NOMINATED!

No, Nation, not THAT kind of nomination...  (yet).

Your humble scribe has been nominated in the category of "Best Political Blog" for the 2010 Canadian Blog Awards.  To say I'm floored and humbled would be an understatement.

And, just to prove that The Best Political Team in the Blogosphere (TM) really IS the BEST, CalgaryPolitics.com has been nominated - in the same category as The Enlightened Savage.  In the first round, you can vote for 2 choices. You know what to do. ;)

But the good news doesn't stop there - my compatriots from CalgaryPolitics.com have also earned well-deserved individual nominations, in the following categories:

Shane Byciuk - CalgaryDaddy (Family) & CalgaryRants (Political)
Emily Ask - Gin and Tonic (Personal)

Congrats to all!

And...  remember to vote for The Enlightened Savage!  Round One voting closes on October 17th!

The More Things Change...

Nation, I was doing some research through my archives this morning when I came across this passage, written the morning after the 2007 Civic Election.

Among the issues that Calgarians want Bronco and the new council to deal with (despite his brave "they want exactly what I offered them" face last night):

• Council Transparency

1.  A formal record of all council votes
2. Campaign finance reform
3. Full disclosure of donors BEFORE voting day

•  Affordable Housing

1.  Expansion of capacity and units
2. Secondary suites - NOT the $25,000 / 20 year-plan Bronco championed (universally panned as an unrealistic farce of a proposal)

•  Transportation

1.  Re-routing of the Westward LRT line
2. South West ring-road
3. Expansion of C-Train service and capacity

•  Public Safety

1.  Increased funding for the Calgary Police, Fire and EMS departments

•  Environment

1.  Expansion of curbside recycling to include high density housing
2. Snow removal (a perrennial complaint)
3. Protection of the Bow and Elbow watershed, both within and UPSTREAM of the city limits

 

... stop me when any of this starts to sound familiar.

So, I put it to you, Nation - of the items on that list, written 3 years ago - how many have been resolved?

(this has been cross-posted to CalgaryPolitics.com)

Text: Interview with Wards 3, 5, & Airdrie CSSD Candidate Linda Wellman

Nation, as the Lead Correspondent for the Catholic School Board Trustee races for the Canadian Blog Award-nominated CalgaryPolitics.com, I've tried to reach out to as many candidates as I could find contact information for (if you're a candidate, and you haven't received an email from me, email me at the address in my bio!).

The first candidate to get back to me with her responses was the incumbent Trustee for Wards 3, 5, & Airdrie, Linda Wellman.

Her responses appear below.

*****

E.S.: What are, in your own words, the primary roles of a Catholic School Trustee?

L.W.: The primary role of a Trustee is to;
• Govern with excellence and act on behalf of ratepayers to ensure that the School District fulfills its mandate in a manner that is reflective of our faith values
• set policy that guides Administration in achieving goals
• ensure the annual budget provides the resources to support the desired outcomes while ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability
• to hold the Chief Superintendent accountable through regular monitoring that provides evidence of compliance to the Boards’ stated Ends Policies
• Engage members of the community to ensure the Board has input to make informed decisions
• Advocate on behalf of students, parents, staff and ratepayers
• Be accountable to the Minister of Education on all educational matters
• Be accountable to the Bishop on all religious and moral issues
• Be accountable to the electorate
• Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the Administration and of the Board of Trustees
• Be a positive role model both in our schools and in the broader community


E.S.: What challenges do the schools in your Wards face that are unique within the system?

L.W.: Each and every school is unique, no two schools are alike - needs vary from school to school. In some areas within the Ward, the English as Second Language population exceeds the district average. Currently ESL students make up 20% of the overall student enrollment. Notre Dame High School in Panorama Hills and St. Martin de Porres High School in Airdrie have been top priorities on our capital for modernization and additional student spaces, despite our ability to provide the evidence of the critical need in these areas, the government has not been responsive. It is unconscionable that the government has not put in place the budget to address critical needs in our fastest growing communities.


E.S.: Athletic and Arts programs, particularly at the High School level, are some of the most expensive programs in the system. Funding for these programs is often achieved through school fees and special fundraising campaigns, however the primary source of income has traditionally been gaming revenue, which has since been phased out at the Bishop’s urging. How would you propose schools address the absence of gaming funds when trying to fund Arts or Athletic programs?

L.W.: The District has established the Calgary Catholic School Foundation that operates independent from the District and has its own Board of Directors and allocations committee. Schools can make application to receive funds based on the merits of the activity. Schools have available a wide range of fund raising activities they can engage in that is not contrary to teachings of the church. Prior to the Board implementing its new policy on fundraising, less than 40% of District Schools used gaming as a means of fundraising. Schools can access grants from CEFP for playground structures.


E.S.: How do you feel your own experiences with the Catholic school system make you the most qualified candidate to sit as Trustee in your Wards?

L.W.: I have 21 years service as a Trustee for Calgary Catholic and have been involved in many aspects of education both locally and provincially. In addition, I have more than 20 years experience in the Human Resources field; this experience includes payroll, budget forecasts, administration of benefit plans, claims management, and policy implementation. Trustees, as Governors, are responsible for the development of policies that give clear direction, both in guiding the school district and in setting annual budgets that will enable us to achieve our goals.


E.S.: As the city continues to expand, new schools need to be built & staffed in the suburbs, while schools in older areas see diminished student numbers. How do we, as a system, deal with the utilization rate at some of our older schools?

L.W.: Overall, Calgary Catholic has good utilization rates, this is a result of sound planning and utilizing portables that has allowed us to expand and decrease schools to reflect the changing needs of the community. In the inner city we do have schools with smaller student enrollments, in each of these situations the district works with the parents of the school community to find alternatives to increase students numbers. Sacred Heart School implemented gender based instruction to bolster its numbers and St. Angela has been marketed as a workplace school due to its proximity to the downtown core.


E.S.: Are you in favour of selling closed school buildings and lands, or keeping the assets in CSSD hands and leasing the space to other groups to use?

L.W.: Decisions are based on the size of the site, the location, market value etc. Selling off property would bring in one time funds and in accordance to the School Act, the proceeds must be spent on capital, whereas leases generate ongoing income that can be used to subsidize operational expenses and enhance programs. The district has in the past leased space and then reclaimed the space back as the district’s needs changed, this would not have been possible if the sites had been sold.


E.S.: One of the more contentious issues of the last term was the decision of the CSSD to not offer immunizations against human papillomavirus (HPV) in schools to Grade 5 girls, on the grounds that it might appear the CSSD was condoning pre-marital sex. What is your opinion about this issue?

L.W.: (candidate did not respond)


E.S.: School facilities such as auditoriums and gymnasiums are currently booked by community groups for after-hours use through the City of Calgary’s Recreation department – often at costs significantly higher than to book at a private facility. Would you like to see this policy reviewed?

L.W.: School rentals are managed by the JUCC which is an agreement between the City of Calgary, Calgary Catholic and Calgary Public School Boards. My understanding is that rentals are done on a cost recovery basis only. Rental rates are based on overtime rates that are tied to employee contracts, resulting in our inability to compete with the private sector that does not have unionized employees.


E.S.: How do you expect Bill 44 will affect the teaching of the Family Life unit in Catholic schools?

L.W.: It is not expected to make any change at all to program delivery, the Alberta Catholic Schools Trustees’ Association of which every Catholic Jurisdiction is a member and the Minister of Education have come to agreement on a clause that forms part of our student registration form, this clause recognizes the religious instruction in our Catholic Schools.


E.S.: A significant minority of students in the CSSD come from Catholic or other Christian backgrounds, but choose themselves not to practice the faith. Should accommodations be made for these students, in terms of Religious Studies curriculum or school masses?

L.W.: When parents enroll their children in Calgary Catholic Schools they are required to sign a statement acknowledging their understanding that the entire school day is permeated by our faith and their children will participate in all school celebrations. Under the School Act, a parent may exempt their child from participating in certain instruction whether catholic or non-catholic.


E.S.: Tell us what you’ve achieved for your wards over the past 3 years that you think merits your retention as a Trustee.

L.W.: It must be stated that as an individual trustee, one has no power or authority; it is through the power of debate that one influences the Board Corporate in decision making. As an individual trustee, I bring to the table in depth knowledge and experience which has been gained over the years through serving on various committees at both the local and provincial levels. During the past three years I have played a significant role in the following accomplishments;


 The opening of Light of Christ Elementary/Junior High School in Saddle Ridge
 The opening of St. Jerome Elementary School in Panorama Hills
 The opening of Good Shepherd School in Airdrie
 Notre Dame & St. Martin de Porres High Schools have remained top priorities on our capital plan for additional program & student spaces
 Strongly supported maintaining program access to ensure students have a wide range of educational choices
 Have actively engaged parents and ratepayers in consultations to ensure decisions reflect their interests, such as the discussion around homework, school attendance boundaries, grade configurations, school naming and the development of our new Mission and Vision Statements
 Despite funding challenges have balanced our annual operational budgets while minimizing cuts to programs and services
 Have strongly vocalized the non-negotiable values of Catholic Education in the Minister’s ongoing conversation on Education that will lead to the transformation of education and an amended Alberta School Act
 Our students have continuously met or exceeded provincial averages in the Provincial Achievement Tests and Diploma Examinations
 Calgary Catholic has been named one of the top 50 employers in Alberta
 Calgary Catholic is a finalist in the top 100 employers for Canada
 Our grade twelve completion rates are among the highest in the province
 Strongly support the operation of our English as Second Language Reception centre that assesses and places students in the appropriate grade level along with the resources needed to help them succeed. Support is also provided for the family as they transition to their new life in Canada
 During the past three years I have continued to be visible and accessible to my constituents and have attended and participated in over 150 schools events.

(this has been cross-posted to CalgaryPolitics.com)

Change your bookmarks...

Well, Nation, I've finally gone and buckled...  the domain "enlightenedsavage.com" is now mine.

You can find this blog, and all its bloggy goodness, at http://www.enlightenedsavage.com/.  The Tech Elves tell me it might take a couple of days for the domain to work universally (don't ask me why - I'm just a political pundit) - but beat the rush, and change your bookmarks now. You'd HATE to miss any juicy Calgary Municipal Election content in the final week of the campaign! :)

Savage Out.

Text: Interview with Ward 14 Candidate Bill Tummonds

Nation, not everyone has time to sit down with a blogger and record an audio interview about the election - some folks are a little busy trying to get ELECTED. 

With that in mind, I had the pleasure of exchanging some emails with Ward 14 Aldermanic candidate Bill "Billy the Butcher" Tummonds.  Mr. Tummonds agreed to respond to some questions through that medium, which I sent, and he sent back with answers.

His answers appear below.





E.S.: You talk about the need to accelerate expansion of C-Train platforms to accommodate 4 cars as a way to increase transit capacity. Are you in favour of increasing the frequency of trains, or of instituting 24-hour C-Train service?


B.T.: I'd like to see 24-hour service sometime in the future, but right now I’m happy with the service hours for the C-Train. I believe they are already running for over 20 hours per day. Where I would like to service extended is to our bus network. Currently, it can be very difficult to travel by bus outside of peak hours, especially the farther away from the core you get. In addition, if you don’t live near a C-Train station, service after midnight isn’t very useful, as there aren't any buses to take you from the LRT station to your home.


E.S.: You´ve spoken quite eloquently on your campaign blog about the importance of the Calgary Public Library system. Do you feel that the Library has done an adequate job of informing the public of the many services it offers, or do many Calgarians still assume that the only thing to do at the Library is to withdraw books?

B.T.: The library is one of the most important institutions the City offers. The problem is, they don’t receive enough funding. We have the second most used library in Canada, but we are near the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to funding. Many of our City’s libraries have fallen into quite a state of disrepair and aren’t meeting the requirements of a young, growing city like Calgary. So, while I think the library can do so much more, it has often done as much as it can with the funding it receives.

As for the perception of the library, I think you’re right. There is so much more to do at the library than simply withdraw books. Libraries offer classes and seminars, computer access, internet access, newspapers, magazines and of course, books. A library also provides the public with a place to gather, and should be an important part of any community. Libraries help educate, and education is one of the most imoprtant parts of an advanced society like we have here in Canada.

The good sign in all of this is that libraries in Calgary always seem to be busy. I guess that means a lot of people feel the way I do.


E.S.: One of your transportation proposals includes making MacLeod Trail free-flowing from Anderson Road south, essentially turning it into a freeway until 194th Avenue. Can you talk about how we can make that a reality?

B.T.: That’s true, saying you want to get something done, and actually getting it done, are two very different things. Obviously money is an important factor, so what we need to do is prioritize our projects and find the ones that have the biggest impact, on the most Calgarians. In the case of MacLeod Trail, it’s a road that affects over 100,000 cars per day, and one of the City’s five busiest roads. Its’ flow impacts over a hundred thousand Calgarians, and for this reason needs to become a bigger priority.

So to make a long story short, throughout the City, we need to start focusing our transportation dollars on the major routes, so we can complete our freeway network. Instead of putting a couple of interchanges on this road and maybe a couple on another road, we need to focus our dollars to a few key routes, and work on making those roads free-flow. After that, we can start to work on the less major roads.

The sad part is the interchanges at both Lake Fraser Gate and 162nd Avenue were in the City’s 2005 Transportation plan, and were both to be done by 2010. The money was there seven or eight years ago, but we shifted our priorities, and both those important projects were put on hold. Today they have no timetable for completion.


E.S.: Some older communities in Ward 14, such as Lake Bonavista and Parkland, have many "empty nesters" living in them, who might be inclined to try and install Secondary Suites to make more efficient use of their space and generate some income with their home after the kids leave the nest. Are you in favour of a simplified Secondary Suites approval process, rather than the current process, which requires each applicant to come cap-in-hand to City Council?

B.T.: Yes I am. The current secondary suite policy is so old-fashioned and doesn’t make any sense. There needs to be regulations, don’t get me wrong, but the current system is so difficult, it is impossible to get any suites approved. We need to have a good policy in place, making secondary suites legal and legitimate, to eliminate the estimated 50,000 illegal suites in the City. They pose a safety risk to those who live in them, and that needs to be fixed immediately.

Along with re-working the regulations and requirements, we need to educate the people of Calgary on the importance of secondary suites and dispel many of the myths that accompany them. Other cities in Canada have lifted most of the restrictions on secondary suites, and haven’t had any of the problems many of the opponents here have predicted.
 Secondary suites are important for reasons other than just “affordable housing.” As you mentioned, secondary suites can also provide empty nesters with extra revenue, while at the same time providing young families a way of moving into a community before they can afford to buy their own house. They only add to the vibrancy of a community and can be a benefit anywhere in the City.


E.S.: The province has indicated that it won´t be adding any lanes to the bridge as Highway 22X goes over MacLeod Trail. Would you, as Alderman, encourage the province to re-think the bottle-neck and the traffic lights on this critical stretch of the ring road?

B.T.: It’s mind-boggling that this wasn’t included as part of the SE portion of the ring road, and it makes no sense to end a freeway at a community feeder road like Sun Valley Blvd. Not only will ending the road there encourage people to cut through the community of Sundance, but it also doesn’t link the two major roads in SE Calgary, Deerfoot and MacLeod Trail, two routes that are so important to the movement of people and goods.


E.S.: What is your favourite cut of steak?

B.T.: Rib-eye.


E.S.: Many youth in Ward 14 face the prospect of either travelling downtown to the skate park or skating wherever they can find space in the area´s commercial spots and parking lots. Are you in favour of building a skate park in Ward 14?

B.T.: Yes, I’m very much in favour of building a skate park in Ward 14, in fact I’d like to see several of them in the area. Skateboarding is so popular with today’s youth and it’s essential that City parks and City recreational facilities adapt to new trends. We cannot continue to build our facilities as we did fifty years ago, and building skate parks would be a step in the right direction. Why not provide our kids with the facilities they desire, instead of forcing them to either travel downtown, or participate in places that can be dangerous.


E.S.: You´re running against in incumbent Alderman, which means you´re essentially asking the voters of Ward 14 to fire Linda Fox-Mellway, and replace her with Alderman Bill Tummonds. In 100 words or less, convince them why this would be an upgrade.

B.T.: In a lot of ways, Council has become stale. We need an infusion of new blood, in order to bring some fresh ideas to the way in which we build and manage our City. We also need to start getting things done. While Council has “supported” many projects the past five years, they haven’t got much done as far as it concerns Ward 14. So, if elected, I would bring fresh ideas to Council and I vow to get some of the needed projects in Ward 14 rolling.


E.S.: The City of Calgary is still short over a dozen Fire Stations to get to the targeted maximum response time for a fire alarm. Do you feel we would be better served by building stand-alone Fire Stations now to fill the need, or to wait and build more Tri-Services Centres to house Police, Fire and EMS like the one in Midnapore?

B.T.: Well, the tri-services centre is a far better expenditure of public money, but at the same time we need to ensure that every Calgarian is adequately covered by theses services. What it really comes down to is better planning of our City as it grows. By slowing the rate at which the City expands outward, we make it easier and cheaper to provide these essential services, and allow for existing infrastructure to be used longer.


(This has been cross-posted to CalgaryPolitics.com)

Audio: Interview with Ward 13 Candidate Trevor Hodge

Nation, after the recent Ward 13 Aldermanic Forum (hosted by the good people at CivicCamp), I had a chance to chat with candidate Trevor Hodge.  With his eagle-eyed campaign manager standing guard while we stood under a street-lamp outside the venue, we were able to have a good chat without much in the way of interruption.

Hodge's interview appears below.

(This has been cross-posted to CalgaryPolitics.com)

Gut Check Time

Nation, by now many of you have seen the new polling numbers for the Calgary Mayoral Election.

To sum it up:
McIver 31%
Higgins 28%
Nenshi 16%
All others, combined 9%
Undecided 17%

Let's take a look at what this poll means for our candidates, shall we?

Ric McIver - 31%

This is a worrisome poll for Ric.  He's had a more or less prohibitive lead since the day he announced his intention to run for Mayor.  This is the first time someone's been perceived as being within legitimate striking distance of him - and what's worse, he finds himself in a statistical tie with Barb Higgins, a photogenic communicator with no voting record hanging around her neck like an albatross.  Most of the barbs (lower-case b) in this campaign have been tossed at McIver, as the front-runner.  Higgins has, to this point, remained relatively unscathed.  Further, Ric has seen his share of popular support drop from 43% (September 19th) all the way down to 31% (October 5th).

Is he still winning? Yes.  If an election were held today, would he be our Mayor tomorrow? Yes. But suddenly, a campaign that has been all about defending the 3-goal lead in the third period now finds itself up by only 1 goal, on the wrong end of momentum, and watching the clock tick down, nervously.

Barb Higgins - 28%

At first glance, it looks as though Higgins has stalled in popular support - having gained just 1% in popular support since the poll of September 19th put her at 27%.  In the time since, she's attended forums, public events, and released what she calls her comprehensive policy platform - and while the opponent she's trying to chase down has dropped 12% in the polls, Higgins has only gained 1%.

But the important thing here is, she's in a statistical tie with the front runner.  Even having made a change at the top of the campaign team a few weeks ago, she has managed not to lose ground to other, more policy-driven candidates.  Her likability and personal popularity make her less of a target for criticism in the last weeks of the campaign, as pushing too hard against Higgins could earn a candidate the scorn of the public for being a "bully".  What will be MOST interesting to watch is what approach her campaign team takes in the next 12 days - do they go on the offensive, and try to sell Barb to voters? Or do they sit back, try not to mess up, and hope that Ric's downward trend takes him down to 2nd place?

Naheed Nenshi - 16%

Nenshi's camp can look at this number as a reason for optimism, or as a bitter disappointment.  For the candidate who has essentially won the Social Media campaign (other candidates having more or less given up on Twitter, especially, as Nenshi has the #yycvote hashtag as his own personal fan club most days) to have jumped up from 8% on September 19th to 16% in just over 2 weeks is pretty impressive - especially considering the significant amount of time and energy that certain other candidates have spent in the past couple of weeks trying to misrepresent Nenshi's opinions.  Many, however, are concerned that 16% is just TOO far back, with 12 days to go.  Naheed will no doubt benefit from the "Anyone but McBarb" sentiment that is present in some circles, but he also stands to lose some soft support to the inevitable strategic voting from folks who like Nenshi, but would park their vote with Barb to keep Ric out, or vice versa.

What can't be helping Nenshi's numbers is the clumsy reporting of the Herald, which took a 2-hour discussion about policy with their editorial board and turned it into 2 headlines about the candidate's race and religion.  Since that story ran, some of the focus has been taken off of his policies and ideas, and those are Nenshi's bread and butter.  What's NOT clear, though, is whether policies and ideas matter as much to Calgarians as Naheed hopes they do.

The Also-Rans - 9%

Bob Hawkesworth, Craig Burrows, Jon Lord, Joe Connelly...  all have found themselves the recipients of ringing endorsements from voters in years gone by.

2010 will not be one of those years.

The candidates themselves are putting on a good face for their campaigns, who are in return redoubling their efforts.  But, even among the True Believers, the numbers don't lie.  The candidates themselves surely realize this.

And so, in the private, back room of campaign offices, or over cold beers in a quiet booth in an otherwise nearly-empty bar, the candidates sit with the campaign manager, perhaps a trusted advisor or 2, and try to figure out what to do next.

They're not likely to drop out - their deposit has been paid, donor money has been spent, and their names are on the ballot. It's too late to do anything about any of that.  Unless one of the present candidates is just GAGA for one of the Top 3 and wants desperately to endorse them - for personal or strategic reasons - we likely won't see anyone dropping out of the race.

What we MAY see is some attacks by proxy.  Sure as heck, the slick political operators in the McIver, Higgins and Nenshi campaigns have already been trying to touch base with their counterparts in the Also-Ran campaigns.  No promises have been made, no offers brooked. 

But all the same, we might see some Also-Ran candidates using the time they have left in the spotlight, and the money they have left, to attack one, possibly even 2, of the top 3.  It's called "attack by proxy" - and, in politics, it's fair game.

  Remember when Liz May got herself included in the televised Leader's Debate, and used her time to reiterate all of Stephane Dion's criticisms of Stephen Harper?  Fair ball.  (Harper correctly predicted just that scenario and, in one of his funnier moments, suggested that to level the playing field, he should be able to have Peter MacKay sit in on the debate as well).

Now, going negative and getting personal has certainly shown itself to be an unsuccessful tactic in this campaign - the campaign that went most negative saw its candidate's "perception" rating suffer a 2-point loss, with no significant rise in voting intention - but, the Also-Rans realize that now, the only thing they have left to lose is their reputations.  For some, it's too late to salvage even that.

If, though, they think they can figure out who is likely to win this thing, and they back that horse either publicly or by attacking the other front-runners as a proxy, they may be feathering their nest for Aldermanic runs in 2013.  After all - what's better than having the incumbent mayor owing you a favour, when you're running to get your old Alderman job back?

At the end of the day, though, all we need to know is this: McIver's going to start talking a LOT more in the next week.  Higgins is going to attack him, and Nenshi is going to try like hell to show up wherever the other 2 are, to show he's ready for prime time.

All the others have no chance.

None.

We'll learn a lot about them by what they do next.

Like whose favour they're trying to curry.

Audio: Interview with Ward 13 Candidate Sandy Jenkins

Nation, I had a chance last week to sit down with Ward 13 candidate Sandy Jenkins at a restaurant on Bannister Road.

Jenkins, who some may remember finished 3rd in the Mayoral race in 2007, was forthright and open with his answers.  His opinions might not be the most popular on some issues, but no one can accuse him of sugar-coating his thoughts.

His interview appears below.

(This has been cross-posted to CalgaryPolitics.com)

Audio: Interview with Ward 14 Candidate Linda Fox-Mellway

Nation, to say that I was a "busy little Savage" this past week would be something of an understatement.

In the middle of all the running around I had to do, I managed to get in touch with equally busy Ward 14 Alderman (and candidate for re-election) Linda Fox-Mellway, whose campaign for re-election seems to have hit full stride.

We had a great talk in the friendly confines of "Ice Cream Plus" in Lake Bonavista Promenade - which, I am sorry to say, is closing its doors after more than a decade of wreaking havoc on my waistline.

This is the 3rd of 4 booked interviews for Ward 14 - if you're not one of those 4, you're falling behind.  I'm not hard to find. ;)

- E.S.

(This has been cross-posted to CalgaryPolitics.com)

Audio: Interview with Ward 14 Candidate Peter Demong

Nation, I had the pleasure earlier this week of sitting down with Ward 14 Aldermanic contender Peter Demong at his campaign headquarters.

Our discussion covered a much wider array of issues than I had thought, as result of his breadth of knowledge on the various issues. The follow-up questions were fast and furious, and he handled them with aplomb and without hesitation.

(This has been cross-posted to CalgaryPolitics.com)

Audio: Interview with Ward 11 Candidate Wayne Frisch

Nation, let's just say my recorder was working overtime on Saturday.

My third interview of the day was with Ward 11 Aldermanic candidate Wayne Frisch. Wayne was able to meet me in Cedarbrae for a quick conversation in between his duties as "dad/chauffeur".  He had some interesting thoughts about both his suitability for the job at hand, and also the suitability of the incumbent.

This represents the last (as far as we know) interview for Ward 11 candidates - all 4 declared candidates have been interviewed. It will be most interesting to see how my fellow CalgaryPolitics.com contributor Jennifer Laraway carries the coverage of this ward from this point forward - as she is herself an undecided resident of Ward 11. I look forward to her thoughts, as well as those of the rest of The Best Political Team in the Blogosphere (TM) - and all of you.

The Frisch interview appears below.

(This has been cross-posted to CalgaryPolitics.com)

Audio: Interview with Ward 13 Candidate Andrew Rodych

Nation, my 2nd interview of yesterday was with Andrew Rodych, who is seeking the consent of the residents of Ward 13 to sit as their representative on city council as Alderman.

Andrew was 5 minutes early for our appointment at a local establishment that rhymes with "Crumpty's", and rattled through my prepared questions with clear, concise and well thought-out responses - which is all the more impressive when one considers he hasn't done a lot of interviews, and some of my questions were quite literally from WAY out in left field.

I should apologize for 2 items in the interview: Firstly, the background noise is a little harsh at times - the hazard of recording an interview in a restaurant. Secondly, I incorrectly identified "Rodych" as a good, strong German name. It is, in fact, a good, strong Ukrainian name - to my Ukrainian friends, please stop pelting my house with pyrohy.

Rodych's interview appears below.

(This has been cross-posted to CalgaryPolitics.com)

Audio: Interview with Ward 11 Candidate Brian Pincott

Nation, I had the chance yesterday to sit down with sitting Alderman Brian Pincott of Ward 11 and talk about a whole cornucopia of issues.

Talking with incumbents is always interesting, because you're not just hearing about how things OUGHT to be, you're hearing about how things actually ARE (rather than simply how they SEEM) - or, at least, how that particular alderman perceived them to be, having been in the room when the decisions were made.

The Pincott interview is below.

(This has been cross-posted to CalgaryPolitics.com)

Savaging the Airwaves!

Nation, a big part of the reason that I do what I do is for the fame...  as we all know, bloggers - particularly political ones - are the rock stars of punditry.  Limousines, Cristal, bling bling, Lear Jets...  the sky's the limit when you're rolling with the crew at CalgaryPolitics.com.  Think Ric Flair meets Keith Richards during Mardi Gras.

Well, I've been asked to appear in a regular spot on CBC Radio One's "The Homestretch" on Thursday afternoons between now and the civic election, along with fellow CalgaryPolitics correspondent Jeremy Klaszus to talk about developments in the mayoral race from week to week.

I'm tickled pink about the opportunity - and not just because of the notorious "studio parties" that they throw at the CBC Radio offices.  I think that Jeremy and myself come from 2 different places on the old 2-dimensional political spectrum.  Toss in the fact that he's a trained journalist, and I'm an opinionated schmuck, and it could make for some very interesting conversations.

You can take a break from screaming at the guy in front of you who doesn't know how to merge ("You've got an ENTIRE LANE to yourself! Why are you STOPPING?!?!?"), and scream at the guy on the radio instead.  Give it a try.  You might even like it. ;)

We're on Thursday afternoons, after the 5:30 news.  You can find us at 1010 AM, 99.1 on the FM dial, or on-line, by clicking on this link.

- E.S.

On The Road Again...

Nation, I'm off to the beautiful Canadian Rockies for a desperately-needed week of rest and relaxation with Mrs. Savage.

Be sure to stay tuned to CalgaryPolitics.com for all your Civic Election information and debate.

And, in light of what happened the LAST time I left town without leaving explicit instructions, a quick note to Calgary-area MLA's:

No floor crossing while I'm gone, kids.

-E.S.

Guest Blog: It’s Saturday Night... Do you know where your Mayoral Candidates Are?

Nation, this blogger is blessed to have many articulate readers and friends who visit this blog, some of whom occasionally agree with him, and, as is more often the case, many of whom DISagree with him (because they're intelligent, and he's just eye candy).

Occasionally, one of those readers or friends (in this case, both) submits something in writing that deserves a great deal more attention than the typical "comment" at the bottom of another blog post. Christina Rontynen submitted the following commentary to me last Saturday evening, and I'm putting it up on the blog (with her permission) for public consumption. All references to time (e.g. "tonight" or "this evening") are - as Einstein might say - relative.

Christina's writing begins... now.


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I sit up on a Saturday evening ... and like the nerdy, politically astute female I am I wonder what my mayoral candidates are up to. Saturday night is the stereotypical date night; the night away, the night off, the night checked out from the world of politics.

Looking through my TweetDeck I find that the hashtag #nomnomnom brings me to find individuals enjoying funnel cake, chocolate chip cookie dough, and @eliz_rocks enjoying “deep fried cheese curds”. Obviously the single people of the world are connecting via terrible food this evening. I flip over to #yycvote and find that people are all a buzz talking about Burrows’ hired plane circling GlobalFest with a “Vote Burrows” banner behind it (via @djkelly), Kent Hehr at his fundraiser being interviewed by one of our own, @oberhoffner, and Hawkesworth reminding us to sign up for his fundraiser supporting a sustainable Calgary ... whatever that means.

But aren’t our candidates real people? How do they enjoy their Saturday night ... honestly ...

I ponder the idea of the rich, successful, suave politician – entering an exclusive Calgary bar (do we even have one?), talking to the “common folk” with a martini, a smirk, and all the right answers. I feel myself instantly being swayed as I hear their vision for a better Calgary and realize that they like going out and socializing just like I do on a Saturday night. They are honest and not bashful about the fact that they are just as typical as I am in this city.

Now the nail is hit on the head – why haven’t I picked a candidate to support yet? Why haven’t I been wooed by a potential front runner? Why haven’t I gotten excited about the potential of a future leader in Calgary? It all comes down to the fact that I just can’t see these candidates as real people.

Ok – a bit harsh, I know. So I open up the video file of the last mayoral forum online. I witness Craig Burrows talking about growing up as a boy in neighbourhood of minorities, Joe Connelly being excited about wearing Pilipino garb, Nenshi giving the same speech I saw on his YouTube video, McIver saying no, and Barb Higgins reminding me I was but a little person that she was willing to listen to. I imagine sitting down for coffee with each of the 14 candidates ... what would they think of me? A born and raised 23 year old graduate student at the University of Calgary, passionate about social media and excited about the future of this city. I know what I would ask them, but I wonder what they would end up asking me. A key idea that we often overlook; we always have questions for them – but really they should have questions for us too. We are the people they want to represent.

And as I strive to make a decision about which candidate to support, I realize I am looking for an actual person. I’m curious if they are sitting on TweetDeck on Saturday night, or out with a loved one, or sharing their evening with a room of passionate volunteers. I realize that I’m looking for a real person to represent me; someone who understands that it is important to be honest and authentic when answering questions on Twitter and key to be assuming that the average Calgarian has never heard their name before.

I keep looking to Twitter for glimpses of this real person. Hoping for responses to questions that don’t sound negotiated or developed by staff; replies to direct messages for coffee invitations; twit pics featuring their Saturday night enjoying this marvelous city. Where are these indications of real people? Am I missing something? Or are my fellow Calgarians waiting for the same thing?

Why do I want a real person representing this city? Because I’m a real person – my parents are real people – my colleagues are – and my friends are. I want someone who gets what it is like to be in Calgary on a Saturday night and truly feel privileged to be here.

Candidates – I’m waiting to hear why you love this city. Of course it is because of the great people – but why? Why are you the real person that should represent Calgary? And why are you the real person that should win over my support and admiration? Why are you the mayor that is willing to support me, the passionate citizen?

Inspire me mayoral candidates ... I’m begging for it.

*********

(this has been cross-posted to CalgaryPolitics.com)

Audio: Interview with Mayoral Candidate Kent Hehr

Nation, I had the opportunity to sit down briefly with mayoral hopeful and MLA for Calgary-Buffalo Kent Hehr in advance of his fundraiser last night at Lord Nelson's Pub.

The fundraiser itself was well-attended, and spirits were high. Hehr gave a brief speech, followed by an Elvis who looked suspiciously like a former head of the Public Teachers' Union, and then a local band starting rocking the joint - which was my cue to leave (the band was good, but I had other commitments).

We had a chance to talk about Hehr's vision for the city, transparency, public safety, sandwiches, and a bunch of other stuff as well.  Take a listen!

Note 1: There was music playing in the background, which I've tried to filter out somewhat in the "audio cleaning" process.  You will, however, still hear the background noise. It IS a pub, after all. :)

Note 2: The interview was being conducted in full view of everyone who walked in, so at several points you'll hear people come over and try to talk to Kent, a server come by with some nice cold Diet Cokes, etc.  I've kept these in the audio as part of my commitment to provide you, the members of the E.S. Nation, with unfiltered content.

Note 3: Kent drops the "s" bomb 4 times in this interview, by my count (think "shoot", but without the kids around).  Unless you're the type of person who hits their thumb with a hammer and thinks "fiddlesticks", you're probably not going to be offended.  But, be forewarned.

Note 4: At one point in the evening, a campaign volunteer asked if I was Rick Bell.  I responded in the negative, then promptly ran to Shoppers Drug Mart for Rogaine and exfoliating face scrub.

(This has been cross-posted to CalgaryPolitics.com)

Perspective

Nation, I try to avoid schmaltz whenever I can.  Generally, I fail miserably.  I'm just a sensitive guy.

This week saw the birth of my first nephew.  He was 6 weeks early, but is doing exceptionally well, thanks to the tireless efforts of the staff of professionals at the Rockyview General Hospital.  He'll be going home with mommy and daddy any day now.

Sitting in the neo-natal ICU, looking down at this tiny, little person, makes one acutely aware of how fragile life is.  How careful we have to be with the things that matter the most.

Little Felix is going to have a great upbringing - his parents are great, his big sister is already fiercely proud of him even though she can't hold him yet, and both mom & dad come from close-knit families.  The question then becomes: What sort of a society will he grow up into? Will it be just? Safe? Warm and embracing of diversity, or cold and lonely?

I am more committed than ever before to help shape the world that he grows up in.  I HAVE to do it, because I'm in the position to DO so - and those with the opportunity to effect positive change who choose instead to squander that opportunity are tools of mediocrity.  I'm going to run for office.  I'm going to appeal to people's greater selves. I'm going to listen to the best ideas, regardless of whether or not they come from "opponents". And I'm going to help build a better world for Felix, the same way people like Peter Lougheed and Grant Notley helped millions of Albertans build a better world for Felix's father - my kid brother.

I owe Felix nothing less.

- Uncle E.S.

Audio: Interview with Ward 11 Candidate Ernest McCutcheon

Nation, I had a chance on Tuesday evening to sit down and speak with Ward 11 candidate Ernest McCutcheon over some delicious blueberry cobbler and Grizzly Paw Root Beer.  Ernest has previously been interviewed by my fellow CalgaryPolitics.com contributor, and my personal Padawan Learner, Shane over at calgaryrants (do you have your tickets for the bowling fundraiser yet?).

While the conversation went on until MUCH later than anticipated, the recorded interview itself lasted a shade over 30 minutes - once I figured out how to turn the recorder on (insert your own wisecrack here).

This is the 2nd interview I've conducted for Ward 11's Aldermanic race.  I've also heard from the third challenger and will be setting something up with him soon, which leaves just the incumbent.  Brian - your move. I'm not hard to find. ;)

(This has been cross-posted to CalgaryPolitics.com)

Audio: Interview with Ward 14 Candidate Shawn Kao

Nation, it was back to the grind for your humble scribe as I sat down last night for a good talk with Ward 14 Aldermanic candidate Shawn Kao.

As with previous candidate interviews, much of the first portion of our discussion was getting background for my later candidate profile of Shawn.  He consented to being recorded for posting to this blog, and the result is posted below, in all its "recorded on an iPhone using the Voice Memos app" glory.

(This has been cross-posted to CalgaryPolitics.com)