I have responded to the survey created by the Red Deer Advocate. I do wish to express my concerns with the fashion in which it was done. The questions are all of a complex nature (e.g. make budgetary decision, set taxes, borrow money) which require careful consideration. I certainly expect that your readership understands that there are implications and certain consequences to making hasty or uninformed decisions and yet candidates were being asked to do just that with no room to support or provide rationale.
At no point was I as a candidate given the opportunity to defend my position. A simple yes/no or kneejerk choice of where to slash or cut services says little for the seriousness of the position and responsibilities given a city councillor and mayor. In my opinion, the Red Deer Advocate survey can too easily be misinterpreted and misused.
I would hope that the newspaper would at least preface their publication to encourage voters to consider the limitations it presents.
Dawna Morey
Red Deer