Meet the Calgary mayoral candidate: Jyoti Gondek

Calgary’s municipal election is now less than a month away and nine people are vying for your vote for the mayor’s seat.

CTV News Calgary invited each of the mayoral candidates this year to answer the same three questions in three minutes or less.

The video segment is posted in full above and the answers are transcribed below.

Jyoti Gondek (incumbent) is a mayoral candidate running as an independent.

Why are you running for mayor?

Gondek: “Over the last four years, we have implemented a lot of great things at the city. We have taken steps to invest in public safety, we have invested in infrastructure and I want to see those things through.

“So I’m running again to be your mayor to make sure that we have a steady hand at the wheel, so that we are delivering on the things that Calgarians have told us are important.

“I want to make sure that we are building a strong economy so that we can ensure our city is affordable for everyone. We need to make sure we have housing so that everyone can live with dignity. And you need to be assured that your roads and your pipes will remain in good repair. We’ve started that work this term and I would like to see that work through.”

What’s the most important issue that needs to be addressed in the city in the next year?

Gondek: “Calgarians have told us their priorities. They are interested in affordability and public safety, in strong infrastructure and a strong economy.

“To achieve all of those things, the most important thing will be to build relationships with the people that are elected onto council. If we are able to work together and build a strong budget, that will be the foundation for making sure that our city can move forward and everyone can succeed and prosper.”

Why should Calgarians vote for you?

Gondek: “I’ve demonstrated over the last four years that I know how to remain calm in a crisis and I’ve demonstrated that I’ve been able to keep a steady hand on the wheel.

“Certainty and predictability are important right now. We are on an upward trajectory where the world is bullish about us. We are seeing so much investment in our city and we need to maintain that focus.

“And I have demonstrated that, with my leadership, we will revitalize our downtown, we will grow our economy, we will return Calgary to a state of safety and will make sure that our priorities are your priorities.”