Scribe:  Anita Fryters

 

Opening: President Chris Bailey called the meeting to order. 

 

 

Anthem: Oh Canada was live with Rotarians singing.  Not bad

 

Invocation: Paul Cahill offered today’s invocation

 

Chris Bailey Encouraged members to participate in the physical fitness pledge for the Move for Polio campaign.Gary Webster has sent out an email with more information and a sign up spreadsheet to participate and/or donate.  Donations are certainly acceptable.

 

Gary Webster provided Community updates on the following:

Formal motion - Gary Webster moved that the Rotary Club of Calgary Centennial contribute $5000 toward the Rotary Light of the Night for the Field of Crosses for 2021 - First reading of the motion.

Roger Frayne provide updates on:

Rotary Foundation approved global grant $115,000 in Sri Lanka - 3D printing of prosthetics have enough money for the first year.  Will cover the operation for 2 years and then a local charity will take over.  Big win for our Club

 

Rotary Bingo - Bingo Barn September 24th

-           One or two person short for each shift (early and late)

-           Starts at 4:45 pm…gourmet dinner is provided:)

 

Russel Kane introduced our guest speaker Mayoral candidate Brad Field. Brad Field was raised in Calgary. Started his own business BRC - repairs big rigs.  Met wife Cheryl (high school sweetheart) and have 3 children. Helps with a number of not for profits including a Rotary project with Dan Doherty, has received a Paul Harris fellow.

 

Brad Field, Mayoral Candidate for the City of Calgary

Please keep in mind, that the scribe was recording minutes via a Zoom feed.  The information may not be 100% accurate.

           

Brad mentioned this was his 2nd Rotary meeting in his life

An entrepreneur set up a cleaning business at 12 yrs old and had one customer his Dad

Active in a variety in businesses around the world. 

Five years ago entered into politics and decided to pursue it as it involved team working community involvement.  For a 1.5 years he attended City council meetings to learn about the politics.

Committed to Mayoralty candidate since 2017.

 

Q & A Session with Brad Field

Roger Frayne - high office vacancy rates in downtown Calgary.  What ideas does Brad have to address the problem

Response:

 - $2 million is being spent on downtown revitalization.  Maybe office space conversion.  Maybe post-secondary satellite campus downtown. 

- Younger generation wants to live and work in the downtown core.  Vibrancy, public transportation will help with how we add new businesses in Calgary

- Regulatory risk, reduce regulations and taxes feels we are not truly open for business because of the bureaucracy

 

Gary Williamson expressed concerns about the construction downtown to slow traffic.  Brad Field mentioned that he is aware of the slowing traffic goal willing to speak to the matter further

 

Gary Webster (didn’t hear the question) Related to working relationship with the province.  Brad’s response is he feels we need to work together in a respectful manner.  Amend fences from past

 

Question, what are critical factors to make counsel work. 

-           Brad responded that he has witnessed the dysfunction.  It should help with 9 new counsellors running. 

-           Brad believes he is a collaborator bring people together.  Build relationships with counsellors and City employees

 

Dave Brinsmead - Fluoridation of water.  Why have a separate vote by Calgarians if the City doesn’t follow. 

- Brad philosophy is to follow the response of a plebiscite from Calgarians

 

Chris Bailey disclosed that he works for Checker Cabs and that there are two different rules for taxi companies vs ride share companies. 

- Brad Field response was that there needs to be a fair playing field.  Eg insurance, licensing

 

Gary Webster question on bureaucracy. 

-           Brad is looking to build and lead a Calgary for the long term not based on being re-elected.  Wanting to make significant change within the City and how it operates.  Feels there is an opportunity to shift the culture. 

-           He is a vendor with the City of Calgary.  He said most of the employees want the best for the City.  However the bureaucracy limits them for doing them the best.

 

Roger Frayne - Scooters and rules.  They are often left on someones front lawn. 

- Brad feels emphasis on the businesses that own them to collect and ensure the scooters are collected

 

Russell Kane - What is your vision for Calgary. 

-           Brad mentioned the talent pool.  Highly educated second generation of youth looking for work in Calgary.  Feels companies will go to where the talent is. 

-           Infrastructure spending building on time and on budget.  Ensuring we have a vibrant Calgary. 

-           Calgary only major centre that does not have rail transportation from YYC airport.  Could we connect all the way to Banff via private sector initiative to a world class destination.  Goal to have 3000 new start ups in Calgary by 2030.

 

Paul Cahill municipal government is challenged by all the administration that they need to oversee.  What should the city do and what should they not do?  Can’t be everything to everyone.

-           Brad’s response City of Calgary budget takes last years spending and creates next years budget and then add whatever else they need. 

-           Each department vies for their portion of the budget. 

-           Whereas Brad will do priority based budget.  Start with a designated amount of money.  Citizens need to have input.  Every family start with a set amount of money in a household and use similar approach to the City.   What are the core costs that need be to be covered

 

Question - What about the social services for seniors living near or at poverty. 

-           Brad’s response that many social services do not have access to the City counsel.  The communication is not working together.  Bring in stakeholders at the City.  Feels we are doing a good job but always more to do

 

Question regarding the drug addiction centre and services for homeless

-           Brad feels talk with stakeholders and in the community.  Feels we have not consulted those impacted How do we protect those that are most vulnerable. 

-           Public safety and security is important. 

-           Right now Ctrain does not feel that safe to ride

 

More info on his website at votebradfield.ca

 

Gary Williamson thanked Brad for his time and answers.

 

50/50 Draw:  The winner this week was Bill Fowlis who correctly recited the four-way test but unfortunately (for him) did not pick the Ace and a carryover of the pot will apply.

 

 

Sergeant: Jeff Dworkin

 

Thank you from Chris Bailey for joining the meeting.