In the run up to the 2017 election, we asked our readers and listeners what issues matter most to them. Every day, we ask candidates for their thoughts on healthcare, growth, traffic, city facilities, downtown, and the other issues important to their campaign. Today, Bernie Biever addresses your issues.

Mayoral candidate Bernie Biever believes the majority of residents love Airdrie and are content with the community. He doesn't think there is anything wrong with Airdrie, but there is always room for tweaks. If elected as Airdrie's next mayor, Biever would like to make those tweaks.

The main drive of Biever's campaign is eliminating what he calls a hidden tax: franchise fees. 

"We're paying huge franchise fees. 29.6 percent. That's a hidden tax. All it is, is take from our pocket, through ATCO, back into the City's pocket. I mean, if they want to tax, let's tax us fairly. Let's be open and up front about it."

Biever believes that if the City took over utility services from ATCO and FortisAlberta, those so-called hidden taxes could be avoided. He also sees this as a way to generate income that the City could spend on other services.

As Airdrie grows, Biever has confidence that City Planners know what they are doing in regards to residential development. However, he sees a need to start attracting large businesses to Airdrie that will generate revenue and create jobs.

"What we need is the manufacturing, the big job creators that create middle-class, middle paying jobs. We need so much of that to help us on our tax base."

Biever also thinks it is time to start offering a greater variety of lots to build on. He thinks the City should be building less multifamily dwellings and offering larger lots for people that can afford to build bigger houses.

When discussing traffic, Biever thinks there is a need to pay better attention to details. Specifically, he thinks Airdrie needs synchronized traffic lights and more twin turning lanes.

Biever's attitude towards additional community facilities is that he'll need to become more familiar with the specific needs. If elected mayor, he said it will be no problem getting those facilities built for the community, but he needs to see the needs demonstrated.

"If we need it, great, let's do it. I guess the question I just have to ask is, can the people show me how overbooked Genesis is and just how much we do need a new one? I don't just want to have the talk, I would like to have some hard facts."

As an example of those hard facts, Biever said he would like to know how many pools and how many rinks are needed in Airdrie.

Bernie said, sadly, downtown is a difficult issue. He does not think it is wise to spend a lot of money to upgrade the core for people to use outdoors, as much of the year the weather is poor, driving people inside. He has no definite answers on what downtown should look like, but if there is a need for a revitalized downtown, he's happy to work with the community to drive that conversation.

Finally, Biever sees a need for a women's shelter and would like to work with all community groups to see one built. He'd also like to address the need for more RV facilities in Airdrie.

 

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