Our city's slogan, "Cultivate Life" represents for me, the nurturing and healthy growth of the community, rooted in a secure and stable environment.
This principle springs from the practice of encouraging and living the common good of all who are part of our community. 'Community' includes everyone and every group or organization of all interests – individuals, families, law enforcement, business, volunteers, public works and yes, city administration and government officials.
We are all interconnected and are here to serve one another – no one is excluded. Not a single individual or group mentioned above can exist without the others. The basic cell of any society is in fact, the family; it is the first community. As in all families, we are called to think and act beyond our own individual existence and to share generously, to look out for each other in all our needs, to give a helping hand where help is needed. This is why I believe in buying local, supporting our local businesses, volunteering at non-profit organizations, and having government not intrude in or compete with private business in areas where the business sector can provide goods and services. We, the community of St. Albert can only flourish when we think beyond our own individual existence, reject selfishness and contribute where we can to respect and honour others, look out for others, not just demand our rights but acknowledge, accept and exercise our responsibilities.
Seeking our good is connected with the good of others; without this, we can quickly suffer a divide between self-interest individuals or groups and the rest of the community. That can only serve to destroy peace and the unity of our St. Albert community.
What areas do we need to give special attention to? Just about every and anything that we do in our city deserves attention. However, the onus is not on the government to solve or pay for all solutions – city officials are there to serve each and every one and not the other way around. They are not there to circumvent or compete in areas where citizens can and should take up responsibilities.
I would expect the following from our mayor and councillors:
Responsible financial management: Taxes, budgeting and spending all need to be seriously reviewed; we have among the highest taxes in Alberta and at the same time, we seem to be wasting loads of money. We need to be better stewards of the community's financial and other resources.
We need to support businesses to participate in a meaningful way in economic development and production to provide for long-term sustainability. We can't afford to see businesses move away from the city.
Professional Planning: Manage change through growth while preserving the integrity of neighbourhoods and respecting residential rezoning concerns; establish long-range development goals to support anticipated community values and needs; Be committed to celebrate and honour our origins by preserving our local landmarks; advocate for the twinning of Ray Gibbon Drive and completing its connection to Highway 2; preserve and protect park space and green spaces.
Steve Stone, St. Albert
