CALGARY- A leaked e-mail is being touted as further proof that Calgary developers have their own slate of candidates in the upcoming election.
Global News has obtained a memo allegedly sent by Greg Lefebre, president and CEO of APEX Builder Group, to his employees. It contains a ward map detailing recommended candidates in nearly every single ward, and says in part: “as an organization we have endorsed the candidates as attached to this memo.”
Political analysts say it confirms what developers have long denied.
“These guys provide a nice helpful map identifying which councillor to vote for in each ward. I mean, if that doesn’t look like the homebuilders slate, I don’t know what does,” says Duane Bratt.
The memo comes on the heels of a controversial tape of a builders’ meeting in which the founder of Shane Homes was seen outlining a plan to try and control city council.
Wenzel later denied trying to control council but defended his right to organize support for pro-development candidates.
Mayor Naheed Nenshi says it’s clear that builders don’t have Calgarians’ best interests in mind.
“Presumably they will give little cheat sheets too before every meeting on how to vote, I don’t think that’s what Calgarians want,” he said. “So, I really appreciate APEX coming out and making it very clear for Calgarians who they want not to vote for, if they want a council that listens to citizens and not special interests.”
Global News requested an interview with APEX and Lefebre but did not get a response. Candidates who were listed on the ward map maintain that they are dedicated to representing people in their ward, not any special interest group.
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