Municipal Round-Up — July 9: Third Sanction is (not) The Charm
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Last week, we took a look at what was going on in Calgary’s mayoral election and fireworks. This week, Edmonton is where the temperature is rising.
Three Strikes, But He’s Not Out
I’m tired of talking about Edmonton Coun. Mike Nickel’s sanction hearings. I think everyone is tired of it. That doesn’t detract from how wild it is that with three of these hearings, hard lines seem to have emerged that prevent any sort of accountability on Edmonton’s city council.
Councillors Jon Dziadyk, Caterina and Banga voted against sanctions at all three of Nickel’s hearings. This sets a poor example for a city whose municipal government culture is plagued with allegations of bullying and harassment, and it’s an embarrassment for Edmonton in general.
One of the complainants, Rajah Maggay highlighted a video where Coun. Nickel laughs at the process and shows a frame he purchased for the letter of reprimand. He’s doing a good job of showing just how serious he takes the whole issue sanctions. Currently, the only true mechanism for accountability at Edmonton city council is an election.
His Worship Claps Back
One Edmontonian implored Mayor Don Iveson to do more about bullying. But it wasn’t Coun. Nickel she was talking about. She doesn’t say who but it’s possible she means Coun. Michael Walters, who referred to Coun. Nickel as a motherf***er. Mayor Iveson, however, wasn’t having it.
Green Line Gets the Green Light
And Calgary has Calgary to thank for it!
Study Up, Buttercup
This week started with a plea from Edmonton Coun. Aaron Paquette, which offers a good reminder about the need to pay attention to the actual work of municipal government. It’s wise advice, so we forgive him (mostly) for his general swipe at the “media”.
Condo Signs Are Here!
Apartment dwellers have sometimes felt left out of the municipal election because it’s difficult to show support when you don’t have a lawn. Edmonton mayoral candidate Amarjeet Sohi’s team seems to be rolling out an interesting answer to that problem.
Other Novel Campaign Swag
This dog knows his angles.