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."
