2010 Mayors Race

[Slava]

I know that this has been brought up in a few other threads, but figured that there should be a thread dedicated to the topic. Should be interesting race this year with Bronco not running again. A few candidates have declared thus far:

1. John Hughes: The guy campaigning to have the right to raise chickens in his backyard.

2. Jon Lord: Former Alderman and MLA.

3. Ric McIver: Dr. No, current alderman and current front-runner.

4. Joe Connelly: Current Alderman for ward 6.

5. Kent Hehr: (sort of official confirmation this morning). Sitting MLA for Calgary Buffalo.

I'm going to come right out and say that I support Kent Hehr 110%, just to put my bias out there front and center. Should be an interesting campaign though.

There are still a few others who have yet to officially declare but are expected to be declaring: Dianne Colley-Urquhart, Wayne Stewart and rumours still surround Naheed Nenshi as well.

Here is todays article from Rick Bell regarding Kent Hehr: http://www.calgarysun.com/news/colum.../13828676.html

[FurnaceFace]

I'm in the anyone but "Blinky" camp. If Kent and his rocket powered wheelchair has enough support to knock Blinky out then he gets my support.

[Bigtime]

My vote goes next to Kent's name unless someone better comes out of the woodwork.

[Ducay]

McIver: Do not want

Colley-Urqface: Do not want


That really only leaves Connelly and this Kent dude.

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by Ducay

McIver: Do not want

Colley-Urqface: Do not want


That really only leaves Connelly and this Kent dude.

Don't forgot John "chickens in our backyards" Hughes...

Also put me down in the Connelly: Do not want camp. Probably the worst of the bunch running right now.

[SeeGeeWhy]

I will vote for Kent Hehr. I may even campaign for him.

[frinkprof]

Alnoor Kassam has also announced.

[Bigtime]

My wife and I voted for him during the last provincial election. She has been going a little stir crazy with the baby and was hoping to do some volunteering for this election, I can see her getting involved with Hehr's campaign.

[Iowa_Flames_Fan]

I'm definitely voting for Kent Hehr. Super guy, very smart, very conscientious and bright. You can't meet him and not like him.

[Ducay]

I'd be interested in seeing Kent's mayoral platform, however, it would have to include murdering babies for it to be worse than McIver or DCQ.

[frinkprof]

Connelly. Full-blown imbecile. That guy would be a complete and utter embarassment to Calgary if he were to become mayor. Luckily I don't think he stands much of a chance.

Lord. Not completely sure what to make of him. Based on my research thus far though, I'm leaning toward the "do not want" side.

Hughes. Obviously he's a single issue candidate and has no chance. Maybe a protest vote for people who don't like anyone else? To his credit though, he is passionate about his cause.

Kassam. (Alleged) embezzler in his native Kenya and shady local landlord. Full stop. No thanks.

McIver. I disagree with him on many issues. Truthfully though, I might be able to pinch my nose and live with him as mayor. A firm 'no' from me as far as my vote goes though.

Hehr. New to the race, so I'll have to wait to see what he says on issues. Based on his background though, he currently has my support.

[Ducay]

Originally Posted by frinkprof

McIver. I disagree with him on many issues. Truthfully though, I might be able to pinch my nose and live with him as mayor. A firm 'no' from me as far as my vote goes though.

Exactly, I feel like McIver just opposes everything thats gone before council, just "because".

He is your typical Calgary Sun reader, knee-jerk "hey don't spend taxpayers money" sort of guy. I can see him appealing to a lot of Calgarians though. If you promise lower property taxes, you're gonna get a decent amount of votes sadly.

[edn88]

Doesn't matter to me who gets voted in now - Bronco Dave won't be mayor again, and that is a good thing.

I kind of like the idea of a mayor who is responsible with tax dollars.

[frinkprof]

I'd imagine this will lose its novelty eventually, but pretty funny at the moment.

Fake Ric McIver's twitter account:

http://twitter.com/fakeRicMcIver

@lectio all my suits have a secret pocket for my swiss army knife and duct tape and Rick Bell's phone number

[Slava]

To those of you looking at getting involved with Kents campaign, feel free to PM me. (I've already disclosed my bias, so I might as well go all the way here and just say that I'm already working on his campaign as well).

[SeeGeeWhy]

I think Hehr is a Calgarian first and has a vision for what he would like this city to become. If anyone has ever had the chance to meet him, he is a world class personality and is very, very sharp.

I am very excited to see his platform and I do not think it will disappoint.

I'd like to see what he is going to do about the macroeconomics that our city currently operates under. Our growth is driven by build out and its not financially sustainable. It is obviously partially due to the land available to Calgary for annexation and the relatively low cost, but the development model is broken as the cost of land acqusition does not include the cost of infrastructure and ongoing maintenance in supporting the populations on the outskirts of Calgary.

I would really like to see some trials done on areas that could use some revitalization where a 3PC model is used and the city would actually get to participate in the profit of development. It is only fair given the risk and cost that the city bears in the long run. People in this city need to be introduced to options when it comes to pleasant "sustainable" living. This whole highway + power centre model of urban planning in Calgary is busted but not beyond repair.

I am seriously excited that Kent is going for it.

[Ducay]

Anyone know what Kent's thoughts are on:

-Sprawl
-Transit
-Prop. Taxes
-How to keep Forest Lawners contained?

[Muta]

I am fully behind Kent Hehr 110% as well. He is a very upstanding, intelligent guy.

[Shazam]

I'm leaning towards Lord right now.

[CaptainCrunch]

I'm waiting for the usual crazy candidates to show up.