A wonderful place to live
Published June 26, 2009
I have lived in Strathcona County for approximately 35 years and have yet to find a better place to live, play and work. But recently I came close. A few weeks ago I, along with a number of other Councillors, attended an international conference in Portland, Oregon and could not believe the difference between that city and others I have visited in Canada and the USA. This international conference was entitled "Making Cities Livable" with an emphasis on the future of all of us - our children. Portland was picked as the host city for their vision, innovation, enthusiasm and dedication to making their city the most sought after place to live in America. I was told they have accomplished that goal however, I was further impressed by the fact that no matter how desirable they have made their city, the people feel they are not finished and this continues to be an ongoing goal.
I have brought back a number of initiatives formulated by experts from all over the world who taught us a very important fact. In the past, roads were made for cars but if we are to ever make our cities more livable we must change this to include a very important aspect of our community - our people. Our roads must not only be there to move traffic but there for the enjoyment of all our citizens including our children. This triggered a memory for me. I remember in my childhood at this time of year enjoying the summer with all it had to offer. I did not worry about speeding cars, playing in the streets or getting to where I needed to go. People who drove on those streets did so with a responsibility not only for their own children but also everyone else?s.
I believe we, as a community, do care about all our children but sometimes are just in a hurry to get someplace and do not think about the consequences of what might happen or who it might happen to. Maybe we, as your elected officials, are there to remind you with speed limits, restrictions on streets and other people-oriented signs. Our people, especially the little people, must be our number one priority. No precious life is worth a few seconds saved. I will be working on this goal as speeding and dangerous driving was, and still seems to be, the number one issue I hear about from my Ward. As residents in this great community, I ask all of you to join with me in making this community even better than it is today.
Please take the time to also enjoy those pleasures in our community that are there for the taking and even more importantly, do not come with a price tag. We should never lose sight of the fact these are a gift of God and are really what makes life worth living. Have a wonderful summer and if I can help you enjoy it even in a small way, please do not hesitate to call me.
Vic Bidzinski, Councillor Ward 1
780-464-8005
bidzinski@strathcona.ab.ca.
Last updated: Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Page ID: 1934