Hello Red Deer,
Living in Red Deer since 1975, raised on a farm in central Alberta and married for 29 years to Allan, I’ve seen our city grow, change and evolve.
As one of your incumbent city councillor, in my toolbox, I bring councillor experience and knowledge. My experience can continue to work for you:
- 11 years councillor skills and capability
- 30 years labour relations experience with negotiations, conflict resolution, budget and governance skills
- advocacy experience with other orders of government to advance community needs such as shelter and housing, senior housing, hospital expansion, and mental health and addictions treatment
- appreciation for individual and community relationships
- demonstrated accessibility and responsiveness to citizens
As community leaders we need to ask “what does the city need to change to be more successful in our future?” I recognize the needs and challenges experienced these past years in Red Deer. As a growing city, they need continued attention and action in the next four years.
Here are some priority issues:
- Affordability and the continued lens of respect for our tax dollars in council decisions.
- The roads to a post pandemic recovery, as we’re seeing, will be winding and challenging. I see recovery through economic growth with community supports for local businesses and shopping local, welcoming new business and jobs, community well-being and social resiliency.
- Community solutions and conversations for improved provincial supports for the vulnerable and homeless as the province builds and operates an integrated shelter in our community and a 75 bed recovery treatment Centre.
- Continued provincial advocacy for community needs such as Red Deer Regional Hospital expansion which is a priority for Red Deer and the central Alberta region.
- A city is never finished with safety and security; there is always more work to do to improve and respond.
- Revitalization in Red Deer to attract more cultural activities, bringing economic and community activity.
- Council leadership must have a continued lens for the environment through the city’s Environmental Master Plan. We must be vigilant in the protection of water quality and quantity, air and land use, and mitigate climate impacts when we can. Our actions for garbage diversion and waste management at the landfill matters. Expanding community gardens is also important.
- Public transit and Action buses must be convenient and affordable to meet the needs of Red Deerians. The next council must continue their attention and listening to the critique for improving services. And to ensure accessibility for citizens with disabilities or physical needs for Action Bus service.
- Seeing more youth engagement through the city’s current City Youth strategy with a new City Youth Committee. Council should do better at connecting with Red Deer’s youth and hearing their voices.
- The City of Red Deer, along with workplaces and individuals and families, all have a role in continued actions for a more welcoming and inclusive community and to denounce racism and discrimination. Council leadership is important in our individual and collective role and journey for truth and reconciliation.
- I’d like to see “community days” on council’s schedule for a committed time to meet and listen (no decisions) with individuals, organizations and businesses to hear ideas and concerns.
- I support citizen consultations. Your involvement and awareness of municipal decisions is important. I value connecting with you, listening and responding as one of your eight city councillors.
I ask for your support at the advance polls or on election Day on Oct. 18.
Thank you Red Deer. I would be honoured to continue to work for you.
You can reach me at: 403 505 4256, DWyntjes@shaw.ca, Twitter @DianWyntjes, Facebook DianneWyntjesForRedDeerCityCouncil or www.DianneForRedDeer.ca.