Apparently, in some circles caring about Edmonton comes with a background check.
Recently, someone that I was talking to about the state of our downtown questioned the motives of people involved in the Downtown Revitalization Coalition (DRC) because of their past political work. They’d supported candidates or worked on campaigns, and somehow that was being held against them.
That struck a nerve. We ask people to get involved, take responsibility and help make this city better. Then, when they do, we wonder what they’re really after.
People who care about their community tend to participate. They volunteer, join boards, advocate for change, support campaigns and sometimes run for office. Along the way, they develop opinions, build relationships and make decisions that others may disagree with. They also learn. A history of involvement should give us something to understand and, often, appreciate.
I have a political past too. In 2021, I ran for mayor because I believed Edmonton could be a better city. I grew up here, raised my family here and wanted to contribute to its future. Running was one way to do that.
I lost. After the election, I reached out to Mayor Amarjeet Sohi to congratulate him and ask how I could be involved. He didn’t take me up on the offer, so I found other ways to contribute. My commitment to Edmonton had never depended on winning an election.
That’s true of many people I work alongside. We genuinely care about this city. So, we keep showing up, giving our time and trying to make things better.
Through the DRC, I see people making room in already full lives to work on downtown’s future. They bring experience, relationships and a willingness to tackle difficult issues.
Their involvement inevitably touches politics because decisions about safety, infrastructure, construction and investment are made by governments. Engaging with those decisions is part of the work.
Of course, participation doesn’t put anyone above scrutiny. Interests should be transparent. Proposals should stand up to questions. We should expect people to listen, work respectfully and demonstrate how their ideas benefit the broader community. A past campaign affiliation, on its own, tells us very little about the value of someone’s contribution today.
We can disagree with someone’s politics and still work with them on a safer downtown, a stronger economy or a better experience for residents. Collaboration requires that willingness. Otherwise, we keep narrowing the table until everyone around it already agrees.
There is a cost to assuming the worst of people who step forward. Others watch and decide whether getting involved is worth it. Busy, capable people can choose to spend their evenings elsewhere. We should be making it easier for them to contribute and welcoming new voices alongside those who have been doing the work for years.
Edmonton needs people willing to take responsibility for its future. Some will have political histories. Some will have tried, failed and learned publicly. Their continued commitment deserves recognition.
Ask hard questions. Challenge the ideas. Then leave room for people to contribute. Caring about Edmonton should be a reason to pull up another chair.