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Election 2010
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Biermanski vies for mayor's chair
It's officially a race for the mayor's chair after an Akinsdale resident said she's ready to challenge for the top job.
Shelley Biermanski, a 21-year resident of St. Albert, said she decided to run after getting more actively involved in city politics during the 70 Arlington Dr. debates earlier this year. From there, she started following and learning more about the issues within the city and decided it was time for her to do something.
“There are things I've always been passionate about, but I am not a politician,” said Biermanski, the first challenger to run against Mayor Nolan Crouse, who is seeking re-election. “I think there needs to be a change at the core of council.”
Biermanski, who was born in Hanna, currently works as a manager at Safeway, is a team lead for Smart Car sales at David Morris Fine Motors in Edmonton, and is involved with an art gallery. She said her experience in various roles makes her adaptable for the city's top job.
In her discussions with others, Beirmanski said she has come to realize that the voices of the residents of St. Albert need to be heard within council chambers. She said many people say their concerns fall on deaf ears and wants people to feel like they will be heard if they come to council.
“I think you have to empower people to make sensible choices and have the choice to do so,” said Biermanski. “I think a lot of people feel like nobody listens to them, give them their voices back.”
Green city
One of the key points of her platform is the idea of making St. Albert a greener city. From improving the landscaping within the downtown, to convincing green businesses to move to the city, Biermanski said she could see St. Albert developing its green factor.
“There's so much green development we could do,” she said. “If people knew this was a green centre I think it would draw a lot of business.”
It's the ability to draw businesses to the city that Biermanski said would help with property taxes for residents, referring to the city's attempt at creating an 80/20 residential to non-residential tax split. While she hasn't formulated an in-depth plan about the city's rate of taxation, she did say she would take a closer look at the issue if she is elected in October.
Although she was involved in the 70 Arlington Dr. discussions earlier this year, Biermanski said she would do her best to remain neutral on the issue. She added she would rely on members of council to help her make a decision, since they would all have different opinions on the subject.
Currently, Habitat for Humanity Edmonton has submitted a new site plan for the land. City staff do not believe the issue will be wrapped up until after the Oct. 18 election.
Beirmanski said she hoped her entrance into the race will help shake up the election. No one aside from Crouse has declared for the top spot, while 10 people are running for the six councillor positions.
“I believe the current mayor believes he will be there after the election. I think he has it in his mind that he will be there,” she said. “I think the current mayor just needs some good competition.”
Comments
With Shelley at the helm of the good ship St. Albert, perhaps will we will not have to continually be worrying about manning the lifeboats and wearing our vests!
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Message ID: 330198
Post On: October 1, 2010
Posted by User #: Fred Trotter
Posted by IP:
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Nolan Crouse - your 5 minutes are UP!
With Shelley at the helm of the good ship St. Albert, perhaps will we will not have to continually be worrying about manning the lifeboats and wearing our vests!
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Message ID: 329946
Post On: September 2, 2010
Posted by User #: Candace Lane
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Biermanski's connection to the Art Gallery is concerning. Makes me think she might give these leaches more taxpayer money for their hobbies.
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Message ID: 329888
Post On: August 25, 2010
Posted by User #: Siglar
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It's Time for Crouse to go. He's angered a lot of citizens
" Institutionalize neighborhood and community development"
"Institutionalize a culture within corporation"
"Institutionalize a more comprehensive natural infrastructure.."
"Institutionalize the 40 Development Assets for youth"
"Institutionalize neighborhood development" again
"Institutionalize community development" again
Websters definition of Institutionalize: to make institutional in character. Institutionalism: belief in the usefulness or authority of established institutions (eg. religion), the characteristic rigidity, standardization etc.
Reminds me of an old joke: A Marriage is a wonderful institution, but then again, who wants to live in an institution?
I also found it interesting at the end of his detailed platform he states: " We need to clearly define what this community future means for residents,visitors & business..." "This can only be done by addressing the needs of the stakeholders who wish to share in the economic benefits.." What I want to know is who exactly are these "stakeholders"?. Sounds like a corporate puppet to me. My vote is for Shelley, a real person and a strong advocate for the PEOPLE. Go Shelley!
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Message ID: 329873
Post On: August 22, 2010
Posted by User #: Brittany Walker
Posted by IP:
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I was reading Nolan Crouses' slick and long winded election platform, he really seems to like the word "Institutionalize". He uses it 6 times:
" Institutionalize neighborhood and community development"
"Institutionalize a culture within corporation"
"Institutionalize a more comprehensive natural infrastructure.."
"Institutionalize the 40 Development Assets for youth"
"Institutionalize neighborhood development" again
"Institutionalize community development" again
Websters definition of Institutionalize: to make institutional in character. Institutionalism: belief in the usefulness or authority of established institutions (eg. religion), the characteristic rigidity, standardization etc.
Reminds me of an old joke: A Marriage is a wonderful institution, but then again, who wants to live in an institution?
I also found it interesting at the end of his detailed platform he states: " We need to clearly define what this community future means for residents,visitors & business..." "This can only be done by addressing the needs of the stakeholders who wish to share in the economic benefits.." What I want to know is who exactly are these "stakeholders"?. Sounds like a corporate puppet to me. My vote is for Shelley, a real person and a strong advocate for the PEOPLE. Go Shelley!
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Message ID: 329864
Post On: August 21, 2010
Posted by User #: BobJ
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@T Bird - how goes the Shelley 4 Mayor campaign? must be busy times!
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Message ID: 329861
Post On: August 20, 2010
Posted by User #: T Bird
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I was happy to see someone new enter the race. I have been reading her blogs each day and taking my time getting to know her and what she stands for, and so far so good. I think St. Albert needs a new and fresh perspective and Shelley seems to fit the bill. She is obviously dedicated and passionate about the community and I for one would like to sit back and see what she can do to keep St Albert moving in a positive direction. I don't want to clone Edmonton or any other city, St. Albert can grow without losing its charm. Her website (shelleybiermanski.com) is very well organized and I like that it is interactive. Go Shelley!
On the topic of capitalization. Sara and Spoofy (if you are indeed 2 people), the word is GUARANTEE but you made a good EFFORT.
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Message ID: 329826
Post On: August 11, 2010
Posted by User #: Res76
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She says she does not have a plan to address taxation issues and will study it IF she wins the election? However she has more to say about the Arlington Drive decision. Sounds like a one issue candidate to me. She is upset that she did not get her way on Arlington Drive and is trying to capitalize on the discontent.
On the topic of capitalization. Sara and Spoofy (if you are indeed 2 people), the word is GUARANTEE but you made a good EFFORT.
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Message ID: 329804
Post On: August 2, 2010
Posted by User #: Bre Kay
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That dosen't make sense to me....Yeah she sponsers art shows thats going to impact her decisions for St Albert in my opinion it can only make her better for the job...Better the what Crouse has done for us (which is nothing)
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Message ID: 329791
Post On: July 31, 2010
Posted by User #: Candace Lane
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No chance, like we need an Arts supporter as mayor!!
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Message ID: 329790
Post On: July 30, 2010
Posted by User #: kellex98
Posted by IP:
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Quick correction: Spoofy said the election is October 19th. It is actually on Monday, October 18 we would not want people to miss out on their opportunity to make a difference in this election! :)
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Message ID: 329788
Post On: July 30, 2010
Posted by User #: Ken Armstrong
Posted by IP:
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Heard you talk at one of the community meetings and your love and passion for St Albert was very apparent. St Albert is heading down the wrong path and it needs a change. We do not want to be a suburb of Edmonton. You get 100% of my support. I also read your blog (shelley4mayor.wordpress.com) and look forward to more insight.
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Message ID: 329783
Post On: July 29, 2010
Posted by User #: Sara Worst
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Couldn't Agree more GOOD FOR YOU!!!! I have been waiting years for someone to take the spot of Crouse I haven't agreed with one of the decisions he has made since becoming mayor. You have my GARENTEED vote!!
Come on now folks! Come out in droves on October 19th and follow my example!
Oh, how I wished that people would make the efford and come out to the polling stations in October!!!
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Message ID: 329780
Post On: July 28, 2010
Posted by User #: Spoofy
Posted by IP:
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Good for her!! She'll have my vote garenteed!!
Come on now folks! Come out in droves on October 19th and follow my example!
Oh, how I wished that people would make the efford and come out to the polling stations in October!!!