I have no idea who Craig Chandler is, but I would suggest submitting something to wikipedia about him being a facist as his page doesnt mention anything about that
I'm curious to hear actual REASONS why people were unhappy with Bronconnier as mayor. I could list about a million reasons why he is better than Ric McIver ever would be as mayor. For one, he actually had an idea of what he was FOR, not simply what he was against.
I think he represented the epitome of hubris when it came to thoughtless development until far too late into his time as mayor. In many ways, he was perfect for what Calgary "is" but I can't say that I am pleased with that, as I know I am not really in the majority when it comes to voicing opinion on many civic issues.
Its bittersweet because I would say his recent performance has been more palatable than when he was "young" in his career. I do say that with the spectre of the audit looming on the horizon, and only time will tell how that will influence my opinion of him.
Calgary experienced a prolonged period of significant economic growth while he was in office and I am not sure that what he was able to do with that blessing will be looked back upon as positive on the balance.
For the record, I agree with your sentiments about McIver. He would be much more of the same in the way he would pander to his whims, yet the difference is that it is not very apparent what the guy stands for. At least with "bronco" you knew you were getting a guy who wanted to be remembered as a builder. What would McIver want?
I know that I will be attempting to vote for someone who can push Calgary in a direction of balance. This town is way too tense and it needs to come back the other way a little bit. How can this be achieved? Is the general population ready for such a change? Does such a person exist?
I dunno. Maybe I'll move.
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Originally Posted by Biff
If the NHL ever needs an enema, Edmonton is where they'll insert it.
[Citation Needed]
Never heard of the guy but those are some pretty damning things if true.
Quote:
Earlier this year, a settlement arranged by the Canadian Human Rights Commission forced [Chandler] to publish an apology for comments made on a radio program that he co-hosts - among them, reportedly, that "God sees murder as equal to homosexuality." As part of the settlement, he agreed to "cease and desist" from posting information on the Internet claiming that "homosexuals are conspiring against society" and that they are "sick, diseased or mentally ill."
His homophobia appears to know few bounds. On the website of Concerned Christians, he approvingly pointed to a letter by Calgary pastor Stephen Boisson charging that "[w]here homosexuality flourishes, all manner of wickedness abounds." When Belinda Stronach ran for the Conservative leadership, he suggested the presence of gay activists on her campaign team meant "a takeover from the militant homosexual movement" was at hand.
“We want more Ric McIvers,” he says, referring to his former boss who’s now alderman for Ward 12. (Chandler managed McIver’s aldermanic campaign when he was first elected in 2001.) “If PGIB can fund more people that end up like Ric McIver, we’ve done our job.”
CP should put together a slate of candidates for Mayor and all of the Aldermen. Everyone around here knows what's wrong with the city, and I'm sure there are enough people spread around the city to field someone in each ward.
I hope Diane Colley-Urqhart (sp?) runs... I've lived in her ward for years. I didn't like her at the start, because she's been very "whole city" and not "ward" centric, but as time went on I realized it was just because she's posturing and politicking. Good luck to her, I'll vote for her.
edit: If she runs, I'd think she's one of the front-runner... depending on which other current aldermen run.
I call BS. I've also lived in her ward for years and can't think of one thing that she has spearheaded. In fact, I asked you this very question in the thread where she was running for MLA and you admitted that neither could you!
So, I'll ask you again....what exactly has she done as our alderman? Which issues has she spearheaded that have made Calgary a better city to live in?
If McIvor becomes mayor, I will have to sit down and seriously consider moving out of this city permanently. Given his political grandstanding, his refusal to do anything that actually advances this city in any sort of way (unless you call urban sprawl 'advancement'), and his extremely conservative political leanings, I'd have a more cultural experience sitting inside a cement box.
Not sad about this at all - I am sick of the only answer to everything being raising taxes. That is a BS response to the population increase... as the population increases, so to does your tax base. Put user fees in place for items that are too popular, and stop whining.
Duerr was popular because he kept taxes low and did no infrstructure.
Bronco is the opposite, and I agree with his actions. This city was so far behind in so many areas, tax hikes were inevitable to get growth back on track. Now, Im not saying I agree with the extent of his tax hikes, but I understand his motives.
Mayoral races are the worst, whoever wins is going to be the person who promises to lower prop taxes the most and build the most new rec centres.