Survey Responses:

Question 1.1:

Do you think municipal taxes should:

a) Reduce in absolute terms
b) Reduce in real terms (grow, but slower than inflation)
c) Reduce in relative terms (grow, but slower than inflation plus population growth)
d) Stay the same (grow, but only in line with inflation plus population growth)
e) Increase a bit (grow in line with the city’s Municipal Price Index)
f) Increase more (grow faster than the city’s Municipal Price Index)

Answer 1.1 [Choose One]:

b) Reduce in real terms (grow, but slower than inflation)

Question 1.2:

Comments?

Answer/Comments 1.2:

The way to grow tax revenue is by increasing the tax base and improve efficiencies.

Question 2.1:

Would you vote in favour of allocating any tax dollars or giving any subsidy towards a new stadium/arena?

Answer 2.1 [Yes/No Only]:

No.

Question 2.2:

If yes, how much and in what form would these taxes take (direct cash, land, subsidy, indirect, etc), and why do you support public dollars being directed towards a corporation?

Answer/Comments 2.2:

By entering into a P3 with the private sector and using creative financing solutions. I would put together a committee including financial experts, government and sports representatives to finance all needed venues including a new arena and football/soccer stadium.

Question 3.1:

Recent research on Calgary’s City Council found that council spends nearly a quarter of its’ time meeting in private (in camera). Do you agree that this is too much time spent in private?

Answer 3.1 [Yes/No Only]:

Yes.

Question 3.2:

If so, what would you do to fix this? Which topics do you believe should be discussed behind closed doors and why?

Answer/Comments 3.2:

Ensure that the discussions are limited to the confidential aspects of the issues to be discussed as legislated by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Question 4.1:

From the $470,000 Blue Ring, to the $236,000 for a “Poop Palace”, and now another $500,000 for Bowfort Towers, council has consistently failed to engage with Calgarians about which public Art projects their tax dollars are spent on. Do you support continuing to use taxpayer dollars to fund art projects for the city?

Answer 4.1 [Yes/No Only]:

Yes. 

Question 4.2:

If yes, why do you think council and administration have repeatedly failed on this issue, and what guidelines should be used to ensure Calgarians are happy with the results in future?

Answer/Comments 4.2:

Cut the funding in half and use that funding for Arts. As long as there is public engagement and dollars are spent on local artists. Also more emphasis on pedestrian environment. Use the other half to support amateur sports. Like on artificial turf fields, hockey arenas, where we encourage more youth activities.

Question 5:

How can council support small businesses?

Answer 5:

By working with the Provincial Government to change the regulations to the current taxation rules. I will hire an industry expert to work with the development Industry and City administration from my Mayoral Budget to streamline the process for businesses to invest and build in our City to create new jobs. We must be business friendly and with input from small businesses reduce barriers for job creation and business sustainability.

Question 6.1:

Do you support the current plan for construction of the Green Line?

Answer 6.1 [Yes/No Only]:

Yes.

Question 6.2:

The construction of the Green Line was approved based on a cost-benefit analysis that assumed the project would be completed two years earlier than now projected, and at a lower construction cost for the entire line than is now estimated for half of the line. If the costs increase again or the project is further delayed, would you continue to support it, and why?

Answer/Comment 6.2:

The added cost was primarily driven because of scope changes. I did not support all of the changes but would consider supporting the line if it actually gets to the riders and reduces the current net operating cost of 45 million/year.

Question 7.1:

In July, City Council voted against a motion to hold a referendum/plebiscite on whether Calgary should bid to host the 2026 Winter Olympics bid. Do you support holding a referendum / plebiscite on whether Calgary should bid to host the 2026 Winter Olympics bid?

Answer 7.1 [Yes/No Only]:

Yes.

Question 7.2:

Why do you support/oppose a public vote? Should the results of a vote should be binding?

Answer/Comment 7.2:

I voted yes, however our city’s credit card is maxed out and we must build our business base to support an event of this nature. The Invictus Games or events of this nature may be a better pursuit at this time.