give a damn what the public thinks.

-- Citizens are shocked and appalled at the level of violent crime in this city. We need solutions. We have a right to feel safe to walk the streets day and night. Edmontonians have suggested that could be achieved, in part, with more police officers walking the beats, additional transit police and expansion of Neighbourhood Watch programs, among other solutions.

-- City Hall has to hold the line on taxes. We should never face property tax hikes that are more than the rate of inflation.

-- We have to prioritize the way City Hall operates and get back to basics -- good core services including roads, transit, police, fire and garbage collection. Citizens also deserve well-kept parks and vibrant recreation facilities. That's just common sense.

While I have plenty of experience delving into civic politics as a trusted civic affairs columnist, I admit it feels different on the other side of the microphone. I'm now the one who has to answer the tough questions. As a politician, I open myself up for criticism from anyone who has an opinion. That's democracy.

A case in point? A few people have criticized me for daring to sue my former employer, the Edmonton Sun. I invite anyone to go to my website to get the full story on why I was forced to take legal action. Please go to www.kerrydiotte.com and follow a link where I answer questions.

The bottom line: I'm not a person who backs down in the face of injustice. I'm a fighter -- and that will serve you, the taxpayer, well once I am elected to city council.

I welcome the chance to be your voice at City Hall -- and, if I ever forget who's my boss, kick my butt out of office. But, trust me, I've got a good memory. Once elected, I won't forget who calls the shots.

I can only hope more than 27% of eligible voters show up to do their democratic duty Oct. 18.

If my views resonate with you, I welcome your help as a volunteer, a financial supporter and, most importantly, a voter.

(Kerry Diotte is an award-winning journalist and City Hall candidate in Ward 11)

-- Kerry Diotte

Column ID#: 134

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