Edmonton’s Election Countdown: Six Weeks to Go!

As Edmonton gears up for its municipal election in less than six weeks, the competition for the mayoral seat is intensifying. With campaigning traditionally kicking into high gear after the Labour Day weekend, candidates are ramping up their efforts to capture voter attention.

Poll Results: Who’s on Top?

A recent Leger poll, released at the end of August, highlights the current standings in the race: - **Andrew Knack** – 12% - **Tim Cartmell** – 10% - **Michael Walters** – 7% - **Rahim Jaffer** – 5% - **Omar Mohammad** – 4% - **Tony Caterina** – 2% Political analyst John Brennan suggests that while Jaffer, Mohammad, and Caterina have slim chances of winning, the frontrunners are likely to be Cartmell, Knack, and Walters.

Candidates’ Visions for Edmonton

Each candidate has distinct approaches to the pressing issues Edmontonians care about, primarily focused on addressing affordability.

Andrew Knack: A Steady Hand

Andrew Knack, who has served on the city council since 2013, emphasizes a collaborative approach: "I aim to listen to Edmontonians and make decisions reflecting their needs. I’m the only councillor running with a track record of delivering cost savings to increase affordability," he states. Knack aims to ensure that the city's budget process is more transparent and engaging for residents.

Tim Cartmell: Teamwork is Key

Tim Cartmell is the only candidate affiliated with a political party—Better Edmonton. He believes that having a strong team is essential for tackling the city’s challenges: "As a mayor, my vote counts, but it’s my team’s support that will make the difference. We need to focus on building new housing units to address affordability issues,” he insists.

Michael Walters: National Leadership

Former councillor Michael Walters has expressed his commitment to affordable housing and the need for financial responsibility. "Building housing units along LRT lines is key for creating transit-friendly neighborhoods. We need to fulfill our promises to citizens, especially in an increasingly competitive tax environment," he shares.

Rahim Jaffer: Bridging Government Relations

Rahim Jaffer, a former Conservative MP, points to the vital need for strong relationships with provincial and federal governments. He suggests that a good mayor must prioritize these connections to effectively address taxpayer concerns about value and cost.

Omar Mohammad: Fresh Perspective

Political outsider Omar Mohammad proposes freezing property taxes for all Edmontonians, emphasizing budget balancing and a halt on unnecessary capital projects. His platform includes housing-first solutions aimed at tackling homelessness and ensuring that newcomers contribute to the tax base.

Tony Caterina: Core Services Focus

Former councillor Tony Caterina is running a campaign centered around affordability. With a pledge to avoid overspending, he plans to concentrate on five essential city services: policing, fire protection, infrastructure, waste management, and snow control, believing that everything beyond this is secondary.

Upcoming Debate: A Chance for Clarity

On September 12, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce will host a mayoral debate, broadcasting on Global News. Only the top five candidates based on the Leger poll will participate, excluding Tony Caterina, who feels it's unjust but remains committed to getting his message across.

What Lies Ahead?

As the election approaches, the discourse around taxes, governmental relationships, and city planning will only intensify. Each candidate is eager to carve out a distinct space in Edmontonians' minds as they strive to lead Edmonton into a future that addresses the real concerns of its citizens.