EDMONTON- Many candidates running in this fall’s civic election spent Wednesday in the classroom, learning everything they need to know about hitting the campaign trail.
“I just hope to learn a little bit more about campaigning,” said Lorraine Wheatley, who is running in for the Edmonton Public School Board. “(To) make sure that I have all my t’s crossed and i’s dotted and do things the way that I need to do for this fall’s election.”
From school trustee to city councillor and mayor, dozens of people are hoping to gain their spot, representing Edmonton for the next four years. And many of them already have their platforms in place.
“Rather than Council just making the choices for the individuals, I think it’s really important that there be community involvement, community dialogue at every level with every decision that’s made,” said first-time City Council candidate Taz Bouchier.
“There’s infrastructure things that have to be looked after. Of course transit is something else that’s being looked at,” she explained, adding that she hopes to be “a voice of the people.”
“I’ve got a social conscience and I want to make sure that the quality of life in Edmonton is great for everybody,” explained fellow city council hopeful Michael Oshry.
“I think we’ve got a lot of momentum in the city for the first time in a long time. I’m a fan of making sure a lot of these projects happen- LRT, airport development… revitalizing our downtown,” he added.
“I just really like getting out and talking to people and finding out if they have any concerns about education,” added Wheatley. “One of my goals is to have every child complete high school.”
But before they hit the campaign trail, candidates and their volunteers gathered at the Elections & Census Office in west Edmonton Wednesday, to learn the dos and don’ts of running for office.
The information session provided ‘students’ with a wealth of information on nominations, election legislation and bylaws, contributions, expenses and disclosures, campaigning, and signs.
“I’m going to school, just making sure we’re doing everything right, above board, with fundraising and just the process of being elected. We want to make sure that we’re doing everything properly,” said Oshry.
And while Edmontonians won’t cast their votes until October, it seems there’s no lack of enthusiasm by these candidates.
“I’m not nervous, I’ve lived in Edmonton for 49 years,” said Bouchier.
“I’m not nervous, I’m actually very excited,” said Oshry.
“I’m really excited. I’ve already been out talking to people,” added Wheatley.
Nomination day is September 23rd. The election will take place on October 21st. For more information on running for office, visit the City of Edmonton’s website.
With files from Vinesh Pratap, Global News.
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