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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?
Cartmell
Advocate for the priorities of the people you represent.
Candidate comments:
“As mayor, my priority in the budget process is to advocate for the people I represent. Zero-based budgeting is a chance to reset how we spend and ensure every dollar delivers value. I'll focus on safe streets, reliable infrastructure, and fiscal discipline—making sure Edmonton's priorities guide every decision.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view of the most important function of a councillor?
Cartmell
Community representative.
Candidate comments:
“As mayor or councillor, the most important role is to be a community representative: listening to residents, understanding their priorities, and making sure their voices shape every decision. Leadership starts with accountability to the people we serve, & that's how I'll ensure Edmonton's future reflects the needs of residents. I'd offer we've drifted too far away from this in the last two terms”
Mixed
Which would you prioritize regarding property taxes?
Cartmell
Lower taxes by cutting spending.
Candidate comments:
“There is a better way to manage our budget. I've been very clear on my record over the last two terms and we have to do more to help residents with rising costs.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view on 15-minute districts?
Cartmell
Let the market provide more mixed-use development and local services.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to development outside Anthony Henday Drive?
Cartmell
Expand as the market demands.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to how you would guide infill development?
Cartmell
Slow the pace with stronger regulations.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to how you would incorporate climate change into decision-making?
Cartmell
The climate is important, but must be balanced with other goals.
Candidate comments:
“As an engineer, I approach climate impacts from a much nerdier lens than most. Our biggest opportunities to address climate issues at a municipal level are through major infrastructure like dry ponds, tree canopies and watershed.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to how you would approach parking in commercial areas?
Cartmell
Manage availability with tools like demand-based pricing.
Mixed
Which would you prioritize for downtown revitalization funds?
Cartmell
Grow the residential population.
Candidate comments:
“We need to focus on prioritizing investments in the Downtown Action Plan.”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your position on public funding for the arts?
Cartmell
An economic driver, so prioritize projects with measurable economic impact.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to economic development?
Cartmell
Invest in entrepreneurship and local businesses.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to development in the river valley?
Cartmell
Increase accessibility and public amenities.
Mixed
Which would you prioritize regarding aging recreation amenities?
Cartmell
Extend the life of existing facilities and avoid closures.
Candidate comments:
“We'll need strong partners to activate future recreation amenities to serve our growing population. I hear a lot from parents that kids cannot find ice time or turf time, we need to shift this.”
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advocate for on homelessness?
Cartmell
I don't have a position on this issue
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advance to alleviate the housing crisis?
Cartmell
I don't have a position on this issue
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view on political parties at the municipal level?
Cartmell
The existence of parties will have little effect.
Candidate comments:
“The legislation, as it is written, doesn't allow for the function of municipal parties after the election. Prior to the election, parties serve as a demonstration of transparency, accountability and hopefully providing the voter more clarity on where folks stand on certain issues.”
Mixed
If the provincial government intervenes in a municipal matter, which would you prioritize?
Cartmell
Negotiate with the province to ensure the best practical outcome.
Mixed
If the City of Edmonton faces public pressure to fund services under provincial jurisdiction, which would you prioritize?
Cartmell
Redirect public pressure to secure sufficient provincial funding.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view of the City of Edmonton's responsibilities regarding Indigenous relations?
Cartmell
Be guided by the Indigenous Framework in all decisions.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your guiding principle for council's relationship with the Edmonton Police Commission?
Cartmell
Primarily provide stable funding and work through commission processes.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to Edmonton's role in the metropolitan region?
Cartmell
Pursue collaboration on specific projects.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your view on how major projects have been delivered?
Cartmell
Performance is unsatisfactory because project management and execution are poor.
Candidate comments:
“All three of these answers are true: Performance is unsatisfactory because we are doing too much at once, because project management and execution are poor. Communication and transparency could be improved. As an engineer, I know we can fix this and I've laid out a detailed infrastructure policy to get us moving again!”
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to building new capital projects?
Cartmell
Maintain existing infrastructure instead of building more.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your position on roadway expansion?
Cartmell
Maintaining existing roads would be a better use of funds than expansion.
Mixed
Which of the following comes closest to your approach to strengthening council accountability?
Cartmell
Maintain existing mechanisms.
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advocate for to improve community safety?
Cartmell
Press other orders of government to deliver health and social services.
Candidate comments:
“I'd select all three of these answers including: Increase enforcement in public spaces and on transit and investing in addressing root causes to reduce disorder.”
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advocate for to improve street safety?
Cartmell
Increase enforcement of bylaws.
Mixed
Which action would you be most likely to advocate for on bike lanes?
Cartmell
Build only what has already been planned.
Candidate comments:
“I recently put forward a motion to pause bike lane construction until our standing infrastructure committee is formed in 2026. Bike lanes are needed but we aren't integrating them thoughtfully with community at the table and that needs to change.”
Mixed
Which would you prioritize for snow clearing?
Cartmell
Spend more to improve clearing of roads.
Candidate comments:
“I'd also pick this answer: Spend more to improve clearing of sidewalks and pathways. Both need to be addressed.”
Mixed
Which would you prioritize for high-capacity transit?
Cartmell
Prioritize bus rapid transit (BRT).
Candidate comments:
“I've been a steadfast fan of BRT since the day I was first elected!”
Taproot Survey
Where do you stand on issues raised by voters in the 2025 municipal election?