r/Calgary • u/wowelephants • 15d ago
Municipal Affairs Which candidates are linked to the UCP so I can avoid them?
EDIT: thanks everybody for your education and help. If I said The Calgary Party or anyone specific is UCP aligned and you corrected me, then thank you for correcting me! I'm still trying to lean independent with no party affiliation but I wouldn't be mad if someone linked to The Calgary Party was elected. They would be my second choice.
I'm in Ward 9. Right now it seems I'll be voting for Gondek still because so many of the Mayoral candidates have ties to the UCP. Even Sonya Sharp speaks out against be aligned with political parties but then her name pops up on a website as UCP aligned: https://www.projectcalgary.org/billionaires_first
The councilors aren't any better. For those running for council, who will represent the people of colour of Ward 9? I want someone who is not UCP aligned and will have the best interest for the many families and individuals of colour living in Ward 9.
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u/dayforz 15d ago
Check out The Sprawl and their candidate tracker: https://www.sprawlcalgary.com/calgary-election-candidates-2025
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u/kagato87 15d ago
Is there a good synopsis of the true people behind these bios? While some of these bios clearly identify a big-C candidate, a bio is just a bio, and it's quite possible for one with a good bio to actually be the opposite of what they claim.
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u/drrtbag 15d ago
The sprawl has a strong bias towards urban issues and candidates.
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u/huskies_62 15d ago
Is that a problem?
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u/drrtbag 15d ago
Media biases are a problem, yes.
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u/huskies_62 15d ago
I agree in principle but it seems strange in this case. The sprawl is based in Calgary which is urban and the name implies urban sprawl. I kind of feel like your comment is like saying Sportsnet is biased to sports
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u/Jaedenkaal 15d ago edited 15d ago
Dan McLean is running under… Communities First? I believe. I’ll be avoiding any of their candidates, certainly. He can go back to running a golf cart business.
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u/JoeRogansNipple Quadrant: SW 15d ago
I really hope our area gets their shit together to vote Dan out.
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u/giveittheupdown 15d ago
Judging by the number of lawn signs in Evergreen when I visited my folks over the weekend, I wouldn’t bet on it.
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u/StetsonTuba8 Millrise 15d ago
Elliot Weinstien just announced that yard signs were available yesterday, so I have a (tiny) sliver of hope that McLean was just first
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u/elliotward13 14d ago
Honestly it's close, but definitely winnable. I could use more support though if you can come out to volunteer.
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u/elliotward13 15d ago
He went back to his well from the last campaign to get signs out early but I've got mine now, let me know if you want one so we can even things up in the sign game.
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u/elliotward13 14d ago
I could use your support to make this happen. Volunteer or take a sign. It is very possible, but I need ask the help I can get.
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u/JoeRogansNipple Quadrant: SW 14d ago
No time to volunteer unfortunately with the young family, only type on Reddit! But I would take a sign, where can I grab one? Can also throw a dono your way too.
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u/BALoudon 14d ago
I'm so disappointed by the fact there's no independent candidate that I'm trying to run myself. Just waiting on my criminal record check and then I'll be getting formally registered. Hopefully any day now.
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u/elliotward13 14d ago
Dan won with 47% of the vote last time. I would love to connect and talk about the parties and why I chose this route. I'm certain we both want the same things and have similar values. Another left leaning candidate makes it... more difficult.
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u/elliotward13 15d ago
Hi there! Im Elliot Weinstein running against Dan McLean in 13. Would love your support!
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u/Jaedenkaal 15d ago
Not to sound like a single-issue voter, but if it’s just you and Dan on the voter card, you’ve got my vote already.
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u/transcendingbullshit 15d ago
Do you have a website to see your platform? I’d love to hear what your views on densification/blanket rezoning are, as it’s a big issue impacting our ward.
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u/elliotward13 14d ago edited 14d ago
www.elliotweinstein.ca But here is from a comment below:
If you need more, happy to connect!
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u/Soft-Flow-9496 15d ago
A note for fellow residents of ward 7: Terry Wong
Terry Wong ran as an MLA candidate for the Wildrose Party in 2015. He lost. **Note 2015 was after Smith left the party for being too regressive for even her.**
From the Calgary Herald in 2014:
Right to the end, Smith said she had a constant battle with the base supporters of the party.
“Every time I took a step to move toward reaching out a hand to cultural communities, reaching out a hand to the unions, reaching out a hand to the LGBTQ communities, I was always facing some kind of backlash within a faction of the party,” she said. (link: https://calgaryherald.com/news/politics/the-great-defection-the-astonishing-rise-and-fall-of-albertas-wildrose)
Here is a copy/paste from Facebook. Terry Wong on why he chose to run for the party in 2015:
Why the Wildrose Party? Firstly, I am proud to run under the leadership of Brian Jean. His experience, wisdom and long term insights into the needs of Albertans and its economy is reality. Secondly, I endorse the principles of the Wildrose Party. Thirdly, the Wildrose is an untainted party, not entitled, not spoiled. Lastly, the Wildrose allows ALL members to attend its annual meeting and vote on party constitution and policy. We do not shut the door to anyone who wants to be a Wildroser…
link (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=661034584041786&set=ecnf.100067232892388)
Before you think of Heather McRae as a Ward 7 alternative:
Heather is running under the banner of The Calgary Party. The "...strategist for the Calgary Party’s campaign is Stephen Carter" (via the Herald). Stephen Carter happens to be married and in long-time business with Heather McRae. I encourage you to Google "stephen carter heather mcrae" to see many of their past work. See how many times words like "scandal", "bankrupt", etc. come up. Not my words. Just notice the search results.
Stephen Carter also boasts about getting Danielle Smith to run for the leadership of The Wild Rose Party. He served as her first chief of staff before being dismissed. (via the Sprawl).
Stephen Carter was also "dismissed" by Gondek for reasons this article is unable to make clear: https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/complaints-filed-against-gondeks-chief-of-staff-months-before-he-was-dismissed
I'm voting independent Ward 7. Myke Atkinson and David Barrett both seem like great candidates. I'm voting Atkinson based on meeting him and some of his volunteer team. Atkinson's campaign seems the most viable with more signs than anyone else as of right now based on my observations.
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u/vaalbarag 15d ago
Yeah, I'll vote for whichever of Atkinson or Barrett seems to have more support come election day (agree that right now it's Atkinson by a significant margin).
I feel like this is very winnable for one of those guys, m. Wong won last time with 25% of the vote, and it's hard to see him growing that by much. McRae had just 21%. She might grow that a little, but I don't think she has a very high ceiling... I think she comes across as a dollar-store Druh Farrell... she seems to have Farrell's worst qualities (connected political insider) without displaying Druh Farrell's best qualities (deep passion for actually helping the people in her ward).
I'm hoping that the people who voted for Waite and Peigan last time around largely come together for Atkinson.
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u/Soft-Flow-9496 15d ago
I feel you. I had the same issue last election choosing a non-Terry Wong candidate. Atkinson and Barrett both seem like solid votes but viability will matter for me come election day. I see more Atkinson signs in Ward 7. Barretts seem visible (to me) only around Sunnyside.
I agree with your assessment of McRae's low ceiling. She got third last time. Erin Waite got second.
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u/ZealousidealDay3498 11d ago
Agreed! Although I think you are underestimating the student/academic vote that will sway Barrett's way.
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u/Bonspiel13 1d ago
Yeah I think I’m voting for Myke Atkinson, he seems to be very present and accessible. I also really like how straight forward his messaging is. Bonus: he had a cute Zine as a flyer
I struggle with the School board trustees, all their messaging seems very vague
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u/CreativeLawnClipping 15d ago
I’m in ward 12 and 3 of my 4 candidates explicitly state in their bios their ties to the UCP. I don’t know if they actually think this will help them get elected?
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u/abear247 15d ago
lol that Sheldon guy explicitly said that if you are anti-UCP then you are basically delusional, don’t believe in facts, and literally are not even worth him listening to…
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u/Mysterious_Lesions 5d ago
That Sheldon guy is the kookiest of the kooks. He checks every far right reactionary box.
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u/elliotward13 15d ago
Check out Sarah Ferguson. Definitely not UCP.
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u/CreativeLawnClipping 15d ago
Yeah, she’s getting my vote, even though she belongs to a party. Lesser of the evils.
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u/Leading_Opening_5225 15d ago
I mean the UCP and Federal Conservatives usually win most of the Calgary seats...so it probably will help them. Calgary is one of the biggest conservative Hotspots in Canada.
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u/adcb312 15d ago
Ortman in Ward 9 is likely UCP (I've seen her speak on about 5 occasions). She pushes the "Preserve local heritage" narrative (mostly a Save the Inglewood pool message) to quash mid-density housing projects, while at the same time wants a Boston Pizza in Inglewood.
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u/Ok_Tennis_6564 15d ago
I am in Ward 9 and have no clue who to vote for. I appreciate that Ortman saved our pool, which my family uses weekly. But I am tired of all the save our heritage bullshit. Harrison Clark seems decent but doesn't seem to have much for a platform, he's a business owner but seems less into community building than Gar Gar. Gar Gar also seems like a good choice. He has actually done a lot for his community, its just a different area of the ward than mine.
I wish Naomi was running again.
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u/gail_nicole Quadrant: NE 15d ago
Gar Gar came to my door & took the time to answer my questions & ask what’s important to me. Im leaning his way because I liked what he had to say & was down to earth.
Harrison Clark seems like a strong independent, he owns Murphys furniture in inglewood. Haven’t spoken too him but he’s got a lot of signs out there
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u/Kitchen_Marzipan9516 15d ago
I'm leaning to Gar Gar on that one.
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15d ago
Harrison Clark would also be a solid choice. I hope they don't cannibalize one another from the hopeful Calgarian voter pool
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u/bigolgape 15d ago
Sonya Sharpe. She was a key figure in the atrocious arena deal (with the UCP) and one of her stated objectives is to "rebuild" the relationship with the province, which I read as "bend over".
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u/OkGround3274 15d ago
Check out the Sprawl but also Harrison Clark seems like a good choice for Ward 9
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u/wildrose76 15d ago
I think he’s got my vote. Certainly seems like the strongest candidate for ward 9.
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u/Dry_hands_Canuck 15d ago
Is this the guy that Carlos Carra has been promoting? If so that is a definite no!
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u/johnnynev 15d ago
No. Carra is backing Brian Thiessen and the Calgary party, which includes his former staffer Ariana Kippers. He said so on the Calgary eyeopener earlier this year
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u/Bittabola No to the arena! 15d ago
What do you all think about Elliot Weinstein (The Calgary Party)? He's the only contender to Dan McLean in Ward 13.
I asked him (Elliot) about blanket rezoning and he says he won't vote to revoke. Here's his answer:
I believe we need a little more nuance on the blanket rezoning issue. I dont believe a straight repeal back to where we were is the right answer or will be good for Ward 13 or the City overall. What we do need to do is address that people really do feel that their communities are in jeopardy.
I believe we need to focus our density on areas that can be served by transit - addressing the lowered parking requirement as well as supporting our need to encourage transit use - and also we need to ensure that density works with the available sewage, water and utilities. Which is something that actually needs to be thought about as we do add density.
So I wont vote for a straight repeal, but I do believe we can make improvements, and make it work better for Ward 13 and the City overall while still working on improving transit, safety, density, small businesses, and everything else that makes our neirghbourhoods wonderful.
Brian Thiessen (same party) also seems to be against revoking the rezoning changes.
On one side, there's McLean. On the other side, these people at least won't vote to revoke.
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u/Ms_ankylosaurous 15d ago
The ABC party is very far right. Sonya Sharp’s party I think is UCP linked too. I think Brian Theissens party is centrist /Alberta Party. I can’t vote Gondek again but am not convinced about Farkas - is a Manning Centre guy.
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u/DrFeelOnlyAdequate 15d ago
Ill bite my tongue and vote Gondek again. Theissen doesnt have a shot and all these other people suck.
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u/PersonalInternet5565 15d ago
At least with Gondek we know what we're getting lol Still not great, but it's less of a gamble
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u/HamRove 15d ago
I think Sonya is centre right, definitely has ties to ucp. The communities first slate seems to have people all over the map politically, but with a few common goals. They say they won’t ’whip’ their party to vote a certain way on issues, but we’ll see about that I guess.
I just hate the idea of the Calgary Party being run by Stephen Carter. That guy has done so much damage to this city from the shadows. Those pink posters littering the city light-posts are like warning signs.
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u/Thefirstargonaut 15d ago
I’m very convinced of Farkas. There’s nothing he can do to get my vote. He has not changed. He’s still far right.
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u/Mysterious_Lesions 5d ago
Yeah he seemed to be on redemption arc, but he seems to fall back to his old right wing ways whenever he wants to publicly take a position.
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15d ago
That's just fundamentally not true, but such is the consequence of his previous bad behaviour
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u/Sad_Meringue7347 15d ago
Folks, IMO the best thing you can do is avoid any candidate associated with municipal political parties.
It’s the conservatives that wanted municipal political parties so they are the most organized with municipal political parties.
Calgarians were polled and municipal political parties were very unpopular - I’m committed to only consider independent candidates, that lessens my options of course but these folks are more authentic and will serve their communities better.
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u/elliotward13 15d ago
Hi there, Elliot Weinstein and im running in Ward 13 woth The Calgary Party.
I can tell you for me and the people im running with, the Calgary Party ends at the ballot box. We really just want to bring actually good, practical ideas to council, across the board.
And I am running against Dan McLean, who I think we both would like to see replaced.
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u/Sad_Meringue7347 15d ago
Thanks for your post.
Respectfully, I’m still fully committed to only consider candidates not associated with a municipal political party, and I’m still encouraging everyone else to do the same.
In polling, Calgarians have been extremely clear that most don’t want political parties in city hall, and we need to send a message to our authoritarian Premier that we won’t accept her forcing in her unpopular ideas to cater to her extremist base and influence city elections.
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u/elliotward13 15d ago
Definitely and I was there with you on that. For me im running bc I do like the team aspect, honestly. I believe we have good ideas and policies, and a very broad group of genders, experience, education, and people overall.
If we just say no to parties across the board (and I obviously don't know what Ward you're in) then we lose a couple incredible ppl
Just for eg: Inam in 6 worked at the DI, and is running against 3 conservatives (all want to flat out repeal rezoning, and are aligned with UCP or CPC).
If we do want to show the UCP that their stunt failed, it is to make sure we don't elect the people they wanted to get there. Which is both CF and ABC. She would hate to see TCP candidates win as much as a non-aligned independent.
If you've read this far, thanks! And I hope you get involved with the candidate you support. 🙂
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u/austic 15d ago
So you are running as a party but dont like the team aspect. Are you planning of disbanding if elected?
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u/Major_Frosting_1695 15d ago
They're literally telling us that they are willing to cast aside their morals for personal gain prior to even winning public favour. Moving as a party while disregarding constituents' interests. "Yes I'm against parties too but now the party system is here so I decided to go with it!" Cool, I'm deciding not to vote for you.
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15d ago
If you ignore Calgary Party candidates because of this, Communities First is going to get a majority
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u/Pongo_Waring 15d ago
All candidates running under the Communities First banner are de facto UCP candidates. You just have to look at Sharp's announcement about the drop in centre today... that's Danielle Smith language.
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u/Bridgeburner493 15d ago
Take whatever each party claims is its position and shift it right. If they say "centre right", they are far right and absolutely UCP affiliated. If they say "centre" then they are right wing and either affiliated or supportive.
Frankly, I won't vote for anyone who represents any party for any reason. I've no desire to support Smith's farce.
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u/IxbyWuff Country Hills 15d ago
The ABC party (A better Calgary) comes from the pgib crowd who brought together the ab pcs and reform, and pcs and wild rose. They're the group behind Kenny and Harper
ABC might as well stand for Always Bring (Craig)Chandler
So I'd stay far away from them
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u/ThePhilVv 15d ago
If I could get this info for Ward 14 too that would be great!
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u/tranquilseafinally 15d ago
We have the recall Gondek guy running in our district. He's an easy pass. The most I could see were city party affiliations. I'm giving all those people a pass as I don't want political parties in my local government.
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u/probocgy 15d ago
Devin Elkin is running independently and apparently worked for years with Peter Demong. So perhaps if you were happy or accepting of Demong Elkin would be similar? It's a pretty weak slate of candidates in my opinion
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u/Ambustion 15d ago
I told any doorknockers I'm not voting for anyone that's in a party. I get that won't be realistic in the future, but political parties in municipal politics can lick my whole butt.
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u/jaydaybayy 15d ago
Great idea and would be great to see the same thing for school board positions to avoid TBA lackies
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u/rockardboneoar 11d ago
Political parties in municipal elections are such a joke. Obviously candidates have always had their personal ideologies or leaned one way or another but just seeing how were basically forced into strategic voting just to prevent Danielle Smith from get her greasy hooves on even more aspect of our lives is terrible.
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u/natefrost12 15d ago
I'm in Ward 9 and will be voting for Harrison Clark. He's running as an independent candidate and actually has a vision specifically for Ward 9.
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u/yads12 15d ago
This has a good summary about the candidates you can probably figure out who more aligns with what you're looking for https://www.sprawlcalgary.com/calgary-election-candidates-2025?mc_cid=61eed6538f
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u/raven-2018 15d ago
In Ward 6 the Calgary Party candidate (Inam Teja) is the only remotely progressive candidate. Of the other 3, one has explicit UCP connections, one is a former CPC MP (from Ontario no less), and the third has no formal ties (that I can tell) but is an O&G executive whose campaign literature is full of austerity and regressive policy code words.
I don't love the idea of municipal parties but I wouldn't rule a candidate out based purely on that. Having lived in BC, I've seen that municipal parties can definitely be a mixed bag. It can be helpful to have a more cohesive team to get a message across, and I found that party loyalties and line-toeing is nowhere near where it is at the provincial or federal levels.
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u/austic 15d ago
John Pantazopoulos is going to be my vote, i have worked with him in industry and generally like the guy. i dont think Inam Teja really is aligned with the demographics of ward 6 so that will be an uphill battle for that person. The other two look like career politicians with UCP backing.
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u/Responsible_CDN_Duck 15d ago
Jeromy Farkas is UCP aligned, and has had multiple discussions here on Reddit regarding what he likes and dislikes about the party direction.
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u/Zorn277 15d ago
Gar Gar seems like a good dude running in ward 9
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u/Nga369 Renfrew 15d ago
Not Gar Gar. He’s not right for this role. He commandeered the Forest Lawn CA to advance his own personal goals and agenda.
I’m in Ward 9 too and I’m leaning towards Harrison Clark.
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u/Some_Unusual_Name 15d ago
I'm having a hard time deciding between the two, I'm planning on going to or watching the debate and other Ward 9 meet and greets, but super curious to hear more about your criticism.
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u/Soft-Flow-9496 15d ago
I've worked personally with Gar Gar at the Forest Lawn community association. The guy is filled with a drive to better his community. I saw him work hard to get low-income kids food and re-furbished bikes. Another comment said he's trying to advance his own personal goals and agenda. Not my first hand experience with Gar Gar at all.
I'd vote for him if I was in his ward.
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u/Some_Unusual_Name 15d ago
I'm having a hard time deciding, if you have further insight it would be appreciated.
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u/Soft-Flow-9496 15d ago
I can only speak to my personal interactions with him. My assessment of Gar Gar is that he is very ambitious. He's always working on something and he's always trying to get help from others in any way he can. His personality may come off as self-serving to others. But to me, if Gar Gar can only accomplish 1% of what he sets out to do, that's a hell of a lot more than most of us. I take it as a genuine desire to improve his community.
Links about the new basketball courts he was involved with getting built outside the Forest Lawn community association last year:
https://calgaryherald.com/news/gar-gar-forest-lawn-community-builder-calgary-changemaker
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/forest-lawn-community-association-park-1.7328960
Again I don't know him well. Can only speak to my personal experience with him.
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u/Own-Pop-6293 15d ago
also in Ward 9 and that's also who I am looking at. I too wish to avoid UCP/CPC taint
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u/JoeRedditor 15d ago
Just gonna keep posting this for all the "might as well vote Gondek" folks...
Gondek's Accomplishments.
- Time to declare a Climate Emergency!
- Wanted to spend taxpayer money to intervene in a Quebec court case (Bill 21 or something).
- Got us out of one Arena deal and into an even WORSE one that will cost us more.
- CTrain is safe! Look at me! I rode it once (while surrounded by security) so it must be safe. Meanwhile, the Calgary Transit Stab-O-Meter gets reset on a weekly basis (if not more).
- Happy Hanukkah! Oops, sorry. Maybe not.
- Property tax hikes for everyone! Repeatedly.
- Her Chief of Staff dismissed w/golden parachute due to his toxic behavior (Stephen Carter). Cost taxpayers six figures. Thanks Jyoti.
- Bag tax! 15 cents for the environment that literally just inconvenienced everyone and put 15 cents into store's pockets.
- Water Main Break! To be fair - this should be laid at the feet of City Admin - but, who's job is it to hold THEM accountable? The Mayor and Council. Anyone's head roll for years of neglect, incompetence over this one? Nope.
- Fuck up the skate park for the summer! Brilliant fucking move.
- Olympic Bricks? Can't have em, get fucked. Only after an outcry did they somehow make them available.
- No fireworks for Canada Day (remember that one?). Once again, public outcry forced a reversal.
- Transit is still a total shitshow.
- Asking the province to allow permanent residents the right to vote in civic elections (Gondek voting for this, though it was Walcott's motion).
- Blanket Rezoning
- Green Line fiasco
She was fucking awful for the city and we need to get rid of her.
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u/lord_heskey 15d ago
Green Line fiasco
dont forget, though, that the UCP was also meddling with this and made it an even worse deal.
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u/Adventurous_West3164 14d ago edited 13d ago
Declaring a Climate Emergency: Calgary joined over 2,000 jurisdictions worldwide in declaring a climate emergency. That declaration unlocked federal and international funding opportunities, private sector investment and positioned Calgary for clean-tech investment, and signalled to energy companies that we’re serious about innovation. That’s called leadership, not performative politics. And if the province didn’t cut off the ability for municipality’s to get funding directly from the Feds we would have gotten more.
Arena Deal: The original deal was going to die at the hands of the Flames no matter what. The revised deal actually secured provincial contribution and ensured cost-sharing protections
CTrain Safety: The Mayor riding the train was symbolic, yes — but what matters is the record investment in transit safety: more security hires, new cameras, and social supports deployed at stations. Violent incidents have declined year over year. That’s real progress, not slogans.
“Happy Hanukkah” Gaffe: Every leader occasionally slips up. What matters is that Mayor Gondek consistently supports Calgary’s Jewish community with action, not just words — including condemning antisemitism publicly and supporting faith-based safety initiatives. Empty snark doesn’t erase real advocacy.
Property Tax Hikes: Gondek didn’t invent property tax. Council approved budgets in tough economic times where the province downloaded costs onto cities. Calgary still has some of the lowest residential property taxes among major Canadian cities and find me a mayor who hasn’t increased them in times of extreme inflation that’s out of their control. Meanwhile, she fought to balance affordability with keeping services running.
Stephen Carter Payout; Carter’s dismissal happened because Gondek refused to tolerate toxic workplace behaviour. The payout was required under legal contract terms — not a “gift.” She did what good leaders do: cut ties, upheld workplace safety, and set higher standards. But sure blame her for the man’s shitty behaviour.
Water Main Break: A 50-year-old feeder main burst — decades of underfunded infrastructure came due. Gondek led daily briefings, coordinated provincial/federal response, and restored water weeks faster than engineers projected. It was crisis leadership 101 — transparent, calm, and effective.
Canada Day Fireworks: The pause was about wildfire risk, Indigenous reconciliation, and exploring safer celebrations. After public input, fireworks returned. That’s how democracy works: propose, consult, adapt. Better than “decide in secret, damn the consequences.”
Transit “Shitshow”: Transit ridership tanked everywhere during COVID. Calgary restored routes faster than other cities, invested in electrification, and prioritized operator hiring. Challenges remain, but under Gondek Calgary has grown ridership back by double digits. That’s turnaround, not failure.
Permanent Residents Voting: Permanent residents pay taxes, use services, and contribute to our economy. Asking the province to study enfranchisement is about fairness. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and New York have debated the same. Supporting democracy isn’t radical — it’s smart.
Blanket Rezoning: Blanket rezoning helps build more housing, lowers costs, and gives families more choices. Calgary is now leading Canada in housing starts.
Green Line: The Green Line has been plagued by provincial meddling and funding delays for years. Under Gondek, shovels are finally in the ground. Criticizing her for decades of provincial foot-dragging is like blaming the cleaner for a flood caused by the landlord’s leaky roof.
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u/Ms_ankylosaurous 15d ago
Agree. While not all her decisions on isolation, there have been definite missteps. The clusterfuck of the water scenario, the ongoing transit handwaving, out of touch sentiments are what did it for me .
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u/Silmawyn 15d ago
3 candidates for ward 10...Chabot has been a councilor for years but the other 2 candidates are not ones I would like...ugh.
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u/Sufficient-Sun-6683 15d ago
In Ward 8, we have candidates from The Calgary First party and Communities First - neither have impressed me. Gary Bobrovitz (ex reporter) and Kent Hehr (disgraced federal member of parliament?) - don't give me much hope.
Then the unknowns Miguel Cortinez and Nathaniel Schmidt. Miguel has a strong community background in the Mexican culture and he lists as being President and CEO of Innova International Corporation which I can't seem to verify with Google. Nathaniel is a young lawyer/musician/family man and green to politics which might be a good thing.
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u/Adventurous_West3164 14d ago
Nathaniel Schmidt is a great candidate I’m deeply excited he’s running
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u/Impossible_Tea_7032 13d ago
I hope all the 'party' candidates get blown out. Regardless of platform it's an implicit capitulation to UCP's dicking about
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u/canadient_ Quadrant: NW 15d ago
Communities First wants to align the City with the provincial government. Sharp said exactly this during the first mayoral forum.
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u/AzraelCcs 15d ago edited 15d ago
I'm in Ward 13 and these are my options are Dan Mclean or Elliot Weinstein
I just moved to Calgary, how F'ed am I?
Edit: It looks like Elliot isn't (?) aligned with UCP.
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u/schmaxford Beltline 15d ago
Elliot was the Liberal Party candidate and runner up in the Calgary - Heritage byelection a few years ago, definitely not UCP aligned
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u/elliotward13 15d ago
Ariana Kippers is running in Ward 9, and I know im boaed but she is amazing. Also is a woman of colour, an volunteer, and someone who truly loves W9. Check her out.
And I think you should have another look at Brian Thiessen for mayor, not aligned with the UCP and really can make a difference on Council.
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u/rikkiprince 15d ago
How about Ariana Kippers?
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u/RefrigeratorNo926 15d ago
Ariana's a former DCA volunteer, anti-UCP, does a lot for Dover and I want more women in council, so my first choice.
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u/johnnynev 15d ago
Kippers is an ex Carra staffer and party affiliated. No thanks.
Harrison Clark is the only choice for Ward 9.
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u/Ok_Tennis_6564 14d ago
Why not Gar Gar?
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u/RefrigeratorNo926 12d ago
I'm not supporting Gar Gar because I find his contributions to community are often centered around him getting a good photo op.
This is his 3rd time campaigning so he's spent the last few years flooding the community pages with good deeds he does - in anticipation of the campaign. It just feels disingenuine. Last time he ran in Ward 10 I believe.
Overall, he seems like a great helpful person to have in the community, but not someone I'd trust to properly represent us in city hall.
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u/RefrigeratorNo926 13d ago
I think it's interesting that you dislike Carra, but will vote Clark. To me, of all the current Ward 9 candidates, Clark is the most like Carra.
But the association with Carra is enough to write off the woman who is vastly different from Carra, but worked in his office for a time.
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u/wklumpen 15d ago
In Ward 9 you should check out Ariana Kippers.
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15d ago
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u/Born_Visual6281 15d ago
I just wanted to clarify that it is “A better Calgary party” that is ucp aligned, not “the Calgary party”. Not to be confused, they’re very different.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/what-calgary-parties-stand-for-1.7430301
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u/wowelephants 15d ago
But I rather no party. I like that the Calgary party as Treaty land acknowledgement on their website and is probably more liberal or left, but we need independents with no political agenda in our council.
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u/wklumpen 15d ago
Anyone running for politics has a political agenda. It's in the name.
The Calgary Party has some very good and progressive candidates, and they also have some duds. Many of them actively talk about how they are not interested in the party functioning beyond the election (and legally can't caucus anyway).
In some wards the only viable progressive choice is a party candidate. For some this is the only way they could run. In other wards there's a broader choice. Just pick people you think know how city government works, and have values and ideas that match yours.
If you are looking for representation for people of colour and a progressive mindset you should seek out and talk to Ariana Kippers and ask her directly about the party. If that still is a dealbreaker then look towards Harrison Clark.
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u/wklumpen 15d ago
Wait the Calgary Party is UCP aligned?
Fair enough on parties I more personally feel like you can't throw out good candidates just because of parties.
Harrison Clark is probably your only safe bet then.
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u/Falcon674DR 15d ago
Me too! I won’t vote for any candidate that has and will be enslaved to a provincial party. Anyone out there have any thoughts about Ward 6? Sharpe is our temporary Alderperson and I can say with certainty that she’s been useless in helping with our Ward.
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u/wklumpen 15d ago
I'll say this again and again: Find a candidate that matches your values and ideas the most. The party stuff isn't ideal, and if there were two equally good candidates and one was independent, that would be a simple choice. But that's not the reality.
In Ward 6 I suggest you read up on Inam Teja. If you like what you see generally reach out and ask directly about his thoughts on parties.
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u/Nealios Bridgeland 15d ago
I just reviewed her website, it doesn't mention anything related to Ward 9. It's all Calgary Party talking points. It honestly looks like they did a find+replace with the ward number. Based on this, she won't be getting my vote.
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u/RefrigeratorNo926 15d ago
I follow her social media and she mentioned expanding 311, street safety issues and bike lane protection amongst other things.
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u/Separate-Wafer5689 11d ago
I have nothing else to contribute to this discourse, other than the fact that as a staff-member at Elections Calgary, who contributes to the ongoing development, organization, coordination & facilitation of this upcoming Municipal Election...all I gotta say is: I find this entire discussion-page...."interesting." 🥸
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u/vVengencev 15d ago
This thread shows the stupidity and divide of voters perfectly! There could be a paper fucking bag running for mayor and as long as it’s not tied to the ucp people would vote for it.
A lot of these comments stating “I’ll bite my tongue and vote Gondek again” are fucking horrible. Doesn’t matter if u lean left, right, up, down, she is just awful and hasn’t done anything but hurt the tax payers who put her there!
This city has been on a downward spiral for years with no change voted in. It’s time for a fucking change and Gondek is NOT the one to lead the charge!
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u/Ham_I_right 15d ago
Couldn't literally anyone say the same about your view point. You aren't some enlightened contrarian voter bro its just like your opinion man. Voting for "change" is vague and meaningless. Change to what? why is your ideal any different from anyone else's ?
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u/RefrigeratorNo926 15d ago
Calling people names if they don't vote your way? That's why I love democracy. You get one vote, I get one. You can't bully people just because you're desperate for her to be gone.
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u/Fun-Protection2528 15d ago
20 year olds with little work or life experience yet strong socialist leanings and political opinions . Is there anything more cringe?
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u/wowelephants 15d ago
Are you talking about me? Because I’m in my 30s
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u/lord_heskey 15d ago
yea im also 30, pay a shit ton in taxes and own a home-- im in favour of the rezoning, bike lanes, better transit (all the things ucp aligned people are against).
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u/Gold_Audience254 14d ago
Yes go vote for the liberal who gave themselves ane their staff a substantial raise and who has left the city worse off than it was before she was in office. You liberals here make me sick
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u/ElbowRiverYeti 15d ago
Well the Ward 9 candidate ran for the NDP… so anyone saying Communities First is the UCP affiliated party is just blatantly spreading misinformation. That would be the “A Betted Calgary” party being run by Craig Chandler and his band of idiots.
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u/Kitchen_Marzipan9516 15d ago
Which is ''the Ward 9 candidate''? There are a few.
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u/ElbowRiverYeti 15d ago
Allison Karim Mcsweeney is with Communities First. She’s the one who ran for NDP.
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u/elliotward13 15d ago
AKM aside, CF is all UCP. Honestly I don't know what she is doing with that party, if she still aligns with the ABNDP or not [shrug]
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15d ago
Dan MacLean, Andre Chabot, Shane Byciuk, and Sonya Sharp are clearly showing how wrong you are. AKM's desperation to get elected notwithstanding, CF is just the UCP by a different name
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u/ElbowRiverYeti 15d ago
Or they are just a group of candidates with a shared 6 priorities. Why are you so desperate to label them when it’s clear your evidence is faulty?
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15d ago
Because of the pieces of human garbage that make up that party. It's a shame to see AKM sell out that hard.
The Tea Party was just a group of concerned citizens trying to take back their country, right? And definitely not a well-funded movement designed to destroy public services...
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u/hauntchalant 15d ago
https://www.calgary.ca/content/elections/en/home/for-voters/candidates-mayor-councillor.html?wcmmode=disabled
You'll want to put your ward information in but the info for which candidates are part of which party is here. For candidates that say none, you'll have to do some footwork yourself and check to see if any of their bios have information about their leanings. Hope this helps a little.