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.