Red Deer’s first ever by-election is right around the corner—April 22nd. This is a historic opportunity for us to be heard on the issues and priorities that you care about. Municipal elections are often decided by just a handful of votes—especially by-elections. Every single one of us matters.
We shared a questionnaire with candidates in the by-election to see where they stand on important community issues. We asked them about public services, transit, downtown recovery, affordable housing and drought because we need someone who is engaged in what’s happening in Red Deer and a leader in our community who won’t take their council seat for granted.
The responses showed there are several passionate candidates but one candidate in particular stood out and that’s why we’re endorsing Jaelene Tweedle for City Council.
Jaelene currently serves as the Vice Chair on the board of the Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools & as a board member for the Rosedale Community Association. She is also a Child & Family Advocate, and volunteers for many causes, including at Powwows, festivals & events to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community in our city.
Jaelene impressed us with her in-depth and comprehensive answers. Here are some highlights:
- Why did you decide to run for City Council?
“My decision to run for council is one that I took very seriously, and was inspired most by the desire to make sure that all voices are brought to the table, when important decisions are made. Voter apathy is at an all time high, in great part because people feel like they aren’t truly represented by those who sit in the privileged space of elected office. It’s time to change that narrative, and time for people to know without a doubt that those they elect are there to serve.”
“My goal is to leverage my experiences & insights to enhance the lives of all Red Deer residents, fostering a stronger, more inclusive community for generations to come.”
- In your opinion, how important are well funded public services to the future of our city?
“I believe well funded public services are not only highly beneficial, but also critical to ensuring a vibrant and prosperous future for our city. This is not just a matter of providing the availability of these services to all who call Red Deer home, it is also a matter of the City taking very seriously that it is one of the largest employers in Red Deer. It should never be forgotten that those who are employed within the city’s public service sector are valuable and essential pieces in the well-being of the everyday lives of all of our citizens, and the state of our community.”
- What initiatives will you bring forward if elected to maintain housing affordability in our city?
“Ensuring that when City lands are being sold to private developers, that provisions are in place for a designated percentage of planned units to meet the thresholds for low income households. Ensuring that zoning policies stay current and reflect a commitment to facilitating the development of affordable rental housing, and provide incentives to developers who are committed to building affordable housing. Consideration of selling surplus lands at below market rates, for affordable housing development.”
- How would you approach working with the province and advocating for the needs of our city and residents?
“As our city continues to grow, the funding we’ve received through the Provincial Local Government Framework has not only fallen behind, but has been erratic- over the last nine years Red Deer has seen annual transfers from the province ranging from $10.7 million per year to $39 million per year. Since 2012 we have seen a 50% reduction in capital investment per capita, from the provincial government. This pattern is not only unsustainable, but continues to increase pressure on the City to either make up the shortfalls, or cut much needed projects.”
It’s not just us endorsing her. Here’s what other Red Deerians have to say about Jaelene.
“Jaelene leads with compassion. She is passionate about looking after ALL people. This is evident in how she literally & physically shows up for so many initiatives in Red Deer and beyond.”
“I cannot think of another person who is as passionate and committed to helping the people of Red Deer as she is.”
“A great listener, an advocate for the people with deep conviction, and heart. Those are the qualities we ought to seek when we choose our representatives in all levels of government, and Jaelene Tweedle embodies those qualities in a way that is all-too-often lacking in our public officials.”
You can read these voter endorsements of Jaelene and many more here.
Help us get Jaelene elected by pledging to vote and sharing with your network to reach as many Red Deer residents as possible.