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

It does not make sense to add fluoride to the entire water supply at a cost of $20 million over 10 years while less than one per cent is destined for consumption. Fluoride additive is readily available for anyone who wants it.

Occupation:

Semi-retired

Political/volunteer experience:

Past President ASM (technical society), Past President Society Saint Vincent de Paul (charitable organization)

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

Introduce policies and procedures that will make council dealings more transparent and identify accountability and responsibility.

Describe your leadership style:

Seek consensus based on facts, not on emotions.

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

Budget management. Set targets and introduce means so there is accountability and responsibility in money spending matters.

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

1. Prevent taxes from rising; City Council must have plans and goals in place to reduce spending.

3. Traffic and transport flow: Review the overall situation of traffic and set priorities according to input from community associations. This includes road maintenance and snow removal practices.

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

Only if the strategy has a plan, shows who is responsible and accountable for the spending and has targets that are real and can be traced. The focus needs to be agreed upon with the downtown businesses. City council is not in a position to run businesses.

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

City council can solicit input from businesses as to how to create an environment that is favorable for them to start or grow. The focus needs to be on sustainability and not on temporary hand-outs. Collaboration with the Haskayne School of Business would be appropriate to determine what type of businesses would be suitable for Calgary.

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

*Original article titled Theo van Besouw: Ward 2 Calgary council candidate questionnaire online at https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/theo-van-besouw-ward-2-calgary-council-candidate-questionnaire