Calgary Civic Election Poll #3: The race heats up

[kermitology]

Originally Posted by Slava

^ Sure, and that is all great. My point isn't that he isn't worth voting for or doesn't have some good ideas. I'm just saying that Nenshi supporters talking about how unqualified Barb Higgins is are kind of like the pot and kettle.

I don't debate for a second that he has released the most policy. I'm not convinced that the race is who can release a platform first though?

As far as I'm concerned his involvement in the civic events community and business experience make him qualified. Higgins has neither of those qualities in my opinion. And that's immensely clear when she's challenged to go off of her prepared statements.

I also think that the donor list thing is way overblown.

[kermitology]

Originally Posted by North East Goon

I am starting to wonder if that alleged crooked MP/Lawyer from North East Calgary is financially backing Nenshi? No basis behind me saying this, just curious as to why he is delaying on his promise to disclose his backers?

Why is the insinuation always so evil? It seems more likely he didn't want to show his cards before nomination day. If he doesn't show his donor list on nomination day, then there's a problem. Barb Higgins has said she's going to release her donor list, but not until after the election; because, that's what the rules are.

[North East Goon]

Originally Posted by kermitology

Why is the insinuation always so evil? Barb Higgins has said she's going to release her donor list, but not until after the election; because, that's what the rules are.

I am not saying it's evil per se, just wondering what the reasoning is behind not delivering what he said.

[You Need a Thneed]

I'm guessing that all the donors will be announced immediately after candacy papers are filed.

That "crooked" MP talked about is Devinder Shory, who was tied in with that mortgage fraud scandal announced earlier this year, but from the little I've heard, he really had nothing to do with it.

[Byrns]

Originally Posted by Muta

Nenshi isn't qualified. But that doesn't mean he wouldn't succeed in the position.

His platforms, his vision, and his passion for this city are miles ahead of everyone else. Nenshi is looking to move past the city's 'status quo;' and he appears to have the pedigree, the knowledge and the intelligence to make that happen. He's looking to take Calgary into a new direction as the city streams larger and larger, and that's the kind of vision this city finally needs. He's educated in how to succeed in this postition in all the right ways. The man can debate like no one's business, too.

What we don't need is more of the same from the same failing city council that has plagued us for 10 years. McIver is more of that same failing pot, he's just smiling while he does it. Dr. No is not what this city needs right now; he'd be good as mayor for a city of Red Deer's size, but not Calgary's. And Barb might be a pretty face, but... that's about it. She'll get destroyed when push comes to shove in politics. Her knowledge goes as far as a teleprompter tells her.

That's why I'm voting for Nenshi.

What no vibrancy?

[Muta]

Originally Posted by Byrns

What no vibrancy?

That, too!

[Slava]

Originally Posted by kermitology

As far as I'm concerned his involvement in the civic events community and business experience make him qualified. Higgins has neither of those qualities in my opinion. And that's immensely clear when she's challenged to go off of her prepared statements.

I also think that the donor list thing is way overblown.

I don't think that the donor list is overblown at all. He said he would do it and simply hasn't. He still might, and that is great, but he hasn't followed his own challenge.

I'm voting for Kent Hehr, so I don't disagree with your comments about Higgins!

[Suave]

Originally Posted by First Lady

Yes, well that is the spin Carter is putting on it.

Frankly they would have been further ahead if they just admitted it was an unrealistic promise to keep.

Personally, I don't care one way or the other if Mayoralty candidates release anything prior to election day (law stipulates filing post election). To me voting shouldn't be based on financial statements.

I think he has always been talking about releasing donors once the campaign is officially underway. I'm sure some of the time he hasn't fully qualified his statement though, which leads to the confusion along with people considering right now as the election campaign, rather then when papers are filed. Seems like semantics by both sides. He should have more clearly defined his statement and always kept the same qualifier to avoid this confusion.


a. Naheed will not spend more than 65 cents per Calgary resident on this race.
b. Naheed will donate any campaign surplus to charity after the race, win or lose.
c. Naheed will disclose the names of all his donors before the polls open on election day.
http://www.calgarybeacon.com/2010/08...he-most-money/

and

"Immediate disclosure of donations. Donations should be disclosed during an election campaign, not after. Candidates should, at a minimum, disclose a full list of donors' names before the polls open."

[Ozy_Flame]

Originally Posted by Slava

^ Sure, and that is all great. My point isn't that he isn't worth voting for or doesn't have some good ideas. I'm just saying that Nenshi supporters talking about how unqualified Barb Higgins is are kind of like the pot and kettle.

I don't debate for a second that he has released the most policy. I'm not convinced that the race is who can release a platform first though?

Political experience for Nenshi:

- Former President of the U of C Students Union (and believe me, this is a very political and bureaucratic job that has to answer to a number of boards).
- Policy design experience for the Alberta Government while working for his business called the Ascend Group
- Consulted to the United Nations on social issues and poverty
- Has served on numerous boards, including being the Chairman for the EPCOR Centre and helping other NPO's
- Has a Master in Public Policy from JFK School of Government, one of the finest schools of its type in the world.

Political Experience for Barb Higgins
- Covering City Hall issues as a journalist and a writer (mostly as a news anchor though).
- United Way Co-Chair.


I would say Nenshi has more experience as a politician and with political matters than Barb. Or at least would have a better understanding of them.

[bizaro86]

I'm a NN fan so far, and if the election were held today he'd get my vote. But I'm interested to see who his donors are. With his platform I'm not sure he'll be able to get the $ from the usual developers tha back candidates. Or maybe they just back everyone, to have an in with whoever wins. Still, it'll be interesting to see. Lots of $20-$100 donations is obviously better democracy, but its a lot more work to pull off than a few big cheques.

[First Lady]

Looks like we will need a fresh poll on nomination day.

After the press conference this morning I stopped by my sign provider to pick up another shipment.

I inadvertently saw mayoralty signs for yet another candidate. They only had a surname on them, so I can only speculate on the contender.

If it is who I think it is, CP'ers are not going to like it.....LOL

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by First Lady

If it is who I think it is, CP'ers are not going to like it.....LOL

Was the last name Sutter?

[frinkprof]

^Well, what is it?

[Ozy_Flame]

Bingo? Lanny? Theo Fleury? A cadre of Sutters?

[Muta]

Originally Posted by First Lady

If it is who I think it is, CP'ers are not going to like it.....LOL

So that's what the ThePrez is up to these days (and fittingly so!)

[First Lady]

Originally Posted by frinkprof

^Well, what is it?

As I said, it was inadvertent, so wouldn't be ethical of me to divulge it.

Clearly this person hasn't declared yet for a reason, I respect that.
But they are serious as signs are being produced.

[frinkprof]

My guess is Rick Bell.

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by frinkprof

My guess is Rick Bell.

If only the last name is on the sign, I bet its someone with a more distinctive (and likely longer) last name. If Rick Bell was running, I bet he'd put his whole name up. It's only 8 letters.

[Ozy_Flame]

Oh wait . . . Either Eric Francis or Eklund.

[burn_this_city]

DESS for Mayor. Dogs and Panhandlers beware!