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Michael Elliott

Michael Elliott

Candidate for councillor in pihêsiwin



Mixed

Which would you prioritize in your role during the budget process?

Elliott

Advocate for the priorities of the people you represent.

Candidate comments: “My top priority is to advocate for the needs and values of the people I represent. At the same time, I believe strong advocacy must be backed by a clear, responsible understanding of the budget. I will work to ensure community priorities are reflected while scrutinizing spending to ensure transparency and efficiency.”
Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your view of the most important function of a councillor?

Elliott

Community representative.

Candidate comments: “The most important function of a councillor is to be a community representative—to listen, engage, and advocate for residents' needs. While leadership and fiscal responsibility matter, real impact starts with being present, accessible, and responsive to the people we serve.”
Mixed

Which would you prioritize regarding property taxes?

Elliott

Increase taxes only to keep up with inflation and population growth.

Candidate comments: “I would prioritize keeping property taxes in line with inflation and population growth. This approach ensures we maintain essential services and infrastructure without placing an undue burden on residents, while also being fiscally responsible and sustainable over the long term.”


Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your view on 15-minute districts?

Elliott

I don't have a position on this issue

Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your approach to development outside Anthony Henday Drive?

Elliott

Finish what's started first.

Candidate comments: “We should focus on finishing what's already started outside the Anthony Henday to make the best use of existing infrastructure. However, I'm open to expanding when it's clearly necessary and well-planned to ensure sustainable growth and responsible service delivery.”
Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to how you would guide infill development?

Elliott

Halt further development and revisit policies.

Candidate comments: “I would halt further infill development and revisit policies to ensure a balanced approach. This means consulting with residents, committee members, builders, and developers to create thoughtful, sustainable guidelines that respect community character and infrastructure capacity.”


Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to how you would incorporate climate change into decision-making?

Elliott

The climate is important, but must be balanced with other goals.

Candidate comments: “The climate is important, but decisions must be balanced with other goals. We need to integrate environmental priorities alongside social and economic needs to create sustainable, practical solutions for our community's future.”
Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to how you would approach parking in commercial areas?

Elliott

Increase supply and/or reduce prices.

Candidate comments: “Parking management is essential especially to downtown revitalization.”
Mixed

Which would you prioritize for downtown revitalization funds?

Elliott

I don't have a position on this issue



Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your position on public funding for the arts?

Elliott

Essential to quality of life and in need of stable funding.

Candidate comments: “I believe public funding for the arts is essential to quality of life and deserves stable support. We can also explore partnerships with private funders to share responsibility and ensure the arts continue to enrich our community culturally and socially.”
Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your approach to economic development?

Elliott

Remove barriers to business growth.

Candidate comments: “I believe economic development requires a balanced approach: removing barriers to business growth, investing in local entrepreneurs, and attracting new businesses. This combination supports a thriving, diverse economy that creates jobs and opportunity for our community.”
Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your approach to development in the river valley?

Elliott

Protect it as a continuous natural area.

Candidate comments: “I support increasing accessibility and public amenities in the river valley while protecting its natural character. Thoughtful, limited enhancements can help more people enjoy the space without compromising its environmental and cultural value.”


Mixed

Which would you prioritize regarding aging recreation amenities?

Elliott

Extend the life of existing facilities and avoid closures.

Candidate comments: “I would prioritize extending the life of existing recreation facilities to avoid closures, especially in communities that rely on them. With smart investment and maintenance, we can preserve access while planning for long-term upgrades that meet growing needs.”
Mixed

Which action would you be most likely to advocate for on homelessness?

Elliott

I don't have a position on this issue

Mixed

Which action would you be most likely to advance to alleviate the housing crisis?

Elliott

Lower costs and remove barriers for private and non-profit builders.

Candidate comments: “I would prioritize lowering costs and removing barriers for private and non-profit builders. Solving the housing crisis requires all sectors working together. We must streamline processes locally while also pushing for stronger support and funding from provincial and federal governments.”


Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your view on political parties at the municipal level?

Elliott

Parties will help council be more effective.

Candidate comments: “There has been a misunderstanding and political parties in municipal level. They do not act the same way as a provincial or federal party. They can help bring clarity to policy positions, foster collaboration, and improve council effectiveness by providing shared platforms and accountability for voters. Unofficial political affiliations exist in municipal elections today.”
Mixed

If the provincial government intervenes in a municipal matter, which would you prioritize?

Elliott

Stand up for Edmonton's autonomy.

Candidate comments: “While negotiation is important, I would prioritize standing up for Edmonton's autonomy. Governments—whether we like it or not—do have the ability to intervene, and until that legislation changes, it's an aspect we must be cognizant of. Still, local decisions should be made by local leaders who understand community needs.”


Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your view of the City of Edmonton's responsibilities regarding Indigenous relations?

Elliott

Engage with Indigenous communities on specific issues.

Candidate comments: “The City of Edmonton should be guided by the Indigenous Framework. True reconciliation requires more than symbolic gestures—it means embedding respectful, ongoing relationships with Indigenous communities into how we govern and serve all residents.”
Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your guiding principle for council's relationship with the Edmonton Police Commission?

Elliott

Primarily provide stable funding and work through commission processes.

Candidate comments: “I support providing stable funding for police services and working through the Edmonton Police Commission to ensure accountability. Council's role is to support oversight mechanisms, and support yet help the commission to build safe, inclusive communities.”
Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your approach to Edmonton's role in the metropolitan region?

Elliott

Re-establish a strong metropolitan approach with shared priorities.

Candidate comments: “I believe Edmonton should lead in re-establishing a strong metropolitan approach with shared priorities. Regional collaboration is key to tackling issues like housing, transportation, and economic growth—challenges that don't stop at city boundaries.”


Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your view on how major projects have been delivered?

Elliott

Performance is unsatisfactory because we are doing too much at once.

Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your approach to building new capital projects?

Elliott

Build only if private partners or other orders of government contribute.

Candidate comments: “I believe in maintaining existing infrastructure to ensure safety and reliability. However, I also support building new capital projects when they are essential for community growth and when funding partnerships with private and other government levels help reduce the financial burden on the city.”
Mixed

Which of the following comes closest to your position on roadway expansion?

Elliott

Expansion is important to reduce traffic congestion and accommodate growth.

Candidate comments: “I believe investing in transit—particularly expanding bus routes rather than costly LRT projects—is a better long-term solution along with roadway expansion to reduce congestion and support sustainable growth.”


Mixed

Which action would you be most likely to advocate for to improve community safety?

Elliott

Increase enforcement in public spaces and on transit.

Candidate comments: “I would advocate for a balanced approach to community safety—investing in root causes like mental health and addiction while supporting targeted enforcement in public spaces. Effective safety requires prevention and accountability, along with collaboration across all levels of government to deliver comprehensive services.”
Mixed

Which action would you be most likely to advocate for to improve street safety?

Elliott

Increase traffic-calming measures.

Candidate comments: “I would prioritize increasing traffic-calming measures combined with targeted enforcement to improve street safety. I also support exploring innovative traffic safety concepts to create safer streets for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.”


Mixed

Which action would you be most likely to advocate for on bike lanes?

Elliott

Build only what has already been planned.

Candidate comments: “Given current budget constraints, I would prioritize essential needs over expanding bike lanes beyond what's already planned. While bike lanes can be important in specific areas, we must carefully balance investments to responsibly address critical community priorities.”
Mixed

Which would you prioritize for snow clearing?

Elliott

Spend more to improve clearing of sidewalks and pathways.

Candidate comments: “I would prioritize spending more to improve clearing of sidewalks and pathways. Ensuring safe, accessible routes is vital, especially during winter, while maintaining effective road clearing for vehicles remains important.”
Mixed

Which would you prioritize for high-capacity transit?

Elliott

Prioritize bus rapid transit (BRT).

Candidate comments: “I would prioritize expanding bus rapid transit (BRT) because buses are more cost-effective and flexible. LRT projects cost billions, and our taxes have become unsustainable. BRT offers a practical, efficient way to improve transit without overburdening taxpayers.”