Hello and a warm welcome to my site at the library's election forum - and special thanks to the library for providing this community service.

My name is Gail Parks and I am asking for your support as I seek my second term on Red Deer Council.

My Pledge to you
Three years ago, I made a simple pledge: to respect the taxpayers’ money. I promised to ensure you would get the best possible value for the tax dollars you contribute to Red Deer’s municipal services. My second commitment was to remain accountable to you in everything I do as a council member. I believe I have fulfilled both of those promises, but there is so much more to do.

Accomplishments this term
What made the current term so rewarding? Your council, together with city staff, compiled an impressive list of accomplishments for the benefit of Red Deer.

• My campaign for the Sorenson Station, bus terminal and parking arcade was an overwhelming success and today we have the results -- a wonderful addition to our downtown that will provide much needed parking.
• The newly renovated Dawe Centre is about to open, with engaging public art and what promises to be a great community facility.
• We are proud of the renovation of the 67th Street Fire Station to be shared with the RCMP, giving the force a much-needed presence in the north.
• The entire city is looking forward the opening of the new RCMP headquarters downtown.
• We took one small, but important step forward toward a form of regional transportation by providing busses outside our city borders to “gasoline alley”. This initiative creates a service that results in new employment opportunities and a much-needed connection to our southern neighbours.
• We launched the downtown Ambassador pilot program and already it is a success.
• The community is taking the first steps towards creating bicycle lanes across our city.
• The new in-house planning department will be a reality Nov. 1 and will provide greater efficiencies for the city.

Open, Transparent and Accountable government
Part of being accountable to you is making sure every taxpayer in Red Deer has complete access to all of the city’s operations. More than that, as a council we need to make sure that we communicate what we are doing and why. I have been using that outlook since I was first elected and will continue for as long as I am in office.

The budget matters
As a member of city council, each year I am responsible for approving the city’s budget – worth $231 million last year. I take that responsibility very seriously, for it is your money that the city spends and I want to ensure you get the best value for every tax dollar. I will continue to be vigilant on your behalf and to do all I can to keep our tax rates as low as possible, while still giving you the service you deserve. For now, I am pleased to report that council has held public budget meetings in each of the past two years, giving members of the community a chance to have their say.

Community Service
In this first term, I have been trying to understand the details of this city’s operations. It has been a rewarding year with the many and varied committees that I have been tasked with. My appointments have given me a wider experience and the opportunity to serve with many of my fellow residents.
It is challenging. It is fun. And, sometimes, a juggling act. But, it's the job I sought. It's the job I love.
In addition to my work as a councillor, I also am involved in the volunteer sector of community service, canvassing for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta and the Canadian Diabetes Association. As well, I am pleased to serve as a member of the board of directors of Crime Stoppers of Central Alberta.

The Future
Red Deer will face many challenges in the next three years and I am eager to be part of the team that will turn those problems into opportunities. On a personal level, my objectives include:

• Continuing my quest for a more open and transparent approach to finances, taxation and spending.
• Doing everything possible to make our community safer, including opening discussion on whether we should create a local police service to complement the services we receive from the RCMP.
• Focusing on the safety and improved usage of the Red Deer River, which is a natural jewel in our midst
• Serving as the voice of citizens who need a spokesperson in the halls of municipal government. You have given me countless ideas, challenges and feedback; I will respond to the faith and trust you have placed in me.

Gail Parks, listening and learning, to discover what Red Deer needs

Ten years ago, my husband, Ralph, and I came to Red Deer from Ontario to be near our daughter, son-in-law and grand daughters. We fell in love with the city and ever since then we have been involved in the community. At their suggestion and with their support – and, as it turned out, the support of many voters in the city – I earned the chance to prove myself as a caring, involved and dedicated councillor.

It has been a privilege to serve you for the past three years. We have done some very good work on City Council, so it is encouraging to anticipate how we can make a good city even better -- together. I ask again for your vote, so I can keep working on the issues you have told me are important to you.

In the meantime, I would encourage you to become involved in the election campaign.

Get involved

• Volunteer on Gail’s Team
• Take a lawn sign
• Knock on doors with Gail
• Make sure you vote

Thanks for your support.

As always, please let me know what is on your mind. Your opinions matter to me, for they are the fuel for innovation and improvement. Please contact me at:

www.gailparks.ca
electgailparks@gmail.com

403-343-1305
17 Ryan Close
Red Deer, AB
T4P 3N7

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