CHARLENE JELINSKI – council questionnaire

September, 2017

to read about the methodology of the questionnaire, click here:

http://www.t8nmagazine.com/council-questionnaire/

Questions provided by Nolan Crouse (edited by T8N)

T8N: If you were to change one thing specific to the City of St. Albert itself, what would that be? And if you were to change one thing within the community itself, what would that be?

CJ: St. Albert doesn’t need major change. It needs minor tweeks and continued improvement.

T8N: What will be the first item that you plan to bring forward for council debate immediately after the election?

CJ: The future of the 3 major projects needs to be addresses (The library, ice rink and swimming pool)

The Braeside land swap on Sturgeon road would also be equally important to push forward as a priority for council

T8N: What governance or policy change that council operates under today needs to be changed immediately?

CJ: I am undecided at present, and time does not allow me to answer this question to my full capability, but will continue to research

Questions provided by David Climenhaga (edited by T8N)

T8N: Never mind the question of a branch library or the location of services. What is your view of the long-term viability of library services in our community? Are you prepared to continue funding library services at a level that permits continuation of present levels of service while accounting for increases in population?

CJ: I believe programs and services need to be increased and supported. I would love to offer suggestions to do same with minimal cost impact by utilizing free facilities to do some out sourcing of programs to city clubhouses,and possibly churches and/or other free venues

T8N: Alberta law requires a legal separation between city councillors and city employees: Employees report to the city manager; the city manager reports to council. What is your view of the proper working relationship between front-line employees and city councillors?

CJ: The law is clear and should be abided. Therefore the working relations between front line employees and council should not be affected as ultimately there are not directly related. Communication and directives and concerns from each party need to go through the city manager

T8N: What can and should be done to ensure the continued viability of St. Albert’s downtown Perron Street District?

CJ: We need to support small business growth in the Perron District. There are too many for lease/empty spaces

T8N: Never mind the sequencing of traffic lights on St. Albert Trail. Where do you stand on the calls by some residents for a 40 kilometre-per-hour speed limit in residential neighbourhoods?

CJ: I believe this could be beneficial in select neighborhoods. I myself am very concerned crossing the street in my own neighborhood with small children because of the speed some residents drive. Before converting speed limits, I think we need to increase the enforcement of the current 50km/hr. and determine if the problem is the speed posted or those not abiding by the law and going at the speed they choose

T8N: There are many savings and benefits that could be realized by being part of a regional transit system. Are you prepared to work toward the participation or inclusion of St. Albert Transit in a regional transit system?

CJ: I would not be opposed to considering this once I have been able to research and see the benefit and demand for same.

T8N: What is your position on the extension of a regionally financed LRT system from downtown Edmonton to St. Albert?

CJ: At this point in time I do not see the need for the LRT system, however recognize that with our expanding city that need may change quickly.

T8N: There are many savings and benefits that could be realized by being part of a regional policing system. Are you prepared to work toward the creation of a Capital Region Police Force in which St. Albert would participate?

CJ: I would not be opposed to St.Albert participating in such if it is proven to be beneficial to the city

T8N: As St. Albert grows, it is coming under pressure for increased recreation facilities, including additional ice sheets and swimming pools. Would you as councillor be prepared to work to create joint public projects for the development of recreational facilities involving any or all of the County of Parkland, Town of Morinville, County of Sturgeon and City of Edmonton?

CJ: Yes, I think we should consider opportunities to partner with other communities to address some of the recreation needs. This would have cost savings advantages and potentially fast track our ability to build such projects.

T8N: St. Albert citizens complain constantly about the cost of operating a city the size of St. Albert, including the costs of duplication of services and the heavy reliance of the municipal tax base on residential properties instead of businesses. If substantial tax savings for residents could be shown, are there circumstances in which you would agree to or support amalgamation of St. Albert with the city of Edmonton?

CJ: No. I think we need to protect and maintain our community of St. Albert. People have chosen St. Albert to be their home, not Edmonton. We need to get creative to find the solutions to offset the residential to commercial tax base and find cost savings within the city to lower the municipal tax.

T8N: Parking at St. Albert Place and in the downtown district continues to be a problem for the city. What is your preferred solution to this situation: Leave it alone? Build a parkade? Paid street parking? Other?

CJ: The cost of a parkade would be astronomical. Doesn’t the city already own some unused land there that is not be utilized? Could we convert that? Also making public transit more accessible to that it could be utilized to go downtown

T8N: What is your vision for St. Albert’s role in the Capital Regional District?

CJ: Continued cooperation to the benefit of the city.

Questions provided by Tim Osborne (edited by T8N)

T8N: What do you believe is the role of a councilor?

CJ: Fair, impartial representation of the residents of the city. Effective decision making based on factual information that will benefit the majority of residents without any personal viewpoints guiding your decisions.

T8N: How would you address the balance between doing what may be in the best interest of the community despite the act being unpopular?

CJ: The best interest of the community is the requirement of council’s duties. Providing support through research proving that it would be the best interest is essential

T8N: Is there a role for third party or anonymous advertising / communication in municipal elections? Explain.

CJ: I do not think it is necessary. Each candidate involved in a municipal election should be guiding their own campaign. I believe the concerns with previous anonymous advertising in our city have been resolved as those individuals stepped forward and took ownership for their acts

T8N: What is your vision for increasing the housing options in our community?

CJ: I believe we need to address the need for diverse housing options. Whether that comes in the way of housing co-ops, housing initiatives, low income residents and so forth. We have identified that the city has a diverse population. Aging seniors, starting families and those suffering through a difficult economy are struggling to reside in the community they have called home for years. We need to find the solutions to allow each member of our community thrive here.

T8N Magazine Questions

T8N: What would be your reasons for / against switching to a ward system in St.Albert?

CJ: I think St. Alberts size can still benefit from the current system. Councilors in one ward would not be accountable to voters in other wards. This would create a disconnect to the tight community aspect which St. Albert is known. Our current system means that all councilors are held accountable to all residents.

T8N: Are there any actions / directives / projects undertaken by the previous council that you would like to stop / undo / dramatically change? Why?

CJ: The action of the motion to change the plebiscite question I would like to see changed. It was very watered down, left residents uninformed of the facts related to each of the projects mentioned. I believe the residents need to be presented with the facts, the cost and then have their say

–

To read the responses of the other councilors, click below:

Sandyne Beach-McCutcheon http://www.t8nmagazine.com/sandyne-survey/

WES BRODHEAD council questionnaire

JAN BUTLER – Council questionnaire

CRAIG CAMERON Council Questionnaire

GILBERT CANTIN – council questionnaire

JACY EBERLEIN – Council questionnaire

CHARLENE JELINSKI – council questionnaire

NATALIE JOLY – Council Questionnaire

SHAYNE KAWALILAK – Council questionnaire

MARK KAY – council questionnaire