Today's Metro was awesome - the coverage of the Ward 4 candidates are the results of 1 small questionnaire we all received. Thank you Metro for your continued election coverage, and support of the Civiccamp forums. The Ward 4 link is here (in case you missed Thursdays paper)
http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/local/article/649424--ward-4-meet-your-candidates
There is some irony in the "Why Run?" section that I find quite humorous.
Anyhow, on a more serious note:
Huntington Hills Community Association is hosting an "All Candidate" forum on Monday October 4 from 7-10 PM in the main hall. This moderated forum will be audience based questions asked of the candidates. The hall is located at Centre Street and 78th Avenue NW
Civic Camp is hosting another All Candidate forum on Wednesday October 6, at the Foothills Alliance Church. (333 Edgepark Blvd - Behind the Edgemont Superstore). This forum, also moderated will have Civic Camp web site selected questions, as well as Ward based questions. It runs from 7-9 PM. Please visit this non-partisan website for more information about Civic Camp - http://www.civiccamp.org/
Both forums are well worth attending, if not at least to meet everyone. All information is available on my website. http://www.ck4a.ca/
Have a great day, and we will see you on the trail!
Curtis' Blog Spot - Just my points of view.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Signs Signs and More Signs
I have a few signs, maybe strategically located, maybe not - there are 11 candidates in the ward, and if I wasn't running, would I really be paying attention, or would I just be commenting on the amount of signs.
More to come, but, vandalism, and the wonderful wind storm that passed through yesterday take their toll.
I hope to get a flyer to most of the ward by Oct 6 - and I hope you all make it to the polls on Oct 18. Advance poll information is a click away from the homepage of my website - http://www.ck4a.ca/
Please consider this blog, your Personal Lawn sign - that you haven't seen on the road:
More to come, but, vandalism, and the wonderful wind storm that passed through yesterday take their toll.
I hope to get a flyer to most of the ward by Oct 6 - and I hope you all make it to the polls on Oct 18. Advance poll information is a click away from the homepage of my website - http://www.ck4a.ca/
Please consider this blog, your Personal Lawn sign - that you haven't seen on the road:
Elect: CURTIS KRUSCHEL
Alderman - Ward 4!
ELECTION DAY IS OCTOBER 18, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Surveys Surveys Surveys
During the nomination process, we were handed surveys from numerous lobbyists. My responses to the Calgary Herald are the subject of today's blog.
Name: Curtis Kruschel
Age:47
Married – With two Children (Wife: Kelly, Daughters Courtney - Gr. 12 and Meghan Gr. 10)
Political Experience: None at this level – Previously active on Community Boards, Soccer Boards, and currently President of Nose Creek Swim Association
Running for: Alderman – Ward 4
Web Site – ck4a.ca
Twitter – #ck4a
1 – "How would you describe your political/leadership style?" - My political leadership style is one of participation. I am one that wants to meet and talk to all those with issues and concerns. If I do not know an answer, I find out, and if I have an opinion, it is just that, and opinion. I can be swayed, but expect strong arguments in return.
2 – "Describe you most significant achievement over the past 5 years?" - Over the past 5 years, my most significant achievement is probably the success of my swim club. Numbers are up, kids are getting faster (That is our coaches, not me), but it’s success is based on the Board (operations), and the Coaches (infrastructure), which I play a role in.
3 – "What is the biggest issue facing Calgarians in the next three years? What would you do about it?" - The biggest issue facing Calgarians over the next 3 years will be understanding the city, the process, and integration of solutions being provided by a new council. I feel that in general, Calgarians understand where there money is being spent, but one hot topic, and one boisterous respected opinion starts the uproar. Each councilor participates on some committee of some sort – They must be as accountable for their actions and those of the city staff. They must make sure they understand completely what each committee goal and vision is. This information must be relayed to the residents in a way that everyone understands so there can be no misunderstanding of the intentions.
4 – "How should the next council address the estimated $60M revenue shortfall? Where should that money be found?" - The budget shortfall will be a challenge for the new council. Each department will submit their budgets, and hopefully, the tax increases that must follow, will allow for a balanced budget. 5% seems to be a magic number – If we can hold tax increases to a number less than this, it seems the citizen base is happy. Announce 6-8%, and the Council sets up the defense, and citizens rally against city hall. I do not think that we can repair the shortfall without cuts in departments, or raising the taxes. To me, it seems like new council will be faced with a double edge sword and some tough decisions.
5 – "Do you promise to keep property tax increases at or below the rate of inflation over the next three years? Why or why not?" - Answered above. However, if snow REMOVAL, and not movement, becomes a more prominent issue, then let’s address the need. People always want to keep the tax base low, but then council makes up for it by introducing service fees. Look at your Water bill – it includes trash, recycling, administration, and then the smallest part of the bill is Water. Fixed income residents would prefer fixed bills, and this includes their taxes. They do not want to see changes in utility bills because the City introduces new and/or higher service fees. I am in favor of eliminating the park and ride fee for transit passengers who purchase bus passes. I am willing to even set up a reserved parking system, and implement a higher fee transit bus pass. If the cost of a bus pass remains tax deductable, then at least the rider can recoup some of their expenses. It also saves the pain of charging to a credit card, or always having an extra $3 in your pocket.
6 – "Do you support additional, or higher, user fees to offset tax increases?" - Answered above – User fees have their place, but if it is going to cost $10 a month to recycle, then that is a tax increase of $120. Landlords do not like this idea, but one way or another, it will be passed on to their tenant. If the Airport Tunnel, and LRT
7 – "Do you support having an independant city auditor who would oversee city spending and report to the public?" - Auditors are required for most companies. Internal, and external. Why would the city not operate the same way.
8 - "Would you support a Provincial audit of the city's finances" - Would a provincial audit not classify as “external”?
9 - "Do you think firefighter salaries and library services should be given the same protection from cuts as the police front line was given?" – I believe critical service budgets should be approved as long as they are within reason. Fire fighters are frontline protectors of property. With Calgary’s continued growth, there is a need for more. The Library is an essential service for everyone. Our Library is one of the most used services based on population in North America, if not the world. They have integrated into the city and supplied a service that people rely on. I believe there are other answers to the W.R. Castell building issue, and we could possibly save money by utilizing other city infrastructure and/or a partnership with a certain oil company that may or may not want to re-start a smaller project they put on hold.
10 "What do voters not know about you? Tell us one of your secrets..." – The voters do not know that I am not affiliated with any political party in the province, or the nation.
Name: Curtis Kruschel
Age:47
Married – With two Children (Wife: Kelly, Daughters Courtney - Gr. 12 and Meghan Gr. 10)
Political Experience: None at this level – Previously active on Community Boards, Soccer Boards, and currently President of Nose Creek Swim Association
Running for: Alderman – Ward 4
Web Site – ck4a.ca
Twitter – #ck4a
1 – "How would you describe your political/leadership style?" - My political leadership style is one of participation. I am one that wants to meet and talk to all those with issues and concerns. If I do not know an answer, I find out, and if I have an opinion, it is just that, and opinion. I can be swayed, but expect strong arguments in return.
2 – "Describe you most significant achievement over the past 5 years?" - Over the past 5 years, my most significant achievement is probably the success of my swim club. Numbers are up, kids are getting faster (That is our coaches, not me), but it’s success is based on the Board (operations), and the Coaches (infrastructure), which I play a role in.
3 – "What is the biggest issue facing Calgarians in the next three years? What would you do about it?" - The biggest issue facing Calgarians over the next 3 years will be understanding the city, the process, and integration of solutions being provided by a new council. I feel that in general, Calgarians understand where there money is being spent, but one hot topic, and one boisterous respected opinion starts the uproar. Each councilor participates on some committee of some sort – They must be as accountable for their actions and those of the city staff. They must make sure they understand completely what each committee goal and vision is. This information must be relayed to the residents in a way that everyone understands so there can be no misunderstanding of the intentions.
4 – "How should the next council address the estimated $60M revenue shortfall? Where should that money be found?" - The budget shortfall will be a challenge for the new council. Each department will submit their budgets, and hopefully, the tax increases that must follow, will allow for a balanced budget. 5% seems to be a magic number – If we can hold tax increases to a number less than this, it seems the citizen base is happy. Announce 6-8%, and the Council sets up the defense, and citizens rally against city hall. I do not think that we can repair the shortfall without cuts in departments, or raising the taxes. To me, it seems like new council will be faced with a double edge sword and some tough decisions.
5 – "Do you promise to keep property tax increases at or below the rate of inflation over the next three years? Why or why not?" - Answered above. However, if snow REMOVAL, and not movement, becomes a more prominent issue, then let’s address the need. People always want to keep the tax base low, but then council makes up for it by introducing service fees. Look at your Water bill – it includes trash, recycling, administration, and then the smallest part of the bill is Water. Fixed income residents would prefer fixed bills, and this includes their taxes. They do not want to see changes in utility bills because the City introduces new and/or higher service fees. I am in favor of eliminating the park and ride fee for transit passengers who purchase bus passes. I am willing to even set up a reserved parking system, and implement a higher fee transit bus pass. If the cost of a bus pass remains tax deductable, then at least the rider can recoup some of their expenses. It also saves the pain of charging to a credit card, or always having an extra $3 in your pocket.
6 – "Do you support additional, or higher, user fees to offset tax increases?" - Answered above – User fees have their place, but if it is going to cost $10 a month to recycle, then that is a tax increase of $120. Landlords do not like this idea, but one way or another, it will be passed on to their tenant. If the Airport Tunnel, and LRT
7 – "Do you support having an independant city auditor who would oversee city spending and report to the public?" - Auditors are required for most companies. Internal, and external. Why would the city not operate the same way.
8 - "Would you support a Provincial audit of the city's finances" - Would a provincial audit not classify as “external”?
9 - "Do you think firefighter salaries and library services should be given the same protection from cuts as the police front line was given?" – I believe critical service budgets should be approved as long as they are within reason. Fire fighters are frontline protectors of property. With Calgary’s continued growth, there is a need for more. The Library is an essential service for everyone. Our Library is one of the most used services based on population in North America, if not the world. They have integrated into the city and supplied a service that people rely on. I believe there are other answers to the W.R. Castell building issue, and we could possibly save money by utilizing other city infrastructure and/or a partnership with a certain oil company that may or may not want to re-start a smaller project they put on hold.
10 "What do voters not know about you? Tell us one of your secrets..." – The voters do not know that I am not affiliated with any political party in the province, or the nation.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Sept 20, 2010 - Let the race begin!
Today, nomination day, started as any other, with the exception, that I would be officially a candidate for Alderman of Ward 4. Thank you to all who signed my papers, and now Let the Race begin.
During the nomination process, I found out the Sean, Jane, and Brad are definitely running (I saw them or their campaign managers). However, that left another 8. I am sure based on the plethora of signs appearing, that all will file. Tomorrow we find out for sure.
I would like to thank those of you that were able to help Lynne this morning. She was most appreciative, and there is always something to be said for bad luck, and resolution through the help of a few friends.
I would like to apologize to the clerk whose table I left my coffee on... I am sure you didn't need anything else on your desk. When I finally left the mayhem of lobbyists, cameramen, reporters, and returned to the calm of the City Hall Lobby, I realized what I had done.
To all of my supporters, this race will be short - My oath to you during this campaign, I will answer all emails and questions as quickly as possible. I will smile. I will not twist anything that I do not know to be fact, and if I do not know, I will find an answer. I hope that you can all challenge me to be the best I can be, and that none of your concerns will be "swept under the rug" and ignored or treated as an oversight by me.
If during the campaign, I adhere to this, I will win the support of all and the election. Thank you in advance.
During the nomination process, I found out the Sean, Jane, and Brad are definitely running (I saw them or their campaign managers). However, that left another 8. I am sure based on the plethora of signs appearing, that all will file. Tomorrow we find out for sure.
I would like to thank those of you that were able to help Lynne this morning. She was most appreciative, and there is always something to be said for bad luck, and resolution through the help of a few friends.
I would like to apologize to the clerk whose table I left my coffee on... I am sure you didn't need anything else on your desk. When I finally left the mayhem of lobbyists, cameramen, reporters, and returned to the calm of the City Hall Lobby, I realized what I had done.
To all of my supporters, this race will be short - My oath to you during this campaign, I will answer all emails and questions as quickly as possible. I will smile. I will not twist anything that I do not know to be fact, and if I do not know, I will find an answer. I hope that you can all challenge me to be the best I can be, and that none of your concerns will be "swept under the rug" and ignored or treated as an oversight by me.
If during the campaign, I adhere to this, I will win the support of all and the election. Thank you in advance.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
The Library - A subject close to everyone
In recnt news articles, the city has stated that they would reduce services in the Library area to accommodate the need renovations of the W.R.Castell Branch. I have a couple of ideas. Although, not sure about the cost, maybe they could be evaluated.
#1 - The CBE will be consolidating all their office in the near future. Is the old CBE building a good location for the library. Is it easier or more cost effective to renovate that building, and move?
#2 - Encana halted construction on Little Bow, as the economy turned down. Would a P3 partnership not be an idea to move the library to the Little Bow - It could give Encana good marketing, it is in the core, and even more central than the current location. They just have to complete the project.
Just ideas - nothing in stone, I just do not want to see any service cuts to a piece of the city that is so vital. Calgary has the number 1 library system in North America based on use. Why mess with something successful.
#1 - The CBE will be consolidating all their office in the near future. Is the old CBE building a good location for the library. Is it easier or more cost effective to renovate that building, and move?
#2 - Encana halted construction on Little Bow, as the economy turned down. Would a P3 partnership not be an idea to move the library to the Little Bow - It could give Encana good marketing, it is in the core, and even more central than the current location. They just have to complete the project.
Just ideas - nothing in stone, I just do not want to see any service cuts to a piece of the city that is so vital. Calgary has the number 1 library system in North America based on use. Why mess with something successful.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Candidate Forum - Ward 4
What a blast! I guess if this campaign wasn't going to be fun, I wouldn't be doing it.
On September 2nd, all 11 declared candidates showed up as Thorncliff/Greenview hosted a candidate forum. We know that concerned citizens of Calgary care about particular issues, and they came prepared.
Questions ranged from Car Traps (Although, people still insist on calling them Bus Traps), co-existence of Business/Industrial Parks, and residential neighbourhoods, Traffic short cutting and management in our ward, dog parks, and another broad range of issues.
We all had our key issues, which for the most part all had a chance to discuss. Instead of re-hashing all the information, I will let you know that each candidate has a specific agenda or platform. You most likely know mine, as you are reading this, and my previous post was a excerpt directly from my website.
I know the people in attendance picked up as much marketing material as they could handle, and all are now digesting the information.
Did the key issues come up - Yes - Airport Tunnel, Poor City Spending habits, snow removal, urban sprawl and the bridge was mentioned in passing. All 11 candidates had a voice, and the moderator should be congratulated for keeping time in place, and his setup, execution, and participation with the "Random" questions. I just want to know what the 11 questions were we never heard...
Have a great long weekend!
On September 2nd, all 11 declared candidates showed up as Thorncliff/Greenview hosted a candidate forum. We know that concerned citizens of Calgary care about particular issues, and they came prepared.
Questions ranged from Car Traps (Although, people still insist on calling them Bus Traps), co-existence of Business/Industrial Parks, and residential neighbourhoods, Traffic short cutting and management in our ward, dog parks, and another broad range of issues.
We all had our key issues, which for the most part all had a chance to discuss. Instead of re-hashing all the information, I will let you know that each candidate has a specific agenda or platform. You most likely know mine, as you are reading this, and my previous post was a excerpt directly from my website.
I know the people in attendance picked up as much marketing material as they could handle, and all are now digesting the information.
Did the key issues come up - Yes - Airport Tunnel, Poor City Spending habits, snow removal, urban sprawl and the bridge was mentioned in passing. All 11 candidates had a voice, and the moderator should be congratulated for keeping time in place, and his setup, execution, and participation with the "Random" questions. I just want to know what the 11 questions were we never heard...
Have a great long weekend!
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