KEN MACKAY – 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?

KM: The one specific change to the City itself would be to address our traffic issues – from improving the transit system to roadway congestion and expansion of Ray Gibbon Drive. The one thing in our community, would be to support facilities and programs that attract and keep our youth and young families in St. Albert

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

KM: Affordable housing initiatives

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

KM: Ensure that there is a good understanding of roles between council and administration

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?

KM: Absolutely

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?

KM: Council’s primary role is at the strategic level and should be focused on providing a long-term vision and establishing the strategic framework for oversight of city polices in support of that vision. Administration’s role is operational, they are responsible for implementing the priorities and policies developed by Council, managing the delivery of municipal services and providing unbiased advice and support. This relationship has to be mutually trusting to be successful.

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

KM: Ongoing commitment and implementation of the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan is critical

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?

KM: I would support conducting a road safety study that would identify roadways in residential neighbourhoods where speed-limit reductions would be be beneficial i.e. high pedestrian areas

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?

KM: I strongly support an integrated transit system with Edmonton and our regional neighbours

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

KM: I support us continuing to be involved with the conceptual planning of the LRT system.

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?

KM: I would be willing to look at the benefits of a shared service model for any city services if it can be demonstrated to be cost effective and more efficient. However, I would not support regionalization if it meant that we lose our sense of community (identity) or autonomy.

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?

KM: I would be a supporter and advocate in identifying partnership opportunities with community groups, businesses or our neighbouring communities.

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?

KM: NO

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?

KM: The City is currently seeking input on a downtown parking strategy. That plan will identify solutions that are best for businesses and residents using our downtown

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

KM: Uniting the Capital Regional District will have economic, social and environmental benefits. I will be a strong advocate and voice for St Albert within the Capital Region

Questions provided by Tim Osborne (edited by T8N)

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

KM: A Councillor’s role is clearly identified in the Municipal Government Act.. A Councillor’s primary role is to work cooperatively with other Councillors to set the overall direction of the municipality through their role as a policy maker. Councillors represent the citizens of St Albert and develop a long-term vision and establish the strategic framework for oversight of city policy.

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

KM: It is my role as a Councillor to make hard decisions that are in the best interest of the entire community despite being unpopular with some. That’s what true leadership is.

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

KM: No. Transparency and accountability are important. I believe that if someone is passionate about an issue or in opposition to a candidate’s position then they should do so publicly.

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

KM: I will be focused on ensuring that we can provide affordable and accessible housing.We need to add greater diversity such as multifamily housing and apartments.

T8N Magazine Questions

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

KM: I don’t support a ward system until our population increases or an urban/rural split occurs that would require representation

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

KM: We need a cohesive council that may not agree on every issue but respects each other’s opinion and will work in the best interest of the citizens of St Albert.

To read the answers from the other candidates, 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

KEN MACKAY – Council Questionnaire