8/8/2019 Ward 9 - Bader

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/ward-9-bader 1/2

Edmonton Journal Civic Election Candidate

QuestionnaireRami Bader, 52. Running for Councillor, Ward 9

E-mail  rami@240am.com

Website www.ramibader.com

Twitter @ramibader 

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rami-Bader-for-Ward-9-it-Makes-Sense/111273962266973?ref=sgm

What are the three biggest issues in your campaign?

Your number one issue, and why?

Smart Growth - slow down new development until we balance all the services that are required to support the quality of life for thepeople of Edmonton. This will include the obvious issues such as traffic and transportation, safety, compact neighbourhoods, etc..One important component is to develop two programs: one to attract health care professional to live and work in the city and asimilar one to attract entrepreneurs and investors to either stay in Edmonton or come here to start new businesses and, by doingthat, to create more diversity and long term jobs opportunities in Edmonton.

Number two issue, and why?

Smart Work Ethics - full transparency and new ethics codes that will ensure smart and unbiased decision-making processes. I

would like to lead a campaign against the massive influence of wealthy lobby groups on public officials. I would like to see, for example, a full periodic report that includes how many working days city councillors spent on the golf course, under whatcircumstances, and who paid for it. This, of course, should be broadened to include any free gift that is cloaked by what we aresupposed to see as a legitimate behaviour but which, in fact, might swing decision-makers’ votes.

Number three issue, and why?

Smart Tax increase - I would like to propose a new city bylaw that would limit the city’s power to increase the property taxes abovea certain threshold. The threshold should be set at a percentage above the inflation rate (for example 5%) and, if the city needsmore, it should go to referendum for the people to approve. This different control over taxes can be set for 1 year or 1 term, but itmust be implemented as it impacts us all.

Which should be a higher spending priority for council, LRT construction or road construction, and why?

Roads would like to push for LRT extension as much as possible, however if the choice is (and I believe it is not!) between thosetwo issues, I would have to opt for the roads, which serve all of us on a daily basis, and currently the situation is getting worse ona daily basis. LRT will never replace the usage of roads and will not be the answer for everyone. Buses and taxis are using theroads too. When parents have to drive their children to school, and from there drive to work, the LRT will not always be thesolution. For this reason, roads should take a higher priority over the LRT construction.

City council has turned down a motion to hold a non-binding plebiscite on keeping the City Centre Airport as a

general aviation facility. Should the new council reopen the airport issue?

No

Do you live in the ward where you're running?

Yes

How important is social media to your campaign?

4 out of 5

What is your favourite blog? 

What is the last book you read?

The Shadow of the Wind (by Carlos Ruiz Zafón)

What is the last piece of music you listened to?

Queen

What is your favourite beer? Answer this question to humour Mark Suits, Edmonton Journal beer blogger

Sorry Mark - I drink Scotch:)

Favourite place in Edmonton, outside your home?

8/8/2019 Ward 9 - Bader

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/ward-9-bader 2/2

TERWILLEGAR PARK (for off leash activities with my family and my dog).

"My bench", above Victoria Golf Club, watching the River Valley. Exact location to remain secret.

Three fantasy guests you'd like to have dinner with, and why? Can be living, dead or fictional

My (late) mom, who was my biggest supporter in life and who shared my sense of humour. She is the one who probably wouldhave said that not everyone has smart kids and that I am the example by running for office!Albert Einstein - Because of his his immense curiosity, his imagination, and his ability to concentrate on problems.

Bill Clinton - I think that he is one of the most outstanding politicians and human rights leaders alive.

What type of car do you drive? Make, model and year

Mercedes R500 2006

What is the best advice you ever received Do not run for a political position. Obviously - I ignored