SANDYNE BEACH-McCUTCHEON council survey

September, 2017

To read about the methodology of the questionnaire, click below:

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?

SBM: NO ANSWER

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

SBM: I want us to consider how we can communicate/share with residents the matters coming before Council, to foster an increased understanding of the issues/topics we address.

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

SBM: NO ANSWER

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?

SBM: NO ANSWER

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?

SBM: Though it can be cumbersome, I think that Council’s working relationship should remain with the City Manager and at his/her discretion, the Senior Management Team rather than directly with front-line employees. It is the City Manager’s responsibility to represent the municipalities operations.

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

SBM It may be appropriate to revisit/update the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (circa 2010). We need to anticipate the needs and wants of the people that we are encouraging to move into the area through developments such as Grandin Parc.

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?

SBM: NO ANSWER

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?

SBM: Yes, I am. I believe that there are long-term benefits to be being involved in a regional system.

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

SBM: At this time I would not be supportive. With rapidly advancing technologies, e.g.. autonomous cars I am not confident that an LRT line is the appropriate approach.

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?

SBM: I believe that opportunities of this nature, i.e. partnerships/working with our regional neighbours are always worthy of exploration and consideration, however I would not consider this to be an immediate priority.

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?

SBM: I believe that Council has a responsibility to explore and consider non-traditional approaches to facility development, including working with our regional neighbours.

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 on 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?

SBM: There are no circumstances under which I would support an amalgamation of St. Albert with the city of Edmonton.

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?

SBM: NO ANSWER

T8N: What is your vision for St. Albert’s role in the Capital Regional District?Not unlike the role we have had within the Capital Region Board model I would expect St. Albert to be actively engaged and representing the needs of St. Albert within the regional context.

SBM: Not unlike the role we have had within the Capital Region Board model I would expect St. Albert to be actively engaged and representing the needs of St. Albert within the regional context.

Questions provided by Tim Osborne (edited by T8N)

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

SBM: To represent the residents of St. Albert and make decisions that consider the best interests of the community with a view to the future. A Councillor is also an advocate for residents to Administration and serves as a communication conduit back to residents.

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

SBM: I recognize that in the course of Council’s decision-making or mine specifically, there will be times when the chosen path will be unpopular. When that arises it will be important to consistently communicate the reasoning behind my/our course of action. I believe that we are entrusted by residents to make decisions on their behalf with an understanding of the current state and a vision for St. Albert’s future, rather than make decisions that support a particular perspective.

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

SBM: NO ANSWER

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

SBM: We need to define the housing options that we want to have and then work with other levels of government and developers to create those opportunities.

T8N Magazine Questions

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

SBM: I would be against implementing a ward system for St. Albert at this time. While it is challenging to be familiar with the specific issues of each neighbourhood, it provides Councillors with an opportunity to develop an understanding of the entire community and advocate for the needs of all residents of St. Albert rather than just one area.

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

SBM: NO ANSWER

Read the answers from the other councilors by clicking 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