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I wonder if that's a sign that Ben Henderson isn't running?
I've gotta imagine it means Sohi is in, which is fantastic news. A mayor with federal ministerial experience (under the ruling party no less) would be big for Edmonton. Sohi is effective at navigating tricky political situations and still getting stuff done - a very valuable skillset to have in the political landscape that is Alberta. Plus he knows what it takes to be a councilor - something that I think a lot of new candidates drastically underestimate.
edmontonjournal.com
I agree that the downtown has gotten bad. There is a lot of disorder and unfortunate things happening - and they're a lot more visible without the mass of workers downtown. However, none of these idiots seem to have suggestions on how to fix it.Friday's letters: Downtown Edmonton needs a better plan
With about half a year remaining in their terms, I wonder how Scott McKeen and Don Iveson feel about the crime and disorder downtown. There are a disproportionate n…
The closer we get to the expiration of this council and mayor, the more I think a change is substantially needed BAD. It's not just downtown, the Yellowhead and Gateway into the city have become absolutely disgusting by an unacceptable level of neglect. I think this is becoming a more hot button issue as I have seen local business figures even just today acknowledging on Linkedin the state of downtown. City council and the mayor's legacy might win awards for being the most Woke council in Canada for their carbon aspirations and unrealistic homeless strategies but man oh man have they ever blown the absolute bare minimum basics like maintaining a clean and safe city. Edmonton's poor image and reputation is rightfully earned.
Considering there is about a 200 word limit on a letter to the editor, I dont expect someone to write a thesis on how a major Canadian city should clean up its downtown, actually, it should be pretty straight forward. Get the street sweepers out early and fast starting first on our most frequented pathways like Jasper ave, bike lanes, and sidewalks (104 street?); have crews walk the downtown sidewalks cleaning up leftover gravel, dust, garbage (I have lived in downtown Montreal and Toronto and have frequently seen city crews doing this exact thing); have a crew every two weeks clean up blown garbage at our major entrance ways ie Gateway, Yellowhead, etc.
I really don't think street sweeping and garbage pickup is the kind of "clean up" he's talking about.
Sure, not disputing the safety aspect or the science, but speaking for myself only, I have not avoided downtown, eating downtown, or walking to a farmers market because the speed limits are 50 and I will not change my mind because the speed limits are now 40. Likewise, I have never walked around downtown with a visitor from out of town and their comments reflected a need for a more safe 40 speed limit, but many many times have I heard about how gross it is, a sentiment I share. Is that a great project? Sure. Does it need to be done, and does it need to be done now? I strongly do not think so given the other basic problems that need addressing and a lack of revenue.
