Incumbent Iveson backs agenda in heated forum
Sitting mayor defends downtown bike lanes, project management delivery
Sparks flew at Edmonton’s second mayoral forum Tuesday as incumbent mayor Don Iveson defended his agenda against a large panel of challengers.
The first question was about the new downtown bike lanes, with Iveson and candidate Gord Nikolic the only ones to defend them.
The second question called for a moratorium on lot-splitting in residential neighbourhoods. That garnered wide support, with candidate Fahad Mughal suggesting a moratorium on all infill, while Nikolic suggested Edmonton should annex land in the surrounding counties instead to grow.
Soon after, someone on Twitter asked how candidates would improve Edmonton’s project management and infrastructure delivery.
Iveson said city departments have been restructured and the process for approving projects now requires more design before budget approval.
This council should be judged by how this term’s projects turn out, said Iveson. But the other candidates weren’t having that.
Iveson was on council when projects such as the delayed Walterdale Bridge and Metro Line LRT were approved, said challenger Mike Butler: “I don’t understand why you haven’t fixed (procurement and contract oversight) earlier.”
“Don’s been on council for 12 years. Some of the things he wants to fix tomorrow, he should have fixed yesterday,” added Neil Stephens, who was quickly cut off by the moderator. Iveson has been on council for 10 years.
Several hundred voters filled the gym at Harry Ainlay Composite High School, with many staying to the end of the three-hour forum. They took tickets for the right to ask a question.
When a voter on Twitter asked about racism, most candidates said racism in the city is a fringe problem, dealt with by ignoring the colour of people’s skin.
“Most of the Canadians are welcoming,” said Justin Thomas, who came to Canada from south India in 2012.
But Mughal and Iveson both said Edmonton has a serious racism problem. Mughal said his four years working at the city showed him there’s “no appetite” to deal with systematic discrimination.
“Did you know the majority of the black staff in Edmonton is janitorial?” he said, calling on the city to reinstate its Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
Iveson said he’s committed to setting the right tone at the top, and to bringing name-blind resume practices to the city’s human resources department: “Admitting we have a problem is a first step.”
Ten of the 13 candidates turned out, with George Lam, a man who presented himself as the official agent for candidate Henry Mak, joining halfway through the introductions.
Mak declined interview requests and missed the first forum.
Edmonton Elections officials checked and said they have proof Mak exists: he showed photo identification when city lawyers notarized his papers on nomination day.
Don’s been on council for 12 years. Some of the things he wants to fix tomorrow, he should have fixed yesterday,