Calgary Municipal Politics

[MichaelS]

I was wondering when she would announce. It'll be interesting to see how it plays out between Sharp and Farkas. Not exactly the same platforms, but to a number of voters, both will be appealing.

It will be interesting to see Sharp defend herself as a "fiscal conservative" when he attacks her over the arena deal.

 

[Mountain Man]

Starting to see election signs popping up around town now, not stoked for party politics to rear its ugly head in these elections.

 

[Albertasaurus]

So has anyone seen any opinion polling? I haven't seen anything as of yet as far as preferred Mayor goes, and we're less than 2 months out. We get spoiled at Federal election time with multiple polls every day.

 

[darwink]

from last fall. https://livewirecalgary.com/2024/10...ection-survey-shows-strong-for-farkas-gondek/

It is unlikely much movement would have happened by now. Thiessen at 5% would be a huge accomplishment.

 

[Surrealplaces]

Not a lot of choice for progressive candidates. In the end, what counts is the council as a whole.

 

[trtcttc]

There isn't really a progressive party. Many of the progressive incumbents aren't running for re-election and none of the ones that are wanted to lead a party, or are popular enough to, including Gondek. Curious how the parties do, outside of Communities First, most are brand new. It's funny that the UCP wanted a more conservative council, and they got two conservative parties that will likely split some of the vote, just like the province pre-UCP.

 

[Mountain Man]

I think Sonya Sharp will be our next mayor. Would love to see polling, but I have a strong feeling...

I went to SAIT with her, don't really remember her, but I don't forget a face lol.

 

[MichaelS]

My money is on Farkas. Sharp is great at being negative, but if pushed, I have yet to hear a great thought out policy from her. Just complaining. Great. You don't like blanket rezoning, but when you continue to vote against TOD development, are you advocating for endless sprawl?

 

[Mountain Man]

Sharp seems to be Farkas from the previous election. Does that make Farkas the new Gondek? lol

 

[Surrealplaces]

If I were a betting man, I’d put money on Farkas. I think he still has his base.

 

[lemongrab]

So has anyone seen any opinion polling? I haven't seen anything as of yet as far as preferred Mayor goes, and we're less than 2 months out. We get spoiled at Federal election time with multiple polls every day.

IMO polls are actually pretty destructive to our democracy. They give pollsters and the media have too much power to shape elections. If I had a magic wand I'd make it illegal to publish poll results.

 

[CalgaryTiger]

It is Farkas' to lose, he's had a bit of a change of heart since last election and seems to have at least tried to open his mind. I'm still very skeptical. I do appreciate the people running as independents and will not be voting for anyone is part of a party. I got my first bit of literature on my door for an independent candidate in Ward 8, Nathanial Schmidt, I like who I see but as is the cast with most the literature and his website lack any real specifics but it is tough as an individual councilor to really promise anything other than some general direction you will vote. Nate, not sure he actually goes by that, also has the most signs by far up around the area.

His priorities are:
Build better housing options across the city
Increase investment in inner city neighbourhoods
Advocate for better infrastructure and public services
Create a safe and resilient city for everyone

Like I said very vague and the last two priorities can really mean anything. Infrastructure is everything from a curb to watermain. Also what does better mean, how is that measured? Better public service is also quite broad, is there something the City isn't doing it should be or is there something the City could do better. How is that measured?

I'm going to email Nate and see if he gets back with anything more specific, because a safe and resilient city for everyone sounds good but it doesn't mean anything. It could be safe-injection sites, not enforcing laws by the book on vulnerable people or it could mean zero tolerance for public drug use and arresting anyone causing the slightest bit of public disturbance.

 

[Surrealplaces]

Right now in my ward (7) There are only two candidates, and both are with a party, but I've already decided to go with the one opposing Terry Wong. She ran last time, but there was vote splitting and allowed Wong to slip in.

 

[trtcttc]

Right now in my ward (7) There are only two candidates, and both are with a party, but I've already decided to go with the one opposing Terry Wong. She ran last time, but there was vote splitting and allowed Wong to slip in.

I'm in the same ward. I've seen signs for others but I guess only those two have officially registered. I like Wong personally and he's pretty responsive whenever I raised concerns. But he's not progressive enough to win such an urban riding without a vote split.

 

[Albertasaurus]

Right now in my ward (7) There are only two candidates, and both are with a party, but I've already decided to go with the one opposing Terry Wong. She ran last time, but there was vote splitting and allowed Wong to slip in.

That would be Heather McRae, whose husband is Stephen Carter is running the overall Calgary party campaign I believe. I'm in W7 too and there are a few others who are campaigning but haven't registered yet. Myke Atkinson and Dave Barrett both have a fair amount of signs around.