I will look into hosting office hours at community associations so travel to downtown isn’t required. I understand that travelling to and from the core, by transit, bike, or car, isn’t feasible for some due to time, funds, or lifestyle constraints. My goal is to partner with community associations and other organizations to hold office hours in neighbourhoods. I will build a family friendly office - toys, colouring, or maybe your teen has something they want to talk about, my office door is open to all ages. I’ve been that parent. The one whose child care falls through but still wants to attend an important meeting. I also believe children benefit from watching their parents participate in city building. I grew up watching my mom volunteer and I have no doubt this spirit has been passed on. My own children are curious about my work, volunteerism, and my campaign. My office will need to be a space for them as much as for yours. Baby wipes, extra diapers, we will have it. I will explore hosting town halls and finding a format that allows more people to connect, be it in person or online. This could include different days and times of the week to ensure we aren’t excluding voices by always hosting on the same day and time. Many people have expressed both appreciation and frustration in previous town hall formats and availability. I would like town halls to be places where neighbours connect, subject matter experts join the conversation, and where we walk away inspired to tackle the challenges together. I will leverage my social channels and newsletters to share about:
These are items I have been doing throughout the campaign, and they shouldn’t stop. I believe we benefit from participating in events and activities throughout our city, but best in our neighbourhoods. I will support community associations and nonprofits with information about grants, connect leaders to each other for learning and sharing opportunities, and share about opportunities offered by other supporting organizations. The councillor’s office is one of the main points of contact for community associations and other nonprofit organizations into the work happening with administration. It is vital to have a strong channel of communication and excellent working relationships. There are many other agencies and organizations which support nonprofits and community associations. Ensuring there is also knowledge sharing and good relationships is key to building neighbourhoods with a strong sense of community which in turn promotes safety, activity, and overall sense of well being. I will participate in community events to the best of my ability and schedule. I enjoy being out in the community. I like to have fun! I’m also not too shy to lend a helping hand, even the gritty stuff like hauling out tables and chairs. The best part of this campaign is getting to know people who feel the same way. Just like I will share out notices about events, I will also make sure to share the call out for volunteers. I will work with my fellow councillors, city employees, and citizens in a collaborative, caring, and considerate manner. There are many ways to be part of a respectful workspace. Coming to meetings prepared and having read the notes. Working through the appropriate channels to bring forward motions. Ensuring the voices of marginalized and underrepresented groups feel safe to voice their concerns. I will also listen to learn and understand and do my research where needed. I will be honest and present facts to support my positions. I won’t conflate two items as being related when they aren’t. I believe in an approach which both examines the data and the story. I believe in building trust and that comes from being honest and open with my thoughts and feelings as well. I will advocate for investment into established neighborhoods across the city, not just for Ward 11, this includes transit, recreation, parks, and other civic infrastructure. I want Calgarians to see our existing neighborhoods as great places to live no matter their stage of life. I want us to grow our population in a sustainable way and this means attracting residents to live in our established neighborhoods. This requires amenities which are safe, convenient, and able to support the needs of the community. I will champion policies which require leading with courage, this includes truth and reconciliation, anti-racism work, climate resiliency, accessibility, and poverty reduction. These issues are the most divisive. They are also the most critical. Calgary needs to be a city that works for everyone. I want Calgary to be a leader in this work and I will champion experts to guide us through this work. I will take time off to spend with my family and friends. I acknowledge that this job is important but I won’t sacrifice my relationship with those who have been my biggest supporters. The role cannot be a detriment to my health, mentally or physically. You need a councillor who can come to the table ready to work because I’ve recharged and reconnected with the other things in my life which are full of joy and laughter. Kourtney
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