The election has come and gone and Congratulations are in order to the newly elected council.
Thanks for following along on this blog.
As they say in the media world
-30-
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Last Posting-October 17
This is the last message on this blog until after the election tomorrow. I wish all the candidates good luck and I will wait patiently. (But, what is it with all those signs leading up to the polling stations? As a friend of mine sometimes says-EGADS!)
Today was a very interesting day, as we met with people in three neighbourhoods. First, we met with residents in Sunset Ridge. The main issue concerned the twinning of Highway 22. People want long term solutions nad not bandaids as we are seeing with the turn lanes. I also heard a great deal about growth management and taxes. People in Sunset Ridge want to know what infrastructure is going to be built with the taxes they contribute. They want to know if it is fair for current residents to have to pay for infrastructure that is necessary only because of growth. Overall, people in Sunset Ridge say they are happy they moved here and enjoy the community, and the community events.
In Gleneagles, similar issues were raised about caring for current infrastructure needs before more growth is promoted. People asked questions about Walmart, and again the people were divided on the question, with youth still saying they wish big box stores did not have to locate in the downtown core.
Finally, in the East End, I talked with many neighbours, and it was a great way to end the campaign-chatting and laughing among friends.
My campaign team and me door knocked for almost two months and went to over 4,000 homes. We spoke to many people, and those discussions and ideas have been presented here. We had a wonderful time meeting everyone and hearing your stories and suggestions for improving Cochrane. Tonight, we rested and shared some tales of being on the trail. I am so thankful for my team, because without their help I would never have accomplished so much.
After two months, I can say that I am proud to live in this community, and it remains my community of choice for many years to come.
Tomorrow-please go and vote.
Today was a very interesting day, as we met with people in three neighbourhoods. First, we met with residents in Sunset Ridge. The main issue concerned the twinning of Highway 22. People want long term solutions nad not bandaids as we are seeing with the turn lanes. I also heard a great deal about growth management and taxes. People in Sunset Ridge want to know what infrastructure is going to be built with the taxes they contribute. They want to know if it is fair for current residents to have to pay for infrastructure that is necessary only because of growth. Overall, people in Sunset Ridge say they are happy they moved here and enjoy the community, and the community events.
In Gleneagles, similar issues were raised about caring for current infrastructure needs before more growth is promoted. People asked questions about Walmart, and again the people were divided on the question, with youth still saying they wish big box stores did not have to locate in the downtown core.
Finally, in the East End, I talked with many neighbours, and it was a great way to end the campaign-chatting and laughing among friends.
My campaign team and me door knocked for almost two months and went to over 4,000 homes. We spoke to many people, and those discussions and ideas have been presented here. We had a wonderful time meeting everyone and hearing your stories and suggestions for improving Cochrane. Tonight, we rested and shared some tales of being on the trail. I am so thankful for my team, because without their help I would never have accomplished so much.
After two months, I can say that I am proud to live in this community, and it remains my community of choice for many years to come.
Tomorrow-please go and vote.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Today in Bow Meadows and West Valley
At 9:30 I started canvassing in Bow Meadows-despite the early hour, people answered their doors and took time to talk to me about the issues. I met some interesting people, and some old friends. Thanks to those who took time to vote today, especially Janet, my friend who made sure she voted! I was impressed.
Some of the issues there are speeding on the Bow River by speed boats, congestion on the Bow River, the pathway system that the Town just got finished, partying in the park until wee hours by young people, parking in the residential neighbourhood by people using the park, lack of maintenance of the public lands behind the houses, weeds, bylaw enforcement, and lack of bylaw enforcement, inability to get out of the neighbourhood easily during peak hours, lack of a second exit into the area, etc.
It was a full, and busy morning, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute I spent chatting with people.
This afternoon, I went back again to West Valley. I really enjoyed the time talking with Wayne, Ken, Della, Colleen, and others who I don't know by name, and I know they will keep me on my toes if I am elected. I enjoyed sharing storied with everyone and look forward to representing all of you on council, when elected. (If elected?)
I enjoyed learning about concerns and issues that have already been dealt with elsewhere in this blog many times. The "painted pony" continues to raise its head, for example. Development and growth are also raised time and time again.
Thanks to everyone I met today for tkaing the time-it is greatly appreciated. Thanks to Myrna for the coffee and Judy for the great sign location!
Some of the issues there are speeding on the Bow River by speed boats, congestion on the Bow River, the pathway system that the Town just got finished, partying in the park until wee hours by young people, parking in the residential neighbourhood by people using the park, lack of maintenance of the public lands behind the houses, weeds, bylaw enforcement, and lack of bylaw enforcement, inability to get out of the neighbourhood easily during peak hours, lack of a second exit into the area, etc.
It was a full, and busy morning, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute I spent chatting with people.
This afternoon, I went back again to West Valley. I really enjoyed the time talking with Wayne, Ken, Della, Colleen, and others who I don't know by name, and I know they will keep me on my toes if I am elected. I enjoyed sharing storied with everyone and look forward to representing all of you on council, when elected. (If elected?)
I enjoyed learning about concerns and issues that have already been dealt with elsewhere in this blog many times. The "painted pony" continues to raise its head, for example. Development and growth are also raised time and time again.
Thanks to everyone I met today for tkaing the time-it is greatly appreciated. Thanks to Myrna for the coffee and Judy for the great sign location!
The Bethany and Gleneagles Villas
On Friday, I spent the day in the snow! It was odd that Thursday was so warm and sunny and then Friday turned cold and wintery. I just wanted to put on a cozy fire and stay home, but with just three days left before the election I hit the streets instead. First, I visited the Bethany. Then I spent the rest of the day visiting people in the Villas. There is a story to be told there, but not on this blog. Generally, the people in the Villas are very supportive.
The pathways and weed issues are prevalent in that area, and the Town has done little if anything to control thistles and maintain a pathway system that connects the Villas to the golf course pathway system. I told people that CEAC does engage in weed pulls on a regular basis and that we currently have two CWY participants who are available for weed control. I know that this issue can be easily addressed given the new Weed Control Act. I would like to ensure that the Town has a stand alone weed control bylaw in place to help with this problem. Many invasive species can be controlled by hand pulling, so pesticides may not be required unless the weed infestation is out of control. There is one species that is out of control all along Highway 1A up the big hill, and as it was not dealt with this year will be worse next year. I hope to be able to work on those weeds next spring.
Like many people in other parts of Cochrane, people in Gleneagles really want the Town to lead by example and control weeds on public lands.
The issue of bareland condominium property taxes was raised loud and clear. People feel that if their condo property is not hooked up to and receiving similar services as other lots that they should not have to pay so much property taxes because they ahve to pay their own road clearance, park maintenance, sewer and water line upkeep, etc. I would like to look into this problem. There are 181 units in the Villas, and all pay significant property taxes. That is quite a bit of money collected by the Town for municipal purposes. They also pay the same water, sewer and other service distribution utility fees. In addition, their condo fees and maintenance fees are excessive. This is just to live in their homes. No-one explained the total impact of fees and taxes to many of these residents when the properties were purchased. I wonder why not?Perhaps it is time to reconsider the impact of all these fees and taxation policies on bareland condominium properties. Perhaps it is time to reconsider whether development of bareland condominium properties ought to be encouraged within our community. Just a thought. What do others think?
The pathways and weed issues are prevalent in that area, and the Town has done little if anything to control thistles and maintain a pathway system that connects the Villas to the golf course pathway system. I told people that CEAC does engage in weed pulls on a regular basis and that we currently have two CWY participants who are available for weed control. I know that this issue can be easily addressed given the new Weed Control Act. I would like to ensure that the Town has a stand alone weed control bylaw in place to help with this problem. Many invasive species can be controlled by hand pulling, so pesticides may not be required unless the weed infestation is out of control. There is one species that is out of control all along Highway 1A up the big hill, and as it was not dealt with this year will be worse next year. I hope to be able to work on those weeds next spring.
Like many people in other parts of Cochrane, people in Gleneagles really want the Town to lead by example and control weeds on public lands.
The issue of bareland condominium property taxes was raised loud and clear. People feel that if their condo property is not hooked up to and receiving similar services as other lots that they should not have to pay so much property taxes because they ahve to pay their own road clearance, park maintenance, sewer and water line upkeep, etc. I would like to look into this problem. There are 181 units in the Villas, and all pay significant property taxes. That is quite a bit of money collected by the Town for municipal purposes. They also pay the same water, sewer and other service distribution utility fees. In addition, their condo fees and maintenance fees are excessive. This is just to live in their homes. No-one explained the total impact of fees and taxes to many of these residents when the properties were purchased. I wonder why not?Perhaps it is time to reconsider the impact of all these fees and taxation policies on bareland condominium properties. Perhaps it is time to reconsider whether development of bareland condominium properties ought to be encouraged within our community. Just a thought. What do others think?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
In August I was honoured to be profiled as a sustainability ambassador
Here is the link:
http://cochranesustainability.ca/take-action/ambassadors-judy/
I posted this in August, but maybe some new readers would like to learn more about the Cochrane Sustainability Plan- would be glad to chat to you about it.
http://cochranesustainability.ca/take-action/ambassadors-judy/
I posted this in August, but maybe some new readers would like to learn more about the Cochrane Sustainability Plan- would be glad to chat to you about it.
Glenbow and West Valley-Visting Seniors
The last two days have been spent in Glenbow and West Valley and visiting seniors. Tomorrow I will get a chance to visit at the Bethany, and I hope to encourage people to get out and vote on Monday. Both days, I was helped out by Grace and Andy who make my job so easy-they are wonderful canvassers and I would be lost without them.
The two biggest issues in both Glenbow and West Valley were the brand and continued land development without services in place. People made many comments on the brand and as it turns out, this is a hot topic during this campaign. Many people are so upset that they will not be voting for anyone on the current council. It is not the expense, it is the fact that council did not listen to public feedback. This is the cornerstone of a number of issues. People feel that council does not care about public opinion. I want to work hard to restore public trust and have shared many ideas on how to do this.
I also heard a lot about unmanaged growth and lack of services. A few people stressed that the pool is an important facility, but they want a plebiscite. I heard loud and clear that people want an opportunity to vote on whether taxes should be increased to pay for the pool. We talked about options and partnerships and fundraising and people are quite excited about the possibility of being able to contribute in that way. One thing is for sure: if we have a plebiscite and the people vote against the pool, this council will not be able to proceed to develop it. That is an important consideration.
One person commented that I would add some knowledge and expertise to the planning process at the Town and she hopes I would ask to be a member of the Planning Commission. I am certainly interested, but first, I want to be elected and will be honoured to do whatever I can to improve my community.
Overall, the days have gone by quickly and, I think positively. I went to vote in the advance poll and it was very quiet. The next advance poll is Saturday 10-4 at the RancheHouse, and I hope to get to as many doors as I can before people go and vote.
Hope to see you at your door over the weekend if I haven't been by yet. Today I handed out my 3,450th brochure. I have about 650 to go so I hope I don't run out before Sunday at 7:30!
The two biggest issues in both Glenbow and West Valley were the brand and continued land development without services in place. People made many comments on the brand and as it turns out, this is a hot topic during this campaign. Many people are so upset that they will not be voting for anyone on the current council. It is not the expense, it is the fact that council did not listen to public feedback. This is the cornerstone of a number of issues. People feel that council does not care about public opinion. I want to work hard to restore public trust and have shared many ideas on how to do this.
I also heard a lot about unmanaged growth and lack of services. A few people stressed that the pool is an important facility, but they want a plebiscite. I heard loud and clear that people want an opportunity to vote on whether taxes should be increased to pay for the pool. We talked about options and partnerships and fundraising and people are quite excited about the possibility of being able to contribute in that way. One thing is for sure: if we have a plebiscite and the people vote against the pool, this council will not be able to proceed to develop it. That is an important consideration.
One person commented that I would add some knowledge and expertise to the planning process at the Town and she hopes I would ask to be a member of the Planning Commission. I am certainly interested, but first, I want to be elected and will be honoured to do whatever I can to improve my community.
Overall, the days have gone by quickly and, I think positively. I went to vote in the advance poll and it was very quiet. The next advance poll is Saturday 10-4 at the RancheHouse, and I hope to get to as many doors as I can before people go and vote.
Hope to see you at your door over the weekend if I haven't been by yet. Today I handed out my 3,450th brochure. I have about 650 to go so I hope I don't run out before Sunday at 7:30!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Monday and Tuesday
On Monday, Thanksgiving, I stayed home all day, made a turkey, pies, and all the fixings and had family and friends over for a feast. It was also my friend's birthday, and I made her a special cake which made her happy. I forgot how much fun it is to just sit and chat and play board games with family and friends.
Tuesday, I was out and about again. I visited people in Cochrane Heights, Glenbow and Riverview. Everywhere I went, people were happy to see me and I have never felt so appreciated as I feel after those visits. In some cases, people said they knew I would show up and had been waiting for the bell to ring. The smiles have been wonderful, and I feel like I am rediscovering so many friends.
The main issues in Cochrane Heights were the brand and the feeling that no-one on Council is listening to the people. One woman feels that the senior's centre being moved so far from the town centre is foolhardy and she wants it to be located in the old Rexall building. She says that the town has not really considered all the options and feels as if this is being pushed through like the brand-the public feedback is being ignored by the group designing the senior's centre at the rec centre. I need to learn more about this issue, to be sure.
On the other hand, I spent about a half hour talking with a senior in Bow Ridge who is pleased to move to the rec centre but feels the proposed space is multi purpose and too small. She wants the space dedicated to the seniors for their projects and programs and they don't want it to be used by every other group who needs space. That will interfere with their ongoing projects that they like to elave out and pick up to work on when they come and go. This facility will not resemble the current 50 and Over Club, which has many seniors feeling upset.
I also had a telephone call tonight from a senior who has taken part in the deliberations over the senior's centre and she is not pleased that I have not taken a stand on this issue in my newspaper ads or brochure. I said that I need to see the information and listen to everyone before I can decide anything. I have heard from several people that the centre is a done deal and that all decisions have been finalized. It is hard to get a good picture on this topic, given the different stories from people, all of whom I admire for their love of community and volunteerism.
In Glenbow, taxes was the main issue. People are worried that the council will want everything and raise taxes out of control and that people will not have a say. One woman said that we all need to learn that we can't have everything. She thinks that we need a plebiscite to determine whether to build a pool or not. We talked about facility cosntruction, partnerships and tax rates.
I talked with several people in Glenbow who say that they are pleased to have me on the ballot and that they are considering one vote for me because who else could they support? I am curious about this.
This sentiment was echoed in several senior's residential complexes. People there said no-one else has bothered to come by and explain anything about the election and so they were happy I stopped in. All in all, the last two days have made me more confident and hopeful that I may be elected. I must keep at the doors and allow people to tell me their issues-and if elected I must get to work to get some resolution to these matters. Council must rebuild trust and faith in the electoral system as a first step.
Tomorrow I will be at the doors from 11:00-7:30 with three different members of my campaign team. I am truly blessed to have such a committed group and I hope having us stop by is helping everyone learn more about the process.
Tuesday, I was out and about again. I visited people in Cochrane Heights, Glenbow and Riverview. Everywhere I went, people were happy to see me and I have never felt so appreciated as I feel after those visits. In some cases, people said they knew I would show up and had been waiting for the bell to ring. The smiles have been wonderful, and I feel like I am rediscovering so many friends.
The main issues in Cochrane Heights were the brand and the feeling that no-one on Council is listening to the people. One woman feels that the senior's centre being moved so far from the town centre is foolhardy and she wants it to be located in the old Rexall building. She says that the town has not really considered all the options and feels as if this is being pushed through like the brand-the public feedback is being ignored by the group designing the senior's centre at the rec centre. I need to learn more about this issue, to be sure.
On the other hand, I spent about a half hour talking with a senior in Bow Ridge who is pleased to move to the rec centre but feels the proposed space is multi purpose and too small. She wants the space dedicated to the seniors for their projects and programs and they don't want it to be used by every other group who needs space. That will interfere with their ongoing projects that they like to elave out and pick up to work on when they come and go. This facility will not resemble the current 50 and Over Club, which has many seniors feeling upset.
I also had a telephone call tonight from a senior who has taken part in the deliberations over the senior's centre and she is not pleased that I have not taken a stand on this issue in my newspaper ads or brochure. I said that I need to see the information and listen to everyone before I can decide anything. I have heard from several people that the centre is a done deal and that all decisions have been finalized. It is hard to get a good picture on this topic, given the different stories from people, all of whom I admire for their love of community and volunteerism.
In Glenbow, taxes was the main issue. People are worried that the council will want everything and raise taxes out of control and that people will not have a say. One woman said that we all need to learn that we can't have everything. She thinks that we need a plebiscite to determine whether to build a pool or not. We talked about facility cosntruction, partnerships and tax rates.
I talked with several people in Glenbow who say that they are pleased to have me on the ballot and that they are considering one vote for me because who else could they support? I am curious about this.
This sentiment was echoed in several senior's residential complexes. People there said no-one else has bothered to come by and explain anything about the election and so they were happy I stopped in. All in all, the last two days have made me more confident and hopeful that I may be elected. I must keep at the doors and allow people to tell me their issues-and if elected I must get to work to get some resolution to these matters. Council must rebuild trust and faith in the electoral system as a first step.
Tomorrow I will be at the doors from 11:00-7:30 with three different members of my campaign team. I am truly blessed to have such a committed group and I hope having us stop by is helping everyone learn more about the process.
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