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Municipal election: Red Deer city council candidate Janise Somer

Municipal election: Red Deer city council candidate Janise Somer

Janise Somer is a Red Deer city council candidate.

Having spent the past three years in crime prevention, and working in an office downtown during that time, I have spoken to many residents and business owners and have heard their concerns. While working for the Central Alberta Crime Prevention Centre (CACPC), I had the opportunity to interact with residents on a weekly basis and research solutions for the concerns we heard. I developed a passion for community safety and community building, as well as gaining education and extensive experience in CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design). I have completed over 200 hours of CPTED property reviews on both residential and business properties and provided recommendations to citizens, helping them secure their properties and make them less vulnerable to the criminal element. In addition, my background includes 20+ years managing communications and marketing, mostly in the non-profit sector, and thousands of hours volunteering, most recently with the Youth Strategy Collective Impact, the SPARC Red Deer coalition, and the Red Deer Dream Centre.

I believe I will make a good councillor for several reasons. Firstly, I bring a unique crime prevention perspective to council. Working for CACPC afforded me the opportunity to learn about and research the issues facing Red Deer. Secondly, I already have knowledge and experience working with various departments at the City of Red Deer and with the RCMP. Thirdly, I believe I will make a good councillor because I am solutions-focused and an activator. I enjoy the grit required to solve the unsolvable and working on a team, like the council, energizes me. I am a leader who will work collaboratively with citizens, city staff and my colleagues on council for the goal of a strengthened community.

My focus will be threefold: 1) Stronger neighbourhoods through connection and increased diversity; 2) A stronger downtown through increased positive activity and programming on the evenings and weekends, increased walkability, initiatives to fill empty spaces, and to build residential and mixed-use with the goal of creating a shopping destination attractive to both tourists and residents; and, 3) A Stronger city that is sustainable, listens to our youth, provides an atmosphere of respect and care for all citizens, and attracts investment and tourists.

I announced my candidacy early in 2021 because I wanted to let Red Deerians know I was serious about my commitment to being a good councillor. Over the past nine months, I have had many conversations with residents and now have a long list of concerns and great ideas gained through my interactions at the Saturday market, at events, and on social media. I look forward to continuing to listen and hear your concerns and ideas for our future.

Like you, as an engaged citizen, I want a stronger city that is thriving and safe. To accomplish this, I believe we need stronger neighbourhoods, a stronger downtown, economic growth, and increased tourism. Vote for me and let’s create a stronger Red Deer together! For more information on my platform, please visit somerforcouncil.ca.