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

I am supportive of returning flouride to the water supply but would like to see us also innovate on greywater initiatives.

Occupation: Tech Sector Community Builder

Political/volunteer experience: Past President Haysboro Community Association, Fellow for Calgary Innovation Coalition, board member for a non-profit organization.

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

Ward 11 deserves a leader who will champion the initiatives and projects of community organizations and individuals, bringing much-needed investment back to established neighbourhoods to support residents, from transit service to playgrounds.

Describe your leadership style:

I enjoy co-creating solutions in a team environment. I like to work with people who have common goals and connect those with the ideas to those who have experience and expertise. My leadership is about empowering individuals to use their strengths and skillsets to make their workspaces, communities, or organizations better.

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

Need for investment into older infrastructure like playgrounds, transit stations, and sound walls.

Petty crime from unhoused and transient populations. I would like to see the expansion of social services and supports like the DOAP team be supported and expanded along the LRT corridor to serve vulnerable persons.

Growth and planning management around land-use changes in established neighbourhoods. I would like to work with neighbourhoods to develop their Local Area Plans and work towards strategic development on empty lots.

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

I do support the downtown revitalization strategy. I would like to see funding and programs focused on the streetscape and urban parks in the core along with more focus on programming like festivals, art markets, and outdoor concerts.

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

$10-a-day childcare agreement with the federal government. While not innovative or new, the need to support women in the workforce is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed.

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

Focus on building a climate-resilient, active transportation-focused city that actively seeks to build the arts and tech sectors.

* All candidate Q&As have been edited for clarity and brevity. 

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*Original article online at https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/kourtney-branagan-ward-11-calgary-council-candidate-questionnaire