Calgary’s municipal election is a week away, with a diverse landscape of candidates.
With a degree in justice studies and previous experience in politics, independent candidate Sarah Elder is running for mayor in this year’s election, with high hopes of bringing a family-centric and safety-oriented approach to Calgarians and their city.
More about Sarah Elder
X: sarahelder
Instagram: sarahelderyyc
LinkedIn: Sarah Elder
For more information, Elder’s campaign can be found at https://www.sarahelder.ca/.
5 questions with Sarah Elder
The interview was edited for clarity and brevity.
Why are you running for council and mayor?
I’m running for council and mayor for a couple of really big reasons. First of all, I didn’t see anyone that I could vote for myself in the race. And, it turns out I not only answered my own question, but a lot of other people who feel really dissatisfied with the other candidates. And then secondly, I have a really unique platform that I have put forward in strong contrast to what everyone else is running on. It’s not to say that I don’t include things that they’ve incorporated into their campaigns, but I’ve really taken a kid and family-centric approach to everything, which is where I think the municipal government plays the most important role. In terms of quality of life for the people of the city it serves. And so I’m putting those ideas forward.
What are some of the most pressing issues for you as a mayoral candidate?
Well, I mean, it’s really interesting, obviously, you know, having a platform, the lens, actually, which I’ve said. I will be using, for decision making at city hall if elected as mayor, the question of it is safe for kids, especially now in the context of labour action between teachers and the province? You know, it was only today, actually, that the city put out information on what civic resources are available to help people having to find places to help with their kids during this period. And so, as someone who has built their campaign platform around these exact same things, you know, I’m happy to hear that, you know, people are being made more aware of the importance of the things that the city does in this role. But I think this isn’t like a time-specific issue. I think this is something that we should be focusing on every single day, every single year. And I’m the only candidate in the race for mayor who is actually advocating for, you know, the type of amenities that parents are having to rely on right now? And then, as mayor, how are you planning to appeal to young people and meet the needs of young people in the city? As someone who, you know, has young children and who interacts with young people a lot in my business. What I’ve heard specifically, especially from young women, are issues around accessing transit and public spaces safely, as well as things like sidewalk design and lighting. And so, I will also say, cultural activities. So, for anyone who’s not interested, for example, going to a nightclub, activations, cultural, and community things that they can do, and take part in, in the city.
I’m 23 years old. What did you think a big city mayor did when you were my age?
When I was 23, what did I think a big city mayor did? I don’t think that the job has really changed that much from, you know, I’m 42. I don’t think that the job has really changed that much. It’s the same issues, just different degrees. So, for example, crime and safety have always been issues. It’s more top of mind for people right now. But so is the community-mindedness I think that young people are specifically looking for, and we see different cities doing things in different ways around that. For example, introducing nightmares that are focused on, activating, like downtown centers around, and evening hours. I mean, that’s the thing with municipal government. It’s, I think, the most misunderstood because people don’t understand how important it is. And what the job actually entails. But these are things that when you expect something to be done, for example, your garbage doesn’t get picked up, right? That’s where people are like, well, hey, this isn’t working the way it’s supposed to. But, you know, getting someone to understand which road is run by a municipality and which is run by a province, you know, that’s a real challenge. So I think, you know, the job hasn’t changed that much since I was 23. It’s just the degree to which the issues are more pressing.
How do you want to see the city prosper with you getting involved?
I mean, so I really think that the foundation, for, you know, to be able to, to, to implement, to put any kind of plan into action around, because everything that we enjoy costs money. So I think that really create I think that really focusing on creating, you know, making Calgary the most attractive destination for investment is something that I would really excel at and lean into. As a small business owner myself. So breaking down barriers that the private sector faces, for example, and to, not just in terms of like business and operations, but understanding what the city and, city adjacent organizations like the chamber, Calgary Economic Development or Platform Calgary, how we can create, how we can work together to really, attract and retain investment in the city because, you know, we need we need money to do things people aren’t interested in tax increases, property tax increases. And so if we want to continue to invest and spend more than we have in the past, then we need to add more money to our bottom line. So, how we do that is really important. And I think it’s, you know, begins, starts, and ends with private sector investment.
When you’re not running for mayor, what do you do in your downtime?
I found myself especially because of COVID. I think my attention span really shortened. And so, you know, I think I think maybe we all spend a little bit too much time unless you’re really, really on top of, you know, yourself, a little bit too much time. Doomscrolling. So I’ve actually made a conscious effort this year to spend more time reading. I read a lot of nonfiction books. So, for example, I’m reading, well, I’m actually listening to an audiobook by the author, Jean Carroll. In her court case, she pursued justice against Donald Trump, for which he was found guilty. And then I’m also reading Jake Tapper’s book on the, called original Sin of the cover-up of Biden’s declining health. So you can tell where my reading interests lie right now. But, you know, I also try to take care of myself. I’ve made a very concerted effort to try to get better at tennis this year. And I know that when I make time for myself in different ways that I show up better not only for myself, but for my family, for my business, and every aspect of my life.
Watch video of Calgary Journal reporter Brennen French speaking with Sarah Elder.
The video has been edited slightly.