By Jeremy Youngward

(Jeremy Youngward is a City of Cranbrook council candidate in the upcoming municipal election on Oct. 15.)

When I started my campaign for Cranbrook city council, I began with a simple question – How might your life be better with a local government that works for you?

I want to take this opportunity to describe what I believe such a government might look like, with the following commitments.

• As a member of your Cranbrook city council, I commit to bringing back a sense of professionalism to the process. Of eliminating the abrasive, argumentative rhetoric, the cell phone deals, and the seemingly casual disregard of the rules and procedures that are essential to running a modern city effectively and efficiently.

Let’s make this election about professionalism, and not.

• As a member of your Cranbrook city council, I commit to developing a new sense of collaboration between the city and its allies; including both other levels of government as well as local volunteer groups and NGOs, the kind of “working together” attitude that I feel has been missing in the last few years.

Let’s make this election about collaboration, and not.

• As a member of your Cranbrook city council I commit to foster an environment of open and honest communication, where nothing is held back, between not only the city and its residents, but also council and the city staff. Where differences of view are both sought out and respected. Where no one is afraid to speak out.

Let’s make this election about transparency, and not.

• As a member of your Cranbrook city council I commit to taking a position on growth that is smart, responsible and measured. A position where projects respect the value of density, and with integration with the surrounding communities. Intentional, well-planned growth can be a benefit to all the residents of the city, whereas growth that seems to benefit only the developers undeniably leads to further problems down the road.

Let’s make this election about Intentional, and not.

• As a member of your Cranbrook city council I commit to respecting that a city of this size and complexity can and must move in many different ways, whether that be walking, biking, or driving, and that each group must have the opportunities to do so in ways that are safe and efficient. Modernizing our transportation infrastructure using the best methods and tools so that all types of people can get around in the ways they prefer, the entire year round, and this includes visitors to our city, whose experiences are only elevated when they can easily find what they’re looking for.

Let’s make this election about modern, and not.

• As a member of your Cranbrook city council I further commit to respecting all the value and benefits the visitor economy brings to this city and region. To celebrating not only our world class natural features but also our equally world class dining and entertainment options. Acknowledging the history of this place, and recognizing the importance of keeping, and in some instances regaining, access to these resources so that they can be enjoyed by everyone.

Let’s make this election about Celebration, and not.

• As a member of your Cranbrook city council I finally commit to developing a strong and vibrant downtown core. Again, not only modernizing the features and amenities but also recognizing that both residents and visitors alike prefer streets that are clean, and well lit, buildings that are in both good repair and aesthetically interesting, and parking options that are easy to find, easy to use, and worth their while.

Let’s make this election about vibrancy, and not.

When my family and I came to Cranbrook 12 years ago it was to take advantage of an opportunity – a better opportunity. And 12 years later that’s exactly my hope for Cranbrook. So let’s make an agreement. Instead of this campaign being focused on personality conflicts or partisan loyalties, let’s make it about the ideas above.

And together, with a little work, and with your support in October, we can make Cranbrook somewhere that people are proud to call home again.

Please join me for a chat at the following times and locations.

• September 25 from 1-3 at Idlewild Park.
• October 2 from 1-3 at McDonald’s on the Strip
• October 8 from 11-1 at Rotary Park.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the All-Candidates Forum on October 6, at Key City Theatre.

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