| Candidates | |||||
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| Ward 9 (map) |
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| Forum 1 Webcast | Tuesday, Sept. 28, 7pm - St. Mary Elementary School - 409 Rhatigan Road East | ||||
| Forum 2 Info | Wednesday, Sept. 29, 6:30pm - SUB Stage, Students Union Building, University of Alberta - 8900 114 St |
Information about Jennifer Watts
| Ward | Ward 9 |
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| Website | http://wattsforward9.wordpress.com/ |
| Platform | (see website) |
| watts4ward9@hotmail.ca |
| Inquiry (sent on September 22, 2010) | Cycling Issues in Edmonton Questionnaire |
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| Inquiry | http://wattsforward9.wordpress.com/questions-conversation/
Hi Jennifer, I’m extremely interested in sustainable design and development, and have recently taken up cycling again as a way of minimizing both my carbon footprint and improving my health. I bike both with my school-age children and on my own to run errands, and I’m fortunate to live in a part of Ward 9 where it is possible to walk, bike, and use public transit much of the time – although the multiuser pathways are not always convenient, and motor vehicle users sometimes seem dangerously unaware that adult bicycles are legally required to be on the roadways, not the sidewalks.
… (show more)You’ve been quoted in the newspaper articles you have attached about the need to manage sprawl in our ward, and you specifically mention accommodating public transit and active transportation (walking & cycling) in the “Transportation” part of your platform, and supporting the community leagues and schools to strengthen our neighborhoods in the “Community” section of your platform. Can you clarify how you, as councillor, would support our school boards in preventing school closures in core neighborhoods, and support rejuvenation of core neighborhoods so that they are attractive to young families such as mine, and the small local businesses promoted by groups such as Keep Edmonton Original? Can you also clarify your position regarding funding of the City of Edmonton’s Bicycle Transportation Plan, and take the time to answer the questionnaire you have received from the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters Society? I’m very interested to hear how you would support cyclists and pedestrians, and thereby promote stronger, healthier, safer, more vibrant neighborhoods. (Readers can learn more about the City’s BTP, and see what other candidates are saying at http://CycleEdmonton.ca) Congratulations on a thoughtful and progressive campaign. I look forward to your response. |
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| Response | Hi Deborah, Thanks for taking the time to write, I am just trying to catch up on my emails. Yes, I have publicly stated that Ward 9 has and continues to be a host of urban sprawl. I have also stated that there is nothing with growth and change but we as a city need to be better at managing growth. Some would say urban sprawl is evidence of faliure of local municipalities of how they deal with growth. I need to push for more comprehensive development plans that lead to building balanced communities with all core amenities. This will also require complete neighbourhood area structure plans to be in place. There is something to be said about having integrity to our neighbourhoods and having its residents involved in the planning of their community.
… (show more)Part of this integrity is ensuring that older mature neighbourhoods get the attention and redevelopment they need. I want those communities to be as attractive and inviting for people so they can call that their home. If we as a city cannot even meet the upkeep of older neighbourhoods then we are not being responsive and providing a sustainable place for citizens to live. We need to re-invest in community infrastrucutre such as sidewalks, underground systems and foster a community that will become home to families. If we can do a better job at this which I think should a priority of new council then we can begin to address the influencers of school closures. If we do not have people setting down roots then we will not have a solid community. Schools are vital to communities and to the city. So how do we move forward, as council we need to be better at working with community members, leagues, and public and separte school boards to esnure that our community schools are a thought of a vital link to community. I would like to see more utilization of schools in different capacities, after school events, community events, events that will create revenue and a sense of community belonging. These are just some of the things we can move forward but I think it is important that we realize that families,couples and singles for that matter are having children later. The reason I mention this is because as a Councillor I need to be knowledgable of social indicators as this will also help in determining actions. Having families later in life does play a factor on school enrollments. I hope this helps, Jennifer |
| Inquiry | Thanks for your thoughts on revitalizing mature neighborhoods by improving infrastructure, and how demographics influence school enrolments. Naturally, these are complex problems that require a many pieces to be in place for their solutions. However, you really didn’t address my question about bicycling infrastructure. Cycling in Edmonton is increasingly popular, but the existing recreational multiuser trail network is incomplete and ill-designed for the needs of people wishing to commute to work or run errands in their own neighborhoods. City planners have recognized the importance of cycling and the trend toward increasing bicycle use by creating the 10-year Bicycle Transportation Plan, but it needs to be fully funded, and although the dollar amount for that investment is relatively small (less than the cost of a single freeway overpass, at $10-million per year for 10 years), it is vulnerable to cuts if councillors are ill-informed about the many other benefits of the plan.
… (show more)By completing the proposed bike paths and sharrow lanes, and fully integrating the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians into future public transit and roadway construction projects, we would not only ensure that everyone can travel our city safely and efficiently in a healthier, more sustainable manner. We’d also make it possible for families to get by with fewer motor vehicles, putting more money back in their pockets and thus improving the local economy. Improved bicycle infrastructure can also make neighborhoods come alive: more pedestrians and bicyclists on the streets lowers crime rates, and more pedestrians and bicyclists spending time in local parks and spending money in local businesses helps to build vibrant neighborhoods where residents know each other and set down roots. More people using their bikes means less traffic congestion, fewer parking issues, and requires less road maintenance. Will you commit to fully funding the Bicycle Transportation Plan as part of your commitment to smart, comprehensive development plans and reinvestment in mature neighborhoods? Thank you for taking the time to reply to my comments. Sincerely, Deborah |
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| Response | Hi Deborah, My apologies I thought I had addressed this but when I looked up my response it was to an email that I replied to. I would like to think of myself as a Ward representatrive that is not linear in her thinking and moves forward a well represented agenda of the Ward. So with this said, yes I am advocate of providing better movement to the city and to accomodating all modes of transport. But I am realistic with this, multi-modal transport is important but so are other things as told to me so far by the voters. So the work for me is to ensure the needs and interests of all of Ward 9 are being met on a continious and balanced basis.
… (show more)So at this point of time, it would be remiss of me to say that I can committ to fully funding the BTP without actualy knowing the ins and outs of previous budget discussions. I can however say with confidence that this is extremely important to me to build communities that are transit oriented as I recogonize the environmental benefits and the connectivity it provides to all users. My experience with budget forecasting and negotiating will be of benefit to this as i will ensure this does not get lost as having alternate modes of transport in and out of Ward 9 is essential and also to Cycling Edmonton. At this point of time I can only provide you my present perspective on this. Thanks for the question and your committment on this, Jennifer |
Jennifer:
What are your thoughts on the following issues:
1 – Rapid transit extended to the west end of Edmonton – initial estimates put the cost up to 3 billion dollars – three thousand millions?
2 – City Centre hockey arena – should that be paid by private industry or taxpayers?
3 – Municiple airport issue – your stand on this issue please?
Kindest Regards
Paul Cyr Ward 9