PLATFORM
Campaign Pillars
Below is a list of what I consider to be my four campaign pillars that I intend on focusing on during my campaign. If there are topics that you would like to bring to my attention, please contact me so we can make sure they get addressed together.
Fair Taxation
My taxation plan is simple- Is it necessary? Is it fair?
If taxation increases are being considered, those two questions must be asked. Calgary should be considered as the sum of all its parts, not downtown vs. suburbs, or residents vs. businesses. I firmly believe that the economic prosperity of this city can be achieved by maintaining low property taxes. Raising taxes in one area of the city to offset the hardship in another is completely unacceptable.
For example, the current city council sat back and allowed the increase in business property tax for businesses outside the core, primarily due to vacancy rates. In the current economic hardship that we are facing, the rise in taxes, no matter the rate, can not be justified or accepted. Even if they feel content about capping the increase to 5%.
Employment Initiatives
The unemployment rate in Calgary currently sits at 10.2%- the highest rate it has seen in years, and is higher than other major city in Canada. This not something we can sit on the sidelines for. Local businesses are the life blood of the city. From family run corner stores and home renovation companies, to large manufacturing and home building companies, all the way to the multi national oil and gas companies downtown, civic governments need to ensure that they are doing everything they can to ensure a reduction in the unemployment rate. The current city council's decision to raise business property tax will have an adverse on a company's decision to hire new employees. We need to ensure that fair employment and taxation systems are in place to nurture a favorable environment for growth. Calgary is a widely diverse economy, and we need to be there to help see it grow and prosper.
Civic Revenue Priorities
Calgary city council has to stop thinking of its residents as a revenue source. With a majority of the city's budget coming from taxes, service fees, and fines, we need to do better to mitigate the burden on the city's residents and businesses.
Spending Accountability
Calgary has a spending problem. From spending $250,000 in early 2016 on LED lights for a water treatment lift station, to $471,000 on the Airport Trail bridge "ring" in 2013, current city council policies and actions appear to treat tax payer funds like a debit card. In all cases, spending policies need to be looked at and readdressed, to ensure that all funds spent on behalf of the tax payer are accounted for and justified, and if needed, redirected to programs that better allow for growth and prosperity. Just because a dollar amount is to be spent due to it being dictated by an existing policy, city council should have final approval on the spending. In this time of economic hardship facing families and businesses in this city, we need to be logical and efficient with tax payers money.