1). Having stable and predictable funding helps minimize the fluctuations in the construction industry. However, the City’s budget always seems to be strained. What are your thoughts on funding for construction projects?

To be honest, I find the question is a bit awkward as we have municipally funded projects and privately funded projects, so I’ll address both.   The City’s finances are not the picture of health these days and any “promises” that candidates may offer should be taken with a large grain of salt.   One of my principles is to take better care of the assets we have and then look at how much funding is remaining for new construction.   One area of great opportunity to fund new projects is the 3-P (Public-Private Partnerships) and the most immediate application could be the 3^rd bridge.   Another area of potential opportunity for 3-P funding will be the Lethbridge Airport once the governance question is finally addressed. 

Otherwise, I place a very high priority on economic growth as the best strategy for funding development that does not directly impact the municipal budget.   Rather, we get over $100:1 return on investment when we use our scarce and valuable funds as a catalyst to attract private sector investment in our community. 

2). The City’s workforce completes work that can be done by the private sector (ie: installation of services to commercial lots in the industrial park). This increases the City’s annual expenses in terms of people, facilities, and equipment. As the City continues to grow, what are your thoughts on the City completing work internally instead of utilizing the private sector?

As a private sector advocate, I favor a balance between retaining fully paid and benefited and unionized employees for ongoing services that are consistently required on a year-in and year-out basis.  However, for seasonal, occasional and project specific work I favor outsourcing to local contracts wherever possible.  This allows the City to serve the needs of taxpayers most efficiently, economically and responsibly while ensuring ongoing funding for core activities.

3). The City has recently implemented several programs to restart the local economy and help bring development to both the downtown core and industrial park. Do you understand those programs, and will you support keeping these programs in place?

I have some familiarity with programs including the BRZ and other projects to upgrade infrastructure, roadways, and amenities.   To the extent there have been commitments made and funds allocated, I would advocate for continuing with these projects.  However, I feel it that a complete end-to-end review of the timelines, strategies, commitments and structures for these and potential new projects be undertaken.  This is important as I feel the greatest opportunity for growth and efficiency is found in the private sector, especially where land development is concerned.

4). Understanding that there are various trade agreements in place and procurement rules that need to be followed, what are your thoughts towards the procurement of construction projects and services?

Subject to the legalities of these agreements and regulations with which I have some familiarity (NWPTA, TILMA, CFTA, etc.), I would prefer to see every possible tax dollar spent here be directed towards local suppliers provided we can get full value for money.  After all, every dollar spent here generates another $40 in turnover for the local economy.    

5). How would you work with industry to develop an inclusive workforce strategy without creating additional political interference or delays?

I think we can develop an inclusive workforce strategy through cooperative understanding and information sharing.  I may be different than the other candidates in my belief that monolithic cultures that lack diversity are not only weaker but also less effective in contributing to the strength and effectiveness of the community.  I would greatly appreciate any opportunity to sit down with the industry and identify areas we can agree on and areas we need to work on to arrive at a consensus in this regard.

6). Are there any city policies you would like to revisit that may impede investment, employment, innovation, or technology in construction?

My initial reaction is to lump it all together under the heading “Red Tape” as we are all too familiar with the obstacles City Hall seems to enjoy throwing in the path of business simply struggling to make a living throughout this pandemic.  Businesses tend to invest where there is certainty and a welcoming attitude.

Having personally interacted with inspectors, the current Mayor, and some councillors who have expressed such incredible disdain for the business sector it seems the first thing we need to change is the attitude at City Hall towards business in general.  

Second, we need to ensure fairness is an essential part of the procurement system.  I have become aware of purchasing activities in recent years where irrelevant or contrived criteria have been utilized to the benefit of non-local suppliers despite being higher bids.  

Third, we need to streamline the approvals process, reduce the costs for permits and provide waivers in situations where there is genuine business hardship and no immediate threat to public safety is a factor. 

Finally, we should encourage innovation and new technology wherever possible; this can be facilitated by working with our academic institutions, trade associations, senior levels of government and the establishment of an incubator designed to develop, test, and evaluate new ideas and methods.

7). What ideas do you bring to incentivize innovation and quality over lowest-cost bid in project proposals. 

Every project brings a unique opportunity to be innovative and, subject to the project criteria, offers the potential for establishing non-financial evaluation criteria.  For example, uniqueness and appeal of design to compliment or enhance the architectural landscape could be applied in certain situations. 

Criteria such as ease-of-maintenance, asset life, sustainability, safety, security, accessibility and use of local suppliers and materials and opportunity to leverage for growth such as proofs-of-concepts might also be adopted to ensure the best possible value-for-money is achieved over the long term.  

Finally, I see value in having an “other” category where project designers, contractors or suppliers would be able to suggest additional features that add value in ways that were not imagined by the original proponent.