1 single vote - It doesn't seem like much, but how much does it matter?
On a community board with 7 members, the quorum is 4 and 5 show up. You thought all the issues of the day were covered, but a member brought up an issue - it doesn't matter what the issue was, but your vote, because of absence was not counted.
Recounts are a part of the electoral process. Ward 4 has 11 candidates, and in discussions with any candidate, no one is confident, nor is any admitting defeat. This ward is open, and of the 11, I feel 7 have a good chance of winning (I picked that number out of a hat).
On City council, there are 15 votes. Too many results are 8-7 or 7-6 - How much does one vote count?
Over the past two civic elections, recounts have been required in more than one ward. How much is 1 vote worth?
If you really think that your vote does not count, I hope you change your mind. Monday, for Ward 4, is a turning point for the community. There will be a new representative at City Hall. If you believe that you will not have a say, I challenge you to vote. Your say, and your input is required to make this area of Calgary the most important to the citizens that matter - You. It does not matter what your issue is - if you do not vote, you have no say.
Please vote on Monday, and vote for the candidate that is going to bring your voice to City Hall.
Curtis' Blog Spot - Just my points of view.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Vote Calgary sponsored ALL Candidate forum (Alderman)
Well, here we go - three days, and as the Mayoral race heats up, ward 4 chugs along with 11 candidates all pushing for the finish line.
I attended an all alderman forum on Wednesday, and our question (for the candidates in ward 4) was the following. My answer is also below. We were given 90 seconds, and the time limit was restrictive in getting the point across, however, I did try.
The City is promoting more active mobility choices like cycling, transit and walking as alternatives to a car, particularly to those that live on primary transit routes like Centre Street. Would you support reducing parking requirements for new development to further encourage and support these lifestyle options?
Ward 4 has a blend of Inner Suburbs (Highland/Greenview), Established communities (Huntington, Thorncliffe, Sandstone, MacEwan), and New communities (Hidden Valley and Country Hills). My goal will be to discuss, evaluate, and harmonize the needs of the few to blend and create the needs of the many.
With each new development come many challenges.
#1 – Create an area where people want to live, not need to live.
#2 – Make sure it is a part of the Calgary Pathway System.
#3 – Make sure the residents have the residential parking they require.
#4 – Create a balance of Small, Medium, and high density population where the residents are satisfied in their choice of home.
#5 – Make sure they have the feeder transit (initially), and community & commuter transit (Permanent) after the area has been populated. (mostly by dual income, dual car families)
If a home has a double garage, I believe, that there should be at least one street space available per home. (Do you ever have guests?).
I believe that if there is parking close to a feeder transit route (near a park or a green space), the residents, and possibly even not the residents will use it so they can wait in their car (usually idling) for the next bus, and then hop out (after all, occasionally, it gets cold in this city) for convenience and no parking fee. This is a safety issue – think back to the playgrounds of old – we were always taught – don’t run between parked cars – well, if the space is available today, near a feeder transit route, it will be used. Look at Edgemont Blvd and John Laurie (right next to a green space and park) – The city provided “Resident Parking Only” signs do not seem to have any effect.
The solution is not to eliminate parking, but restrict it. Whether it be permit or time limits, these areas are vital to the community. If the park is on a main thoroughfare or the BLVD/Drive that connects the community – eventually, snow removal will be a priority. The next solution is provide effective transit. Transit must serve the needs of the community. If a route is in place for commuters, should there also be routes in for students, shoppers and the seniors of the city. Why should every connection any citizen want to make be via a train.
If the transit system is in place, and the pathways are usable, we can have a great impact on the use of these systems. Reducing parking (where people do park), is not the solution. Restricting parking at key locations is a better solution.
Thank you, and once again, my name is Curtis Kruschel, and I am running for Alderman in Ward 4.
I attended an all alderman forum on Wednesday, and our question (for the candidates in ward 4) was the following. My answer is also below. We were given 90 seconds, and the time limit was restrictive in getting the point across, however, I did try.
The City is promoting more active mobility choices like cycling, transit and walking as alternatives to a car, particularly to those that live on primary transit routes like Centre Street. Would you support reducing parking requirements for new development to further encourage and support these lifestyle options?
Ward 4 has a blend of Inner Suburbs (Highland/Greenview), Established communities (Huntington, Thorncliffe, Sandstone, MacEwan), and New communities (Hidden Valley and Country Hills). My goal will be to discuss, evaluate, and harmonize the needs of the few to blend and create the needs of the many.
With each new development come many challenges.
#1 – Create an area where people want to live, not need to live.
#2 – Make sure it is a part of the Calgary Pathway System.
#3 – Make sure the residents have the residential parking they require.
#4 – Create a balance of Small, Medium, and high density population where the residents are satisfied in their choice of home.
#5 – Make sure they have the feeder transit (initially), and community & commuter transit (Permanent) after the area has been populated. (mostly by dual income, dual car families)
If a home has a double garage, I believe, that there should be at least one street space available per home. (Do you ever have guests?).
I believe that if there is parking close to a feeder transit route (near a park or a green space), the residents, and possibly even not the residents will use it so they can wait in their car (usually idling) for the next bus, and then hop out (after all, occasionally, it gets cold in this city) for convenience and no parking fee. This is a safety issue – think back to the playgrounds of old – we were always taught – don’t run between parked cars – well, if the space is available today, near a feeder transit route, it will be used. Look at Edgemont Blvd and John Laurie (right next to a green space and park) – The city provided “Resident Parking Only” signs do not seem to have any effect.
The solution is not to eliminate parking, but restrict it. Whether it be permit or time limits, these areas are vital to the community. If the park is on a main thoroughfare or the BLVD/Drive that connects the community – eventually, snow removal will be a priority. The next solution is provide effective transit. Transit must serve the needs of the community. If a route is in place for commuters, should there also be routes in for students, shoppers and the seniors of the city. Why should every connection any citizen want to make be via a train.
If the transit system is in place, and the pathways are usable, we can have a great impact on the use of these systems. Reducing parking (where people do park), is not the solution. Restricting parking at key locations is a better solution.
Thank you, and once again, my name is Curtis Kruschel, and I am running for Alderman in Ward 4.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
St. Helena Jr. High School Town Hall
Today was extremely interesting. I found myself preparing for a Aldermanic forum - nothing odd here, except the audience. I was going to be addressing Grade 7, 8, and 9 students. As I thought about this task, the questions that came to mind were - Do I change my delivery - do I address their needs - Facebook, texting, and gaming? Why? I have always been about the community. It isn't just traffic, infrastructure, and accountability. Talking with my student contact, he understood my SMART traffic system. He knew my views and where I was coming from. (Ms. Wild - Reid deserves an "A"). So no change - talk to the students as you would anyone else. Students are amazing - say a word they don't understand, they don't give you the confidence nod - they say pardon me? Our ward is interesting - my daughter asked what was different about this election than others - via text btw, and I stated there was no incumbent - I got the typical student huh? So I explained...
Conversations with students shouldn't be any different than those you have with your buddies, your peers, and your constituents (who you first meet knocking on their door). You have to be able to communicate with all people all the time. If you take the average, then the business management constituents will understand what you are trying to convey as much as the Grade 9 student. When you start to use language to prove your knowledge, you may start to alienate some.
Congratulations to St. Helena for hosting the most robust, and widely attended forum (I know - the students were told to be there...) But if they listened, they heard some interesting comments, and of the 9 candidates that attended, we said the same, but different comments on the issues you raised. The key was - did you really listen?
Once again, Election day is October 18 - Please vote!
It was nice to be in a setting where people are excited about politics. To the kids of St. Helena - Stay excited, stay involved, stay informed. You are the future of Calgary, and if you take this to the next level, you will have and create an opinion that counts. Maybe even start your political career by unseating me as Ward 4 Alderman in 2016.
Have a super week!
Conversations with students shouldn't be any different than those you have with your buddies, your peers, and your constituents (who you first meet knocking on their door). You have to be able to communicate with all people all the time. If you take the average, then the business management constituents will understand what you are trying to convey as much as the Grade 9 student. When you start to use language to prove your knowledge, you may start to alienate some.
Congratulations to St. Helena for hosting the most robust, and widely attended forum (I know - the students were told to be there...) But if they listened, they heard some interesting comments, and of the 9 candidates that attended, we said the same, but different comments on the issues you raised. The key was - did you really listen?
Once again, Election day is October 18 - Please vote!
It was nice to be in a setting where people are excited about politics. To the kids of St. Helena - Stay excited, stay involved, stay informed. You are the future of Calgary, and if you take this to the next level, you will have and create an opinion that counts. Maybe even start your political career by unseating me as Ward 4 Alderman in 2016.
Have a super week!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
My Stance on Sports
Over the last 4 months, I have been actively campaigning to gain a seat as an Alderman chair for Ward 4. This task, has proven to be daunting, as with no incumbent, there are 11 Candidates.
There are issues at City hall, and all 11 candidates are preaching the same thing, although, I will not use the same words, they are saying; transparency, fiscal responsibility, accountability, and communication.
Of the 4 Political words, only one I use; accountability. The others have double meanings and definitions that can be vague. One area that has been forgotten is Sports and Recreation (for all)
As a parent (soccer dad and swimming dad), I see the need for more fields, more rinks, more pools. I see the kids with nothing to do. I see the need for active participation in some sort of extracurricular activity. It can be Dance, Swimming, Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Fencing, Martial Arts, Music, or anything your child chooses to participate in.
Through 5 years of swimming and soccer, I have seen kids grow and become citizens. The kids that actively participate and care about the sport they are involved in teaches them accountability (to their team, and with their time), responsibility (fitting in homework with a sometime arduous schedule), commitment (to the team, themselves, and their goals), leadership (by example, never miss practice, show up early, stay late), and friendship. These traits all lead to a student that has all the skills required to be an excellent citizen as they move on in life – The future.
I have decided that I am the only candidate in ward 4 that has a focus on the future citizens and need to focus on the future. I will make Calgary a better place to live. I will spend your tax dollars smartly. I will not put up road blocks for sports related facilities in Calgary – We are Calgary – We are Canada – Why does Edmonton have twice as many soccer pitches (indoor and outdoor) than we do? Why does Edmonton have 7 skate parks, and us 2? This is their commitment to their youth. I am committed to our youth. I am committed to making sure the city does not take a facility like the NW Recreation Centre, The Foothills Field house, and the Soccer Centre all weather fields for granted, and put up road blocks to delay construction.
Election day is Oct 18 - See you at the polls
There are issues at City hall, and all 11 candidates are preaching the same thing, although, I will not use the same words, they are saying; transparency, fiscal responsibility, accountability, and communication.
Of the 4 Political words, only one I use; accountability. The others have double meanings and definitions that can be vague. One area that has been forgotten is Sports and Recreation (for all)
As a parent (soccer dad and swimming dad), I see the need for more fields, more rinks, more pools. I see the kids with nothing to do. I see the need for active participation in some sort of extracurricular activity. It can be Dance, Swimming, Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Fencing, Martial Arts, Music, or anything your child chooses to participate in.
Through 5 years of swimming and soccer, I have seen kids grow and become citizens. The kids that actively participate and care about the sport they are involved in teaches them accountability (to their team, and with their time), responsibility (fitting in homework with a sometime arduous schedule), commitment (to the team, themselves, and their goals), leadership (by example, never miss practice, show up early, stay late), and friendship. These traits all lead to a student that has all the skills required to be an excellent citizen as they move on in life – The future.
I have decided that I am the only candidate in ward 4 that has a focus on the future citizens and need to focus on the future. I will make Calgary a better place to live. I will spend your tax dollars smartly. I will not put up road blocks for sports related facilities in Calgary – We are Calgary – We are Canada – Why does Edmonton have twice as many soccer pitches (indoor and outdoor) than we do? Why does Edmonton have 7 skate parks, and us 2? This is their commitment to their youth. I am committed to our youth. I am committed to making sure the city does not take a facility like the NW Recreation Centre, The Foothills Field house, and the Soccer Centre all weather fields for granted, and put up road blocks to delay construction.
Election day is Oct 18 - See you at the polls
Friday, October 8, 2010
Campaign Update #6
So, Here we go – 10 days until the election, and there is finally a place where you can hear me chat. On my Website, Under NEWS are three Videos. They are not that long, and I invite you to share these with your friends.
They are located on YouTube, but click here to make it easy - http://www.ck4a.ca/news.html
This has been a tough week. Everyone I talk to likes my stand, my composure, and the fact that I am not like the others. This is a good thing, but, getting the word out is tough. Two forums, and I am sure at least 50 KM walking – it is all looking promising. But without votes, promising is all it is.
The advance polls are open – they are open from noon – 7:00. They are scattered throughout the city. If you want to know which one is closest to you, send me a note, and I will find one for you based on where you are going to be in the city. (So I need a reference address) - email curtis@ck4a.ca
Have a super Thanksgiving, and I will send another update next week.
PS – Here is another ECO-Sign – to make up for the ones you have not seen – It seems if I find a spot for a sign or two, it immediately becomes surrounded by 2-5 of another candidates.
They are located on YouTube, but click here to make it easy - http://www.ck4a.ca/news.html
This has been a tough week. Everyone I talk to likes my stand, my composure, and the fact that I am not like the others. This is a good thing, but, getting the word out is tough. Two forums, and I am sure at least 50 KM walking – it is all looking promising. But without votes, promising is all it is.
The advance polls are open – they are open from noon – 7:00. They are scattered throughout the city. If you want to know which one is closest to you, send me a note, and I will find one for you based on where you are going to be in the city. (So I need a reference address) - email curtis@ck4a.ca
Have a super Thanksgiving, and I will send another update next week.
PS – Here is another ECO-Sign – to make up for the ones you have not seen – It seems if I find a spot for a sign or two, it immediately becomes surrounded by 2-5 of another candidates.
Elect: CURTIS KRUSCHEL
Alderman - Ward 4!
ELECTION DAY IS OCTOBER 18, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Civic Camp Forum - The questions I did not get to answer!
Last night was the CivicCamp forum, and candidates could be prepared by going to the website and seeing the top ten Citizen questions. Unfortunately, the question about Race City and Heritage sites did not come up. Below are my answers to those to issues.
Does the city have a role in preserving Heritage Site, and if so, what?
The role of the city in preserving heritage sites is vital to the nuance of our city, and our communities. The City of Calgary’s Heritage Policy provides important guidance and direction within the greater planning process.
Plan It Calgary will direct our communities of all ages and it includes heritage value statements. Imagine an archery target. The center is what we call Inner City, downtown, Fort Calgary, Inglewood, etc. The next ring of the target is called Inner Suburbs. Think about Mountainview, Tuxedo, Highland Park, etc. The third ring, we term established communities – Thorncliffe, Huntington, North Haven (most of the ward), and then the outer ring, New Communities Edgemont, Hidden Valley, and Country Hills.
Our communities may have buildings or landscapes which may be of heritage value in the future. The key to Heritage sites, is their “SIGNIFICANCE”. Significance can be anything from architecture to a person of interest and can be relevant to one of our communities or the City as a whole.
Consider our commercial sites. Perhaps the owner that would like to demolish and rebuild. But what if the structure is sound. If it is deemed of heritage significance can we not work with the owner to preserve the storefront, and rebuild the interior to suit the needs of the property owner. Examples that come to mind are 8th Avenue Mall, and the Alberta Hotel – Interiors redone, building structure and aura are maintained.
Next we have our residential homes. Does the house across the street have some heritage value? The communities of Calgary have a variety of architectural types and styles included some that will be significant examples of war time housing, 4 square bungalows, 60’s two storey two bedroom 1 bath houses, etc. Not everything should be saved but our City has an important responsibility in determined and encouraging preservation of what is of heritage value.
We also have industrial heritage. The Inglewood Brewery is a prime example. This is Calgary’s most significant industrial site and was owned by A.E. Cross of Big Four fame. Imagine the potential for integrating the heritage of this site into the site redevelopment. it could be the site for specific retail, restaurant, and cultural business while maintaining the key buildings and preserving our heritage. An example of re-vitalization of Heritage is Whyte Avenue, and Strathcona in Edmonton. (Sorry for swearing).
Let’s also consider some significant modern buildings and how they might be repurposed. The current CBE building will be vacated by the board, and this building is part of all our lives (specifically Native Calgarians, but we all refer to it as the building with the Statues…) Do you think, and this is my idea, that that building could host the Library? It may not be big enough for all the library infrastructure, but if it became “just a library”, I am sure there is enough space. Another site could perhaps house some of the administrative aspect of the library. This is just one example of thinking outside the box and retrofitting, reusing and refitting buildings of significance
The city has the Calgary Heritage Authority with a mandate to advise City Council on heritage matters. A study was done to make the committee even more effective and it ligers on a shelf. If elected, I will work to take the review off the shelf, and make sure the committee becomes even more effective. We need our Cultural Heritage as much as we need our Library’s, Police, Fire, and transit systems. They are a vital part of what makes our city and our communities great.
Do you support a long term lease for Race City as a track and advanced driving facility in Calgary?
Race City is an interesting topic. I am in favor of Race City having a facility, as it is important for people to have a place where they can actually use their muscle cars, and not race in the streets. It can also be key in bringing in other events like possibly an Indy or F1 race. These however require a large commitment from the community.
Race city is also a descent venue for Outdoor concerts.
Now, the land, which is owned by the City is scheduled to become a landfill. There is a lot of work that goes into preparation of an area to become a landfill. As the City is the landlord, they can in essence, not renew any lease they see fit. As was the case with the Golf Facility near the Calgary West soccer centre. If the city has not already invested the funds into landfill preparation, then I say keep Race City open, and extend their lease. If they have, the city may be able to make some concessions to help them move, but that would be all. Race city is a private company, and with any company and its dealings with landlords, sometimes, buildings and land at the end of a lease become unavailable, and the tenant has to make alternate arrangements.
My personal opinion is Keep it open. But I am unaware of the financial implications required in doing so.
----------
Keeping up with the sign race - below is once again, your Eco-sign. Please vote for me on Election Day!
Does the city have a role in preserving Heritage Site, and if so, what?
The role of the city in preserving heritage sites is vital to the nuance of our city, and our communities. The City of Calgary’s Heritage Policy provides important guidance and direction within the greater planning process.
Plan It Calgary will direct our communities of all ages and it includes heritage value statements. Imagine an archery target. The center is what we call Inner City, downtown, Fort Calgary, Inglewood, etc. The next ring of the target is called Inner Suburbs. Think about Mountainview, Tuxedo, Highland Park, etc. The third ring, we term established communities – Thorncliffe, Huntington, North Haven (most of the ward), and then the outer ring, New Communities Edgemont, Hidden Valley, and Country Hills.
Our communities may have buildings or landscapes which may be of heritage value in the future. The key to Heritage sites, is their “SIGNIFICANCE”. Significance can be anything from architecture to a person of interest and can be relevant to one of our communities or the City as a whole.
Consider our commercial sites. Perhaps the owner that would like to demolish and rebuild. But what if the structure is sound. If it is deemed of heritage significance can we not work with the owner to preserve the storefront, and rebuild the interior to suit the needs of the property owner. Examples that come to mind are 8th Avenue Mall, and the Alberta Hotel – Interiors redone, building structure and aura are maintained.
Next we have our residential homes. Does the house across the street have some heritage value? The communities of Calgary have a variety of architectural types and styles included some that will be significant examples of war time housing, 4 square bungalows, 60’s two storey two bedroom 1 bath houses, etc. Not everything should be saved but our City has an important responsibility in determined and encouraging preservation of what is of heritage value.
We also have industrial heritage. The Inglewood Brewery is a prime example. This is Calgary’s most significant industrial site and was owned by A.E. Cross of Big Four fame. Imagine the potential for integrating the heritage of this site into the site redevelopment. it could be the site for specific retail, restaurant, and cultural business while maintaining the key buildings and preserving our heritage. An example of re-vitalization of Heritage is Whyte Avenue, and Strathcona in Edmonton. (Sorry for swearing).
Let’s also consider some significant modern buildings and how they might be repurposed. The current CBE building will be vacated by the board, and this building is part of all our lives (specifically Native Calgarians, but we all refer to it as the building with the Statues…) Do you think, and this is my idea, that that building could host the Library? It may not be big enough for all the library infrastructure, but if it became “just a library”, I am sure there is enough space. Another site could perhaps house some of the administrative aspect of the library. This is just one example of thinking outside the box and retrofitting, reusing and refitting buildings of significance
The city has the Calgary Heritage Authority with a mandate to advise City Council on heritage matters. A study was done to make the committee even more effective and it ligers on a shelf. If elected, I will work to take the review off the shelf, and make sure the committee becomes even more effective. We need our Cultural Heritage as much as we need our Library’s, Police, Fire, and transit systems. They are a vital part of what makes our city and our communities great.
Do you support a long term lease for Race City as a track and advanced driving facility in Calgary?
Race City is an interesting topic. I am in favor of Race City having a facility, as it is important for people to have a place where they can actually use their muscle cars, and not race in the streets. It can also be key in bringing in other events like possibly an Indy or F1 race. These however require a large commitment from the community.
Race city is also a descent venue for Outdoor concerts.
Now, the land, which is owned by the City is scheduled to become a landfill. There is a lot of work that goes into preparation of an area to become a landfill. As the City is the landlord, they can in essence, not renew any lease they see fit. As was the case with the Golf Facility near the Calgary West soccer centre. If the city has not already invested the funds into landfill preparation, then I say keep Race City open, and extend their lease. If they have, the city may be able to make some concessions to help them move, but that would be all. Race city is a private company, and with any company and its dealings with landlords, sometimes, buildings and land at the end of a lease become unavailable, and the tenant has to make alternate arrangements.
My personal opinion is Keep it open. But I am unaware of the financial implications required in doing so.
----------
Keeping up with the sign race - below is once again, your Eco-sign. Please vote for me on Election Day!
Elect: CURTIS KRUSCHEL
Alderman - Ward 4!
ELECTION DAY IS OCTOBER 18, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Response to Calgary Leadership Forum Survey
Here is another survey I received - the toughest part was stating a platform and comparing to current city policies - nonetheless, it is below, unedited, as submitted.
Have a great day all.
Information will be posted at Calgaryvotesonline.com
CANDIDATE QUESTIONAIRE
1. Candidate Profile - Please provide a candidates profile, to a maximum of 200 words that accurately introduces yourself to the citizens of Calgary. Recommended subjects could include;
- Career, business and or professional experience
- Service to the community - past and present
- Reason for running for office
- Will you serve full or part time?
I am an IT professional of 30 years, working in all aspects of support from Mainframe operations to Help Desk support and management. My community service has ranged from a community association board member, to the sports fields of the city. Becoming a soccer referee, then referee coordinator, and then changing from flat fields to flat water, I have been actively involved in the competitive swimming world for the last 5 years. I am running for Alderman, as I want to take it to the next level. Community to City. It is my goal to be a full time alderman, and that is my commitment to Ward 4.
2. Top 3 Issues/Personal Commitment/Accountability - what are your top 3 issues, on which you are willing to be held accountable to the citizens of Calgary at the next civic election, should you be elected or reelected? How does this differ from current city policy? (Please limit answer to 200 words)
The first issue is the 60M shortfall. I will find the money without cutting key services to the citizens – Police, Fire, Transit, and Library. These services are the face of the city. I will not borrow from capital budget to offset the legislated “non-deficit” operational budget. Another personal issue, closer to the community, is the kids right to play. Whether it be sports or the arts, I firmly believe the kids have a right to play. Finally, city services need to be expanded to all of the taxpayer base. Is it fair that a business in an industrial park which pays property and business taxes do not have the same city services as the base property owner / downtown employee.
3. Financial Responsibility - What is your policy on taxation, and specifically would you support limiting tax increases to the rate of inflation? How does this differ from current city policy? (Please limit answer to 75 words)
If the city wants increases services, the only solution is a tax increase. More snow removal, more recycling, more roads, no potholes, etc. All services have a cost, without a tax increase, how are these to be implemented. On that note, if there is an increase and no proof of service, we will have failed.
4. Public Transparency- What is your position on public business being done in the public and not behind closed doors? How does this differ from current city policy? (Please limit answer to 75 words)
Transparency is the word of the election. Is transparency operation in a fish bowl, or making issue pass through being completely invisible? All city decisions should be open to the public. There are specific issues that require “in camera” discussions, and this is the case with any board. My goal: community participation on all key issues.
5. Citizen Engagement-Please describe your personal philosophy towards active citizen engagement and participation? How does this differ from current city policy? (Please limit answer to 75 words)
Community residents will have access to participate in all decisions. We have the technology, but Ward 4 is an established community. All residents must have access. Legacy technology must be available so ALL constituents have a voice. I will be participating in community board meetings, and informing the community with all media forms possible, from web, to the community newsletter. This is and has always been an integral part of my platform.
6. Sustainability and Quality of life - What do you propose to support the philosophy of sustainability to maintain and improve the quality of life? How does this differ from current city policy? (Please limit answer to 75 words)
The residents are smart, and want to protect their neighborhoods. They do not want increased traffic; as well as they want it to be safe. Through a basic concept of lighting a flood rink, you can expand this to making sure all pedestrian walkways have lighting, if parks have lighting, then everything becomes safer. Our neighborhood is also blessed with Nose Hill Park. These park areas should remain protected for the benefit of all.
6. Contact Information- Please provide the following;
• phone number- (587) 999-2542
• email- Curtis@ck4a.ca
• website- www.ck4a.ca
• facebook- http://www.facebook.com/people/Curtis-Kruschel/100001428487430
• twitter- http://www.twitter.com/ck4a
• rss feed- http://ck4a.blogspot.com/
Have a great day all.
Information will be posted at Calgaryvotesonline.com
CANDIDATE QUESTIONAIRE
1. Candidate Profile - Please provide a candidates profile, to a maximum of 200 words that accurately introduces yourself to the citizens of Calgary. Recommended subjects could include;
- Career, business and or professional experience
- Service to the community - past and present
- Reason for running for office
- Will you serve full or part time?
I am an IT professional of 30 years, working in all aspects of support from Mainframe operations to Help Desk support and management. My community service has ranged from a community association board member, to the sports fields of the city. Becoming a soccer referee, then referee coordinator, and then changing from flat fields to flat water, I have been actively involved in the competitive swimming world for the last 5 years. I am running for Alderman, as I want to take it to the next level. Community to City. It is my goal to be a full time alderman, and that is my commitment to Ward 4.
2. Top 3 Issues/Personal Commitment/Accountability - what are your top 3 issues, on which you are willing to be held accountable to the citizens of Calgary at the next civic election, should you be elected or reelected? How does this differ from current city policy? (Please limit answer to 200 words)
The first issue is the 60M shortfall. I will find the money without cutting key services to the citizens – Police, Fire, Transit, and Library. These services are the face of the city. I will not borrow from capital budget to offset the legislated “non-deficit” operational budget. Another personal issue, closer to the community, is the kids right to play. Whether it be sports or the arts, I firmly believe the kids have a right to play. Finally, city services need to be expanded to all of the taxpayer base. Is it fair that a business in an industrial park which pays property and business taxes do not have the same city services as the base property owner / downtown employee.
3. Financial Responsibility - What is your policy on taxation, and specifically would you support limiting tax increases to the rate of inflation? How does this differ from current city policy? (Please limit answer to 75 words)
If the city wants increases services, the only solution is a tax increase. More snow removal, more recycling, more roads, no potholes, etc. All services have a cost, without a tax increase, how are these to be implemented. On that note, if there is an increase and no proof of service, we will have failed.
4. Public Transparency- What is your position on public business being done in the public and not behind closed doors? How does this differ from current city policy? (Please limit answer to 75 words)
Transparency is the word of the election. Is transparency operation in a fish bowl, or making issue pass through being completely invisible? All city decisions should be open to the public. There are specific issues that require “in camera” discussions, and this is the case with any board. My goal: community participation on all key issues.
5. Citizen Engagement-Please describe your personal philosophy towards active citizen engagement and participation? How does this differ from current city policy? (Please limit answer to 75 words)
Community residents will have access to participate in all decisions. We have the technology, but Ward 4 is an established community. All residents must have access. Legacy technology must be available so ALL constituents have a voice. I will be participating in community board meetings, and informing the community with all media forms possible, from web, to the community newsletter. This is and has always been an integral part of my platform.
6. Sustainability and Quality of life - What do you propose to support the philosophy of sustainability to maintain and improve the quality of life? How does this differ from current city policy? (Please limit answer to 75 words)
The residents are smart, and want to protect their neighborhoods. They do not want increased traffic; as well as they want it to be safe. Through a basic concept of lighting a flood rink, you can expand this to making sure all pedestrian walkways have lighting, if parks have lighting, then everything becomes safer. Our neighborhood is also blessed with Nose Hill Park. These park areas should remain protected for the benefit of all.
6. Contact Information- Please provide the following;
• phone number- (587) 999-2542
• email- Curtis@ck4a.ca
• website- www.ck4a.ca
• facebook- http://www.facebook.com/people/Curtis-Kruschel/100001428487430
• twitter- http://www.twitter.com/ck4a
• rss feed- http://ck4a.blogspot.com/
Friday, October 1, 2010
Now the sign war gets personal!
It isn't that this ward has the most candidates, and our green space is turning into sign space, but that said, there are certain areas that I consider out of bounds.
The Bylaw says - Centre street, 14 street, Beddington Trail, Sarcee, Shaganappi, Country Hills Blvd, Deerfoot Trail are all sign free, with the exception of private property.
Nose Hill Park is an environmental park for use of hikers, mountain bikers, and just general walkers. I realise that since Nose Hill Park was created, it has become an island in it's own right, but there are still deer, owls, and other wildlife that call it home. Sooner or later, Fish Creek will also be completely urbanised, if it hasn't been already, but the residents respect and use the park for it's purpose - recreation. Nose Hill Park is key to our ward, and a large land mass sustaining the significant wildlife, as well as providing a scenic walk in the park area for the residents of the Ward and other surrounding areas. Let's keep it free of capitalistic additions such as advertising and let the park be what it is - a park.
The city provides parking, but as far as I am concerned, that is all the non-natural that should be allowed. Some candidates have decided that advertising is allowed. Signs destroy the aura of the park, and this should tell you how they treat our environmental areas... Can you imagine Banff National Park with a sign every 2-300 meters along the parkway... Enough said... You decide...
The Bylaw says - Centre street, 14 street, Beddington Trail, Sarcee, Shaganappi, Country Hills Blvd, Deerfoot Trail are all sign free, with the exception of private property.
Nose Hill Park is an environmental park for use of hikers, mountain bikers, and just general walkers. I realise that since Nose Hill Park was created, it has become an island in it's own right, but there are still deer, owls, and other wildlife that call it home. Sooner or later, Fish Creek will also be completely urbanised, if it hasn't been already, but the residents respect and use the park for it's purpose - recreation. Nose Hill Park is key to our ward, and a large land mass sustaining the significant wildlife, as well as providing a scenic walk in the park area for the residents of the Ward and other surrounding areas. Let's keep it free of capitalistic additions such as advertising and let the park be what it is - a park.
The city provides parking, but as far as I am concerned, that is all the non-natural that should be allowed. Some candidates have decided that advertising is allowed. Signs destroy the aura of the park, and this should tell you how they treat our environmental areas... Can you imagine Banff National Park with a sign every 2-300 meters along the parkway... Enough said... You decide...
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