It’s understandable and welcomed for citizens to pay attention to decisions and politics as municipalities are responsible for our water and electrical systems, roads, sidewalks, bridges, policing, fire and ambulance services, transit, municipal planning, social planning, libraries and recreation, parks and culture, licensing and environmental services.
Our city’s eight councillors pay the same attention to provincial decisions, such as our recent provincial budget and the amount of the education property tax that will increase our city’s 4.32 per cent property tax. We pay attention to federal issues such as the prime minister’s announcement about changes to Old Age Security.
When reading the letter to the editor (Council lacks perspective on what real voters want, Red Deer Advocate, Feb. 9), I provide the following:
l While Ms. Gaumond does not believe a proposed roundabout on 32nd Street and 40th Avenue is suitable, she should know the avenue interchange will come to council in late February/early March for discussion and approval. No decision has been made at this time. This is an intersection that has been identified as dangerous and in need of repair.
l Suggestions that rookie councillors receive $18,000 plus for sitting on boards and most boards paying per diems are wrong. All councillors receive the same salary of $54,500, which includes $6,053 for benefits. There are no bonuses for any councillor to attend committees to which we’re assigned.
l I’m often surprised that some citizens describe Red Deer as the fourth most dangerous city to live in, as claimed last year by Maclean’s magazine.
When companies and business are looking to expand or locate, is this we want them to hear and the best way to promote our city? How about that Red Deer has consistent recognition as having the lowest average municipal tax and utility costs of 21 cities surveyed in Canada? Or that Red Deer is the seventh most entrepreneurial city as recognized by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
Our council has endorsed the Safety Charter for 2012 at $200,000. These dollars will be allocated to crime prevention initiatives with recognition of the best placement of resources for crime prevention. The six city charters (Economy, Design, Movement, Identify, Safety and Dialogue) help to define the priorities as well as being a connection point between the City of Red Deer and our community.
l Red Deer will be celebrating our centennial in 2013. Our city, along with other Alberta communities, applied to host the 2013 Lieutenant Governor Arts Gala and we were chosen for this wonderful honour. Former Lieutenant Governor General Lois Hole initiated the awards in 2003 to recognize Alberta artists for their achievements and contributions.
Named an inaugural Cultural Capital of Canada by Canadian Heritage in 2003, Red Deer is home to a variety of cultural venues: live theatre, our symphony, art galleries, public art, museums and cultural festivals. The 2013 event will be an opportunity for our community to again focus on cultural development and will be much more than one evening. It will also include a legacy component for future Red Deer artists. Currently, the community events committee is planning many fun and exciting activities, city wide, during the week of June 9, 2013.
This is an opportunity to build upon and generate renewed and increased cultural vibrancy in our community. The budget for this event had previous allocation of $45,000. During our January deliberation, council approved an additional $7,500. The majority of my colleague councillors believe that arts are an important contributor to the quality of life in Red Deer.
l Last winter, council heard loud and clear to make snow removal a priority. While Mother Nature continues with a mild winter this year, council approved an increase of $522,028 for the 2012 snow removal budget, which includes improvements to the level of service to provide access to streets and sidewalks along with some of our city trails. Safety and increased levels of service are our objectives.
Red Deer is the province’s third largest city with a location in a strong economic corridor. We have much opportunity ahead as council determines short and long-term planning as we listen and work with our community. Letters, emails and phone calls to me and all of council are always welcomed as we make decisions on our taxpayers’ behalf.
Dianne Wyntjes
City councillor, Red Deer