Calgary Peace Bridge Discussion

   I think that most Calgarians will agree that the "Peace Bridge" controversy has been one of the most polarizing issues in local politics in may years.  Love it or hate it, the Peace Bridge is finally nearing its completion after nearly fifteen months of delays.   I had the chance to appear as a guest on the CBC Calgary Eyeopener again this week to discuss everybody's favorite pedestrian bridge and had a blast as always. 



Personally, I think that the bridge is quite odd looking, but unique.  My issues with the bridge include the following:

•  I am not a fan of the way that this bridge funding was pushed through council.  I would have preferred a public tender process and more transparency during the whole process.  Had there been more discussion on this, I think that this bridge would not have become such a polarizing issue. 

• I agree that most people were not sold on why this bridge would be needed as there are some additional pedestrian bridges nearby.

• It will be interesting to see what additional costs will be added to the final totals ( here is an interesting link about the nearby Heliport) once the dust settles. 

 Either way, I am pleased that because of the public uproar over this bridge, city council will never go through with this type of untendered public infrastructure project again. 

Here is a link to the CBC Eyeopener chat....

http://www.cbc.ca/eyeopener/columnists/unconventional/2012/02/22/unconventionals-discuss-peace-bridge/

What are your thoughts on the Peace Bridge?

Shane

Calgary City Council Pay Raises 2012

  There has been quite a stir this week over the 5.35% pay increase for Calgary city council members. Many Calgarians appear frustrated over the increase as it seems out of line with what the average worker will receive in 2012.  While these positions do offer pretty good pay, I do not think that it is out of line for the work that they do.  Personally, I know that my Alderman often works 60-70 hours a week, which is not unusual in an elected role. 

  Many have pointed out that the compensation for Calgary alderman is one of the highest in the country, but its also important to note that many other Canadian city councils have "tax free" portions built into their "lower" salaries and do not carry the same constituent level/alderman.  No two cities needs are alike, so I find it hard to make the comparison this way.

 While these increases are paid by our taxes, I think Calgarians need to put pressure on council to find spending efficiencies across the entire budget. 

 I had the chance to be a guest again on the CBC Calgary Eyeopener's Unconventional Panel yesterday to discuss this.  Here is a link if you are interested.....


http://www.cbc.ca/eyeopener/columnists/unconventional/2012/01/25/debating-pay-raises-at-city-hall/

 
It definitely is an interesting topic.  How do you think they should be paid? 

New Years Resolutions For The City of Calgary

 Happy New Year!  I hope that 2012 is starting off well and that it is an amazing year for everyone.  I had the opportunity to be a guest on the CBC Calgary Eyeopener's Unconventional Panel again today and it was really a blast.  The topic today was "New Years Resolutions for the City of Calgary".

My top new years wishes for the City of Calgary were as follows:

1) Push to get the much needed recreation facilities built in the deep SE!

2) Urge Calgarians to get more involved in local charities through volunteering!

3) To let 98% of Calgary city council know that it is ok to disagree with Mayor Nenshi! ( Why are they so scared of him?....)


Here is a link to the interview:  

http://www.cbc.ca/eyeopener/episode/2012/01/04/eyeopener-podcast-for-january-4th/
 

What are your hopes for the City of Calgary in 2012?