Some questions that come in on social media really can’t be answered properly via those channels, so (based on part on the popularity of this previous post in the same vein) I’m going to do this regularly.
@DaniParadis @doniveson BUT WHAT DOES HE THINK ABOIT FLUORIDE?! #yegvoteshenanigans
— Lily Tsui (@lilytsui) July 15, 2013
I know it’s a cheeky question, but on fluoride, I have to go with science. I’ve asked many dentists operating in Edmonton about fluoridation and every single one of them said that it is beneficial. If that’s not good enough, I defer to the expert advice of the provincial Medical Officer of Health and Health Canada that low-levels of fluoridation are safe and of net benefit. Meanwhile, dentists in Calgary have reported increased cavities in children since fluoridation was discontinued there. So, absent a plebiscite result directing Council to end fluoridation, I do not see the City’s position on this matter changing. It’s true that too much of a good thing is a bad thing, which is why the recommended level is set quite low. Most of the studies I’ve been presented by anti-fluoridation advocates describe consequences of high exposure to fluoride. So, until the public health scientists are persuaded otherwise, I’ll keep on drinking the tap water and be thankful for its contribution to my family’s oral health.
As mayor, how will you support and improve life for at-risk youth in #yeg @doniveson @KerryDiotte @karenleibovici @curtis_penner? #yegvote
— Dan Scratch (@DanScratch03) August 24, 2013
When we can get at-risk youth off the street and connected with support, we can improve lives and reduce short term social disorder; this, in turn, reduces longer term trends in chronic addiction and homelessness. I believe in this model. As such, I’ve been strong supporter (both politically and personally) of Youth Empowerment Support Services [donate here] and iHuman [support their All-In campaign here], and I have supported investment in community safety initiatives focused on youth through organizations like REACH Edmonton. I’ve also diverted over $12,000 from my City compensation over the last three years to Donate-a-Ride, which affords mobility to marginalized Edmontonians, including youth using ETS to access services and education. I have also stressed the need to invest Family and Child Support Services resources in programs that empower at-risk young people for maximum social return on investment. But let’s put a human face to it: I’ve met with many of the young people who are benefitting from these programs and the impact is enormous: Jamie here is but one inspiring success story from iHuman. Working together with these agencies and others, we can create many more success stories like Jamie’s.
@doniveson What can you do as Mayor to make the Tour of Alberta an even bigger success in 2014?
— Joshua Krabbe (@jdkrabbe) September 4, 2013
First and foremost, I have to hand it to the Tour of Alberta organizers for running a top-notch event. The Edmonton ‘prologue’ kick-off was a great sporting spectacle, and thousands of Edmontonians flocked downtown to watch. The CASA family ride the day prior was a wonderful way for more than 500 Edmontonians of all ages and abilities to test out some of the course. I think they’ve got a recipe for continued success here. Cities are keen to attract events like these for good reason: they showcase our city, often provide significant economic impact by filling up hotel rooms and restaurant tables, and they instil pride. Anyone who was around for the 2010 Grey Cup celebrations in Edmonton will tell you that even people who aren’t fans of the sport or celebration in question can still find ways to have a great time. That said, cities need to be careful that they don’t lose their shirt (as we did with Indy) when trying to attract these events, ensuring that the net-benefit argument remains rational.
Sign vandalism is disgusting. I hope to see @karenleibovici and @doniveson condemn this in strong terms http://t.co/S0mUdPrTiI #yegvote
— Garnett Genuis (@GarnettGenuis) September 3, 2013
I have to agree. Campaigns are difficult enough without people destroying and stealing signs or other material. It’s a waste of resources, of volunteer time and it can shift your focus away from where it should be: talking to Edmontonians about what’s important to them. In this election and the two previous, we have always prided ourselves on running positive campaigns free of tricks and hijinx – and just to be on the safe side, we’ve always been clear with our volunteers that other campaigns are to be treated as we would like to be treated. Simple as that.
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