10 in 2010

January 12th, 2010 in 2010 Campaign

The Journal‘s City Hall newshound Gordon Kent broke the story in today’s paper about some councillors’ decision of where to run on the new 12 ward electoral map (which will be effective as of the October 2010 election).

It’s official: I plan to run in Ward 10 (‘barring death or dismemberment’ as Cllr. Anderson put it to me yesterday).

Cllr. Anderson and I came to a working understanding late last year that we would not run against each other, desiring instead that the bulk of our current Ward 5 constituents should have an experienced representative on their ballot. That way we might both continue to offer responsive services and knowledgeable representation. Should we each be fourtunate enough to receive another term we plan to continue to work together as we have on common issues and opportunities in the Southwest.

Neighbourhoods from today’s Ward 5 found their way into three of the new smaller wards. [Here’s a map of the current 6 wards.]

The bulk of the current Ward 5 is to be divided along the Whitemud ravine, and then the Blackmud ravine south of 23rd Avenue. The eastern area where I will run (Southgate and Century Park area) will be Ward 10, the western area where Cllr. Anderson plans to run (Riverbend, Terwillegar, Windermere, Heritage Valley and Twin Brooks) will be Ward 9.

The three northernmost neighbourhoods in current Ward 5 (Belgravia, McKernan and Queen Alexandra) are in the new Ward 8, along with the campus area, Strathcona, Bonnie Doon and Capilano. My family bought a house in Belgravia last year to be closer to the new LRT, which means we do live just inside the new Ward 8.

I expect that I am not the only incumbent who will seek re-election in an area he or she represents now but doesn’t reside in because of the boundary changes. Nonetheless, I grew up in Ward 10 and my roots remain as deep as my commitment. I am excited to continue work on the challenges and opportunities that come with the LRT extension to Century Park, and other issues affecting older neighbourhoods in our city, such as fixing sidewalks, side streets and alleys and making new development as positive as possible when it occurs in established areas.

It remains an honour to represent all parts of Ward 5 until election day, though it is difficult in a way to think of ‘losing’ those parts of it that will be in the new Wards 8 and 9. I still strongly support the move to the smaller wards, though, and think this will be positive for reasons previously recorded here.

I’m looking forward to knocking on doors in the spring. Knowing that I have half as many doorsteps to reach means I have twice the opportunity to connect with the people I would like to continue to represent.

16 thoughts on “10 in 2010”

  3. I’m sorry to be losing you as my councillor (I’m in the new Ward 8) – you and Cllr Anderson have been great representatives. Any idea who will be running in this ward?

  4. Have you noticed the poll in the Journal? Snapshot at 15:13

    It appears all city councillors are planning to run again in the next civic election. Will you be voting for an incumbent?

    Yes, I want experience
    19.30 %

    No, the city needs new blood
    71.35 %

    I don’t vote in civic elections
    9.36 %

  5. Dave, I’m not sure those things can properly be called polls and I would be surprised if that is the end result.

    In speaking to people in person some folks do have concerns and issues that I’m happy to discuss, but most seem excited by the leadership this Council has shown.

    Speaking of talking to people in person, you haven’t responded to my invitation to sit down over coffee and talk. Interested?

  6. Don: Very pleased to learn this, as I noted on your Facebook post, and I doubly pleased that I live in Ward 10. You will have my vote.

    As I also noted in my Facebook post, I’d really like to see you work towards getting all streets plowed in the winter after a storm. Where we live now, it’s a pile of oatmeal, making driving difficult and dangerous. And we are a winter city – how is this still a topic for discussion. I grew up in Winnipeg, where all the streets were always cleared after a storm – and still are. I’m willing to take a tax increase to make this work. And I’ve like to see the LRT out to the airport.

    Hope it’s ok to let you know my thoughts here. Regardless, again let me say how pleased I am to learn you will run again, and thankful that my riding is the one you will represent.

    Kind regards and good luck,
    Randy

  7. Even though we don’t always agree on things, I still wish you were representing McKernan – heaven only knows who else we’ll get!

  8. good luck. I hope you win. sadly you are not in my riding though, so I’ll have to vote for someone else. I’ve never been a fan of regionalism in politics.

  9. Councilor Iveson has been an outstanding elected representative for the community of Lansdowne. The community has for a number of years, worked with the City of Edmonton to improve the roadway system in our neighborhood. Councilor Iveson has facilitated meetings with the City always respecting the views of both sides. We have continued to make progress due to his invaluable assistance.

    We are delighted to know that he will run in Ward 10. Don Iveson has my full endorsement and support.

    Don Ausman

  10. I knew this would happen-we finally had a great counselor, Don Iveson, and when the wards were split, I knew we’d be stuck with that less than great Bryan Anderson. Don actually worked for ward 5, while Bryan, in his too many years, has done very little for us.

  11. I am glad that you are running again, but wish you were in the new Ward 9. Hoepfully someone with your enrgy and vision runs in Ward 9

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