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Compare Taproot Survey responses from up to four candidates side-by-side
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Mixed
Which would you prioritize in your role during the budget process?
Demian
Scrutinize the budget in detail.
Candidate comments:
“Edmonton taxpayers deserve accountability for every dollar. Too often, money is wasted on poor planning or flashy projects while core needs are ignored. Zero-based budgeting offers an opportunity to rebuild trust by starting fresh, asking tough questions, and ensuring funds reflect residents' priorities. Leadership means respecting tax dollars, not wasting them.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view of the most important function of a councillor?
Demian
Community representative.
Candidate comments:
“A councillor's first duty is to be a true community representative. Residents expect their voices to be heard and their tax dollars respected. That means holding administration accountable, asking tough questions, and making decisions that reflect people's real needs — not chasing titles or party agendas. Leadership starts with listening and acting for the community.”
Mixed
Which would you prioritize regarding property taxes?
Demian
Lower taxes by cutting spending.
Candidate comments:
“With global uncertainty and instability in the U.S., the future looks uncertain, and families are already stretched. Edmonton should not impose additional tax hikes. I will work to lower taxes by cutting waste and focusing on essentials. In tough times, City Hall must live within its means and give residents stability, not more fear.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view on 15-minute districts?
Demian
Intervene to incentivize more mixed-use development and local services.
Candidate comments:
“The City can play a role in incentivizing mixed-use development, but this must be done carefully. Incentives should remove barriers, not add costs, so that housing, shops, and services grow where residents want them. Done right, this improves convenience without sacrificing mobility or forcing people into one model of living.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to development outside Anthony Henday Drive?
Demian
Finish what's started first.
Candidate comments:
“We must finish what's started before approving more. Leaving half-built communities strains services, costs taxpayers billions, and frustrates families waiting for promised infrastructure. Edmonton needs growth that is responsible and sustainable — complete existing areas first, then expand with clear planning and accountability.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to how you would guide infill development?
Demian
Slow the pace with stronger regulations.
Candidate comments:
“Infill can be positive when replacing aging homes, but the pace must be responsible. Stronger regulations are needed to ensure projects fit communities, respect infrastructure limits, and avoid pushing costs onto neighbours. Edmonton must balance growth with quality of life, ensuring infill is done with fairness, not at any cost.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to how you would incorporate climate change into decision-making?
Demian
The climate is important, but must be balanced with other goals.
Candidate comments:
“Climate change must be taken seriously, but decisions cannot ignore affordability or common sense. Edmonton needs practical steps that reduce emissions while still fixing potholes, building roads, and keeping taxes reasonable. A balanced approach protects both our environment and residents' quality of life without creating costly delays.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to how you would approach parking in commercial areas?
Demian
Increase supply and/or reduce prices.
Candidate comments:
“Parking is not a luxury — it's essential for families and businesses. Edmonton must increase supply and reduce costs in commercial areas, especially where small businesses depend on easy access for customers. Restricting parking without reliable transit alternatives hurts livelihoods. Practical planning means supporting commerce, not driving it away.”
Mixed
Which would you prioritize for downtown revitalization funds?
Demian
Grow the residential population.
Candidate comments:
“Our downtown is beautiful — the crown of our city — but it cannot rely only on office workers or Oilers games. Real revitalization means more people living there: students, families, and seniors who bring daily life to the core. A stronger residential base makes downtown safer, supports local shops, and keeps it vibrant year-round.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your position on public funding for the arts?
Demian
Essential to quality of life and in need of stable funding.
Candidate comments:
“Arts are essential to the quality of life in Edmonton. They bring people together, inspire creativity, and make our city vibrant. Stable funding is needed to keep festivals, theatres, and local arts hubs alive, while ensuring accountability so taxpayer dollars support programs that truly serve residents.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to economic development?
Demian
Remove barriers to business growth.
Candidate comments:
“Edmonton must remove barriers that hold back business. Too many entrepreneurs face delays, red tape, and higher taxes than those in surrounding municipalities. Streamlining permits, cutting bureaucracy, and reducing the non-residential tax burden will make Edmonton competitive again. Growth comes when businesses can thrive without City Hall getting in the way.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to development in the river valley?
Demian
Increase accessibility and public amenities.
Candidate comments:
“The river valley is Edmonton's crown jewel and must remain protected. But protection also means making it accessible for families, seniors, and visitors. I support trails, amenities, and responsible projects that help people enjoy the valley, while opposing developments that undermine trust or treat it as just another commercial space.”
Mixed
Which would you prioritize regarding aging recreation amenities?
Demian
Close lower-use sites and upgrade the remaining ones.
Candidate comments:
“We can't afford to keep every aging facility open. Closing lower-use sites and upgrading the remaining ones ensures resources are spent wisely, giving residents safe, modern, and accessible recreation. But before closures, the City must consult openly with communities to reflect real needs, not just numbers on a report.”
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advocate for on homelessness?
Demian
Enforce bylaws to manage disorder.
Candidate comments:
“If citizens are bound by bylaws, then everyone — including the homeless — must follow them. This creates fairness and respect. Enforcing bylaws is essential to protect safety, businesses, and public spaces. At the same time, I will press the province to provide the housing and health supports that address root causes, so enforcement leads to dignity, not neglect.”
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advance to alleviate the housing crisis?
Demian
Lower costs and remove barriers for private and non-profit builders.
Candidate comments:
“The housing crisis affects us all, and the City cannot solve it alone. We must lower costs and remove barriers so builders and non-profits can step in quickly. Partnerships are key — the City should create an environment that encourages more housing supply, while keeping projects affordable and timelines realistic for everyone.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view on political parties at the municipal level?
Demian
Members of council should be free from party affiliation.
Candidate comments:
“Municipal government works best when councillors are independent and focused on residents, not party agendas. Partisan politics will only divide the council and give unfair financial advantages to a few groups. I stand as an independent voice, accountable to my ward that elects me, but responsible for decisions that affect the whole city.”
Mixed
If the provincial government intervenes in a municipal matter, which would you prioritize?
Demian
Stand up for Edmonton's autonomy.
Candidate comments:
“Edmonton must stand up for its autonomy. Local decisions should reflect the needs of residents, not shifting provincial politics. I will always listen and work with the province where it benefits Edmonton, but our city cannot be bullied into reversing contracts or sidelining its priorities. Leadership means defending Edmonton's right to govern itself responsibly.”
Mixed
If the City of Edmonton faces public pressure to fund services under provincial jurisdiction, which would you prioritize?
Demian
Refuse to fund and focus resources on municipal responsibilities.
Candidate comments:
“The City must refuse to fund provincial responsibilities and focus on core municipal services. Edmonton taxpayers cannot be expected to cover healthcare, addictions, and housing costs while our own infrastructure crumbles. I will advocate strongly for the province to meet its obligations so Edmonton residents are not left paying twice.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view of the City of Edmonton's responsibilities regarding Indigenous relations?
Demian
Engage with Indigenous communities on specific issues.
Candidate comments:
“Edmonton must work with Indigenous communities in a respectful, practical way. Engagement on specific issues like housing, land use, and community safety ensures reconciliation is not symbolic but real. The City should listen, build partnerships, and act where it has responsibility, while respecting that reconciliation is a shared duty across all levels of government.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your guiding principle for council's relationship with the Edmonton Police Commission?
Demian
Scrutinize commission decisions and demand greater transparency.
Candidate comments:
“Public safety is essential, but so is accountability. I would scrutinize police commission decisions and demand greater transparency, ensuring funding is tied to real results for residents. Stable resources matter, but Edmontonians deserve clear answers on how tax dollars are used, and council must have the courage to ask tough questions.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to Edmonton's role in the metropolitan region?
Demian
Pursue collaboration on specific projects.
Candidate comments:
“Regional collaboration makes sense when it delivers real benefits, like shared infrastructure, transit, or economic development. But Edmonton must not carry an unfair burden or lose focus on its own needs. I support collaboration on specific projects where costs and benefits are clear, so partnerships strengthen the whole region without punishing Edmonton taxpayers.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view on how major projects have been delivered?
Demian
Performance is unsatisfactory because project management and execution are poor.
Candidate comments:
“Major infrastructure projects are delayed, over budget, and reactive instead of proactive. Families face detours and waits for repairs that should've been done a decade ago. These delays hurt livelihoods and waste tax dollars. This is why I'm running — Edmonton needs leaders, not job-seekers.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to building new capital projects?
Demian
Maintain existing infrastructure instead of building more.
Candidate comments:
“Although under different circumstances, I would advocate for building a better Edmonton; today, we face a shortfall and strained taxpayers. We must prioritize fixing and maintaining what we have before adding new projects. Let's get back on our feet first — building without addressing current needs only frustrates residents and wastes resources.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your position on roadway expansion?
Demian
Expansion is important to reduce traffic congestion and accommodate growth.
Candidate comments:
“The City should have been proactive, not reactive. Too many neighbourhoods were approved with only one access road, leaving families trapped in daily gridlock. Although we are in debt, expansion and proper access to communities are essential. We must plan responsibly so growth does not continue to punish residents with congestion and lost time.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to strengthening council accountability?
Demian
Implement transparency tools other than a lobbyist registry.
Candidate comments:
“A lobbyist registry is one tool, but not enough. I support stronger transparency measures — such as more transparent public reporting on councillor votes, expenses, and meetings — so residents see how decisions are made. Real accountability means open, accessible tools that rebuild trust and show City Hall respects taxpayers.”
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advocate for to improve community safety?
Demian
Invest in addressing root causes to reduce disorder.
Candidate comments:
“Community safety requires tackling root causes like homelessness, addiction, and poverty — but that alone is not enough. Enforcement in public spaces and strong advocacy to the province for health and housing services are also essential. A safe city needs balance: compassion paired with accountability and visible action.”
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advocate for to improve street safety?
Demian
Increase enforcement of bylaws.
Candidate comments:
“Street safety starts with accountability. Rules mean nothing if they're not enforced. I would prioritize more vigorous enforcement of traffic and safety bylaws so that drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians all follow the same standards. Education and design have a role, but visible enforcement is what builds respect and keeps our streets safe.”
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advocate for on bike lanes?
Demian
Build less than is planned.
Candidate comments:
“People are frustrated that millions were spent on bike lanes while core infrastructure crumbles. I would build less than planned, focusing only where safety demands it. Tax dollars should go first to repairing roads, reducing congestion, and keeping communities connected — not endless bike lane expansion.”
Mixed
Which would you prioritize for snow clearing?
Demian
Spend more to improve clearing of roads.
Candidate comments:
“Snow removal must prioritize roads. Families rely on safe, clear streets to get to work, school, and appointments. While sidewalks matter, too many roads remain unsafe and clogged in winter. I prioritize clearing roads, then improving sidewalks as resources allow. Residents expect tax dollars to go to basics that keep the city moving.”
Mixed
Which would you prioritize for high-capacity transit?
Demian
Prioritize bus rapid transit (BRT).
Candidate comments:
“Edmonton needs reliable transit that respects taxpayers. BRT is faster to build, costs far less than LRT, and can serve more areas quickly. Residents are frustrated with delays and overruns on LRT projects. I would prioritize BRT to improve service and safety now, while keeping future expansion realistic and financially responsible.”
Taproot Survey
Where do you stand on issues raised by voters in the 2025 municipal election?