Mayoral candidates roll out pledges

Mayoral contenders have released their platforms, focusing on various aspects of governance and city improvement.

Kevin Klein, a contender, aims to introduce new election rules to create a more level playing field for all candidates. He proposes a municipal announcement blackout of 30 days before each election, exempting legally required notices or emergency/public safety alerts. Klein also suggests a code of conduct prohibiting public funding announcements by city council members within 60 days before elections, a requirement for city staff working in councillors' or mayors' offices to take unpaid leave once the nomination period ends, and oversight from an integrity commissioner to ensure no regular council or committee meetings occur within 45 days of an election.

Additionally, Klein would have the chief electoral officer audited for performance and barred from serving as the city's chief administrative or financial officer for four years before or after the election.

Scott Gillingham, the incumbent, emphasizes the importance of addressing emerging technologies in the city. He proposes an Urban Technology Review Committee of council to review artificial intelligence, e-scooters, drones, data centers, and driverless vehicles. The committee would hold public hearings and propose changes to rules, roads, or services based on their findings.

Don Woodstock, another contender, promises to support local Royal Canadian Legion branches and Army, Navy, and Air Force veterans in Canadian facilities. If elected, Woodstock pledges to provide annual grants of up to $100,000 per facility, seek sponsors among charitable foundations, arrange agreements with agricultural producers and wholesalers for affordable food at events, and rebate all municipal property taxes paid by these facilities.