Launch Reactions

I’m energized! The response to the launch and speech has been very positive and I’ve been doing lots of media and answering lots of emails, tweets and Facebook messages of support.

But I don’t think it’s me – it’s the message that has people excited. They want leadership for a functional city, a fair city, a city with more housing and transportation choices, and they want a beautiful city. A city where businesses can thrive. They know we need to get a fair share in the region. And they want to continue to dream big, but be responsible about it. I want those things too.

I did get some interesting feedback on the speech that I’d like to address.

I got asked why the environment didn’t feature prominently in my speech, which is a fair question. It wasn’t a deliberate omission – I think I assumed it was between the lines, and I think I must have assumed that my credentials on this file were solid. Edmontonians have a strong, true environmental ethic – from river valley preservation a century ago, to our investments in recycling and standard-setting waste management practices, to our ambitious sustainability goals for the Blatchford (airport) redevelopment; and I think the City’s Council-approved Environmental Strategic Plan, The Way We Green is a solid roadmap for the City’s environmental objectives. Work continues on implementation, from the Green Building Strategy to natural area preservation to accelerated high efficiency LED streetlight conversion.

I’ve also had a few people looking for a comprehensive platform document. While my principles and values are not up for debate, nor the essence of the vision I’ve laid out, the details will be solidified by further active consultation with interested citizens, social agencies, business leaders, and other groups I’m meeting with. How we get there is an active conversation. So please be patient – there’s plenty of campaign ahead of us. Or if you have strong views on these topics, get in touch and help influence the policy specifics. That dialog is what election campaigns are for!

The other raised eyebrow was, why hold it at the Petroleum Club? Granted, it’s an institution with some controversial history. But second chances are important. I got connected with the Club because of the amazing work they’re doing around local food, and was really impressed. Also, there is a family connection – my Grampa Larry, who brought our family to Alberta when he took a job in oil & gas, used to do a lot of business at the Club, which makes it a symbolic place for me. Finally, it’s a beautiful example of mid-century modern architecture, which I happen to love.

One other omission I should remedy: I want to give special thanks and mention to the people who were with me on stage at the launch. From left to right, Miranda Jimmy who I serve with on the Edmonton Public Library Board; Nate Box, small business owner (Elm Cafe), who I met through Next Gen; Asha Gidwaney, mother of one of my oldest friends, and one of the first people to formally support my 2007 campaign; former Councillor Michael Phair, who is one of my mentors; Mary Fung, who I’ve worked with for several years on the Edmonton Chinese Garden Project; and David Judge, a constituent, longtime supporter, and owner of Humford Property Management. I thank them again for turning out and standing with me. (Sorry for not introducing you, guys!)

[Credit to Pieter De Vos for the great photo above.]