As I write on the third week of the heat wave that we have found ourselves in, I hope your summer is filled with joyful reunions, family visits, and relaxing escapes.
This summer, Mayor and Council have attended many parades across Central Alberta, witnessing firsthand our incredible community spirit. The overwhelming turnout at Westerner Days and other parades across the province is a testament to our ability to come together, support one another, and take pride in our community.
I am also taking some time this summer to reflect on my sixth and final “State of the City Address” for 2024, and find myself filled with gratitude. Each year, this address allows the Mayor to reflect on the past year and share future visions. Since my election, I've had the honour of giving these addresses three times in 2022, four times in 2023, and now six times in 2024. This tradition is a powerful reminder of how our connection as a community continues to grow stronger.
This year, I began each presentation with the question, “Whose city is it, anyway?” Our perspectives on the city vary greatly, shaped by our experiences, ages, stages of life, occupations, and neighbourhoods. My address at the Golden Circle Seniors Resource Centre resonated differently than it did at the Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce or the RCMP Veterans’ Association, illustrating how perception is influenced by our unique situations.
Since running for public office in 2013, I've come to understand that a Councillor — and now as Mayor — serves all citizens, not just those who voted for me. Every citizen, whether new or long-term, young or old, multicultural, or multifaith, deserves the best efforts of their Mayor. This expectation is fueled by my deep love for the city that has given so much to my family and me over the past 28 years. I draw energy from the incredible people I meet: community builders, volunteers, dedicated service providers, businesses, faith communities, and those caring for our most vulnerable.
Like a family, our community has its disagreements and divisions. I often hear, “Mayor, you need to do something about this issue,” or “Mayor, those people are…” followed by negative labels. These disputes often stem from a lack of understanding or willingness to listen to others’ perspectives, amplified by our belief in our own solutions. There’s a powerful idiom: “Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes,” and if we embrace this mindset, our empathy and understanding will grow, reducing judgment and fostering compassion and tolerance. We will recognize that our experiences are not universal, and that’s okay. By opening our minds, we can move beyond our biases and perceptions.
The fabric of our community remains strong, despite what you might see on social media. It’s crucial not to get discouraged. Our city is built on a foundation of love, dedication, and service, and together, we will continue to build a better future for the next generation of Red Deerians.
“Whose city is it, anyway?” It’s ours, collectively. Let’s keep building each other up by embracing our differences and working on our own issues through a broader lens.
Recently, Council and I had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Jared Wesley, a renowned political scientist, who shared valuable insights on fostering constructive local politics. Dr. Wesley spoke about the political divisions within our community and offered strategies to bridge these gaps. He emphasized the importance of open dialogue, active listening, and empathy in our interactions. By focusing on common goals and shared values, we can work towards solutions that benefit everyone. Dr. Wesley's teachings remind us that while differences in opinion are natural, it is through respectful discourse and collaboration that we can strengthen our community and move forward together.
Take care, my dear Red Deerians. Introduce yourself to someone new today, be kind to yourself, and celebrate the unique qualities we each bring to our beautiful city.
Ken Johnston is the Mayor of Red Deer.
