The next city council could be asked to return fluoride to the city’s water supply. What is your position on this?

I support the introduction of fluoride.

Occupation:

Head of social media and co-founder of Rycob Media

Political/volunteer experience:

Communications volunteer and board member for the Calgary Rocky Ridge Conservative Electoral District Association since 2018. Campaign volunteer for Pat Kelly in 2019, and 2021. Member of the City of Calgary Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Calgary Transit Access Eligibility Review Board, member of the Alberta Ability Network and 2013 Easter Seals Youth Ambassador.

What is your motivation for seeking a seat on city council?

I’ve always wanted to serve and make my community better. Whether it be in the disability community, on City of Calgary boards or with the Conservative Party of Canada I have always striven to do so. Over the past few years, it’s become clear City Council has lost touch with the needs of ordinary Calgarians much less communicate and be open with us. It’s time for REAL change.

Describe your leadership style.

I’m a leader that listens, collaborates, and takes action based on data.

What do you consider the single most important issue facing Calgarians, and what should be done about it?

By far, this is economic recovery and affordability, which I think go hand-in-hand. We can cut regulation, encourage development, but control its pace and accelerate the growth of startups while giving Calgarians more money in their pockets.

What are the three most important issues in your ward, and how would you address them?

Safety – Fully staff and properly fund the Calgary Fire Department, institute NFFPA standards, 24-hour shifts, and create a Calgary Fire Commission.

Mental Health – Create an online portal where people or their loved ones can search services by cost, program availability, and complaint. Start a pilot program in partnership with AHS similar to low-income transit pass to make it easier for low-income Calgarians to get the help they need.

Economic Recovery and Affordability:  Moderate new greenfield development with a modest cost increase on development permits. Cut red tape through a regulatory budget at city hall, allow developers to partner with the city to sponsor affordable housing projects, liquidate some reserve funds to invest in organizations like Platform Calgary to attract new business and fund startups. Tax freeze and privatization where appropriate.It also means leading by example. Council and administration should take a 10 per cent pay rollback and we need to end supplementary pensions.

Do you support the city’s downtown revitalization strategy? Where should funding and programs be focused?

In a modified way. Some residential conversion can work, but we have to make it easier to travel downtown, including by car. In addition to this, the organizations like Platform and attracted businesses from Calgary economic development and OCIF can fill vacancies. The tax freeze and regulatory budget are also important to making downtown thrive again.

What innovative project or job creation measure can you propose to aid Calgary’s post-COVID economic recovery?

In addition to measures I’ve already mentioned, we can create greater access to Calgary for travellers by connecting the airport with Calgary transit. However, I don’t believe this requires a brand new LRT station. We can run a shuttle through the airport tunnel to McKnight-Westwinds station.

What should city council do to keep young adults from leaving Calgary?

Protect green spaces like parks, keep transit affordable by continuing the low-income transit pass, accelerate tech startups through organizations such as Platform Calgary, provide more opportunity through Calgary Economic Development and OCIF, restore trust in city council, support local artists and increase housing supply to make buying a home more affordable. We have to make Calgary a place of opportunity and to build a life again.


*Original article online at https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/jacob-mcgregor-questionnaire-with-ward-1-calgary-council-candidate