We were able to lure people with great appetizers prepared by Nate Box of the new Elm Café, locally roasted coffee donated by Transcend, and staple Edmonton beer provided by our friends at Alley Kat. We really wanted to work with independent local business and they were generous with their support, for which I am thankful.

I spoke for a few minutes, touching first on my gratitude for all the help in last campaign. I reflected on the reasons I ran in 2007, focusing on the need to shift our growth and transportation patterns, and the impact that I’ve had in those areas. I spoke about my role in the city’s unfolding Green Plan and my hopes for the forthcoming economic development plan and financial sustainability plan.

I genuinely feel like I have three more years in me working at more of the long term thinking our city needs, and beginning to implement some of the solid planning Council has already compiled.

A sentiment from my remarks that seemed to resonate with a number of people was that we can’t force change, we can only lead it. That’s what I’d like to continue doing for three more years.

We’re all excited about coordinating all the people who are eager to volunteer and contribute, and we’re eager to rise to the expectations for an even more innovative campaign this time around.

Most of all, I’m energized at the prospect of engaging in this democratic dialogue with citizens about what kind of city we want to build, how we’re building it, and what we can do better.

Sunday June 20th (Father’s Day)
2-5 pm
Pleasantview Community League
10860-57th avenue

Tickets are $25 and include tasty food by Nate Box of elm café and drinks.

This will be a great opportunity to get up to speed on some of the things I’ve been up to during my first term, and a chance to hear a short speech on where we’re headed.

Ensure your entry by reserving a ticket by emailing misssarahchan@me.com

Tickets will also be available at the door but availability is limited.

Please feel free to extend this invitation to your extended networks who have an interest in good people, meaningful dialogue, and city building.

It’s official: I plan to run in Ward 10 (‘barring death or dismemberment’ as Cllr. Anderson put it to me yesterday).

Cllr. Anderson and I came to a working understanding late last year that we would not run against each other, desiring instead that the bulk of our current Ward 5 constituents should have an experienced representative on their ballot. That way we might both continue to offer responsive services and knowledgeable representation. Should we each be fourtunate enough to receive another term we plan to continue to work together as we have on common issues and opportunities in the Southwest.

Neighbourhoods from today’s Ward 5 found their way into three of the new smaller wards. [Here's a map of the current 6 wards.]

The bulk of the current Ward 5 is to be divided along the Whitemud ravine, and then the Blackmud ravine south of 23rd Avenue. The eastern area where I will run (Southgate and Century Park area) will be Ward 10, the western area where Cllr. Anderson plans to run (Riverbend, Terwillegar, Windermere, Heritage Valley and Twin Brooks) will be Ward 9.

The three northernmost neighbourhoods in current Ward 5 (Belgravia, McKernan and Queen Alexandra) are in the new Ward 8, along with the campus area, Strathcona, Bonnie Doon and Capilano. My family bought a house in Belgravia last year to be closer to the new LRT, which means we do live just inside the new Ward 8.

I expect that I am not the only incumbent who will seek re-election in an area he or she represents now but doesn’t reside in because of the boundary changes. Nonetheless, I grew up in Ward 10 and my roots remain as deep as my commitment. I am excited to continue work on the challenges and opportunities that come with the LRT extension to Century Park, and other issues affecting older neighbourhoods in our city, such as fixing sidewalks, side streets and alleys and making new development as positive as possible when it occurs in established areas.

It remains an honour to represent all parts of Ward 5 until election day, though it is difficult in a way to think of ‘losing’ those parts of it that will be in the new Wards 8 and 9. I still strongly support the move to the smaller wards, though, and think this will be positive for reasons previously recorded here.

I’m looking forward to knocking on doors in the spring. Knowing that I have half as many doorsteps to reach means I have twice the opportunity to connect with the people I would like to continue to represent.