As Edmonton’s municipal election draws nearer, the competition among mayoral candidates intensifies. Following the Labour Day weekend, campaigning typically accelerates in earnest. A recent Leger poll has revealed the current landscape of voter intentions for the mayoral race. The poll ranks Andrew Knack at 12%, Tim Cartmell at 10%, Michael Walters at 7%, Rahim Jaffer at 5%, Omar Mohammad at 4%, and Tony Caterina at 2%. Political analyst John Brennan predicts that the contest will primarily be a tight race among Knack, Cartmell, and Walters, emphasizing the importance of fiscal responsibility, particularly among older Edmontonians concerned about rising taxes.
Candidates are addressing a range of pressing concerns for Edmontonians, with Andrew Knack advocating for a collaborative approach to city governance. Knack, who has represented a west Edmonton ward since 2013, emphasizes his commitment to acting on the concerns of citizens, especially regarding affordability. He pledges to reform the city’s budgeting process and focus on practical cost-saving measures. By listening to constituents, he aims to make informed decisions that align with the community’s needs, positioning himself as the representative who can deliver tangible change without a complete overhaul of city hall.
Tim Cartmell, representing southwest Edmonton since 2017, distinguishes himself with a focus on teamwork through his “Better Edmonton” platform. He stresses the significance of collaboration and delivering effective solutions for the city’s challenges. Cartmell proposes enhancing housing supply by maximizing the use of available land and refocusing on larger development sites, rather than solely established neighborhoods. By adapting city planning priorities, he aims to produce more affordable housing options, which is essential to address the mounting affordability crisis in Edmonton.
Michael Walters brings extensive experience from his previous tenure on the city council, pushing for an approach that emphasizes responsible housing development and affordability. He supports creating more residential units around transit lines to foster livable neighborhoods. Walters points to the city’s competitive disadvantage, as rising taxes affect businesses and erode investment opportunities, advocating for fiscal responsibility as a pathway to sustainability and growth. His commitment to making Edmonton more affordable resonates with voters seeking solutions to economic pressures.
Rahim Jaffer, a former Conservative MP, focuses on restoring effective relationships with provincial and federal governments. He argues that successful governance requires strong partnerships, which he believes are currently lacking. Jaffer aims to address public concerns over taxes and value for services. His campaign emphasizes the importance of nurturing collaboration with different government levels to ensure the city receives adequate support, positioning himself as a candidate who can navigate these complexities effectively.
Omar Mohammad, a political newcomer and pediatric dentist, proposes freezing property taxes as part of his affordability strategy. His platform also includes a focus on expanding the tax base to counteract financial challenges faced by the city. Additionally, he advocates for a housing-first approach to alleviate homelessness while expressing a desire to bring a fresh perspective outside of traditional political circles. Mohammad believes that new leadership is essential to effectively address the issues impacting Edmonton, indicating a frustration with the status quo among veteran politicians.
Tony Caterina, a former city councillor, emphasizes a disciplined approach to fiscal management. He stresses the significance of focusing on fundamental city services and avoiding excessive spending. Caterina believes that a return to basics can enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the city’s administration. Although he is not included in an upcoming mayoral debate due to low polling, Caterina maintains that his approach to governance will showcase a commitment to responsible spending and accountability, resonating with voters concerned about economic sustainability and city services.
