City residents need to make their votes count in election

By Letter to the Editor on October 15, 2021.

Editor:
In this municipal election voters have up to nine votes – one for your choice for Mayor, and eight for your choices for Council. With six candidates for mayor and 32 candidates for council, how can you make your votes really count?
By voting only for the candidates that you really want elected. In other words, don’t use all nine of your votes if only four or six people have earned your trust and confidence. And please do not vote for someone just because you recognize their name.
Which candidates will listen to your concerns and bring them forward? Which candidates will work in an ethically and transparent manner? Which candidates will actually represent you?
To help voters get to know the candidates this election, the Lethbridge Transparency Council asked candidates the same 10 questions and posted their interviews on our website http://www.transparencycouncil.ca. There you will also find the letters we have written to this paper asking questions of City Hall and seeking accountability from Council. We have expressed several concerns, including about the conduct of incumbent Ryan Parker.
There are many major issues affecting the citizens of Lethbridge that the next Council needs to deal with. Some that we have heard about repeatedly are:
* A plan, and proper process for approval of Social Housing
* Public transit costs
* Bike path construction
* Waste and recycling
* SAAG restaurant funding
* Performance arts centre
* The lack of transparency for needle distribution
* A third bridge
* Airport ownership
* Union contract approvals
Candidates who do not have platforms responding to most of the above do not understand the needs of you, the Lethbridge citizen.
We advocate for honesty, integrity, accountability and transparency in Lethbridge municipal government. We want these values in our next council.
When you vote this election, be informed and be selective. Make your votes count!
Jeffrey DeJong
Lethbridge Transparency Council