Edmonton Construction 11 (November 2011)

[Jaws]

Originally Posted by 240glt

I don't think Mandel has any political capital left. I am sad to see him go, though... always enjoyed meeting with him, he knows my boss well & we had a nice lunch at the Courthouse cafeteria one time, & he helped us out a lot with the Cromdale hotel redevelopment.

I am not so sure who should succeed him. I certainly don't want Kerry to win that seat. I don't like Don... seems greasy to me. Kim might be okay but she comes across really shrill.

I agree with your assessment.

Sohi is worth a look.

[SHOFEAR]

I've had the pleasure of speaking to Don casually one evening, my impression of him improved greatly.

I've really liked many of the things Sohi has said and at this point I think he may be the candidate that most reflects my values...But like it has been said before, Diotte is going to capitalize with a lot of progressive votes being split....I don't know if Sohi has enough broad appeal to be the progressive choice.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

I'm on the fence with Sohi. He shares Mandel's vision but definitely not his personality. He comes across as stiff as a board.
Iveson is a popular choice as next mayor, but too left-leaning. But he definitely has youth and energy on his side, and will attract younger voters.
Krushell would be a strong candidate for the job too. She's young, fiery, appeals to soccer moms, and, like Mandel, balances the pragmatic with long-term visioning.
Leibovici would be a solid choice - I have a feeling she is Mandel's choice too.

[240glt]

I do think that Sohi would be an excellent choice. But his lack of charisma puts him at a disadvantage. Most people are not smart enough to look past that.

I shudder a bit at the thought of Leibovici, but it does seem like she's being groomed for the role. She might do alright.

I ran into Don at an EFCL seminar.. didn't like the fact that he appeared to be there to gather intel.. and his secret handshake-style nods to his buddies really put me off.

The worst thing would be Iveson, Sohi and either Leibovici or Krushell all running, Kerry could come right up the middle and take it

[Black Star]

Originally Posted by 240glt

Ha! Until you douchebags have lived next to it, you have not earned the right to comment


We had the conversation with Shoppers and IBI about getting the entrance moved to the corner... no dice as they feel that the majority of the traffic will be drive-in. Other than that I think it'll serve nicely

Hummmmm Hey Fella I have....For years!! And you have now made a new rule that a person has to live near a new development to have an opinion on it or comment lol.

[EdmTrekker]

Just how left leaning is Don? Anyone know where he stood politically as a student at the UofA?

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Originally Posted by 240glt

I do think that Sohi would be an excellent choice. But his lack of charisma puts him at a disadvantage. Most people are not smart enough to look past that.

I shudder a bit at the thought of Leibovici, but it does seem like she's being groomed for the role. She might do alright.

I ran into Don at an EFCL seminar.. didn't like the fact that he appeared to be there to gather intel.. and his secret handshake-style nods to his buddies really put me off.

The worst thing would be Iveson, Sohi and either Leibovici or Krushell all running, Kerry could come right up the middle and take it

What's wrong with Karen?

I really loathe to say this, but I think another knock against Sohi would be the thick accent. I can picture my elderly mom and her card-playing friends going "I didn't vote for Sohi because I can't understand a — word he's saying!"

[240glt]

Originally Posted by BLACK STAR

Hummmmm Hey Fella I have....For years!! And you have now made a new rule that a person has to live near a new development to have an opinion on it or comment lol.

Lol... there's a difference between living next to some random new development, and living next to the cone of chaos that was the Cromdale hotel for eight years!!! Anyone who would suggest that the new development is not a HUGE improvement over what was there before hasn't a clue what it was like to live close to there before!!

I was dissapointed that they could not accomodate a corner entrance. But the rest of it, I don't mind at all. Any pontification about "urbanity" is all fun & good for SSP, but outside this board and in real life, at least as far as this development goes, it means squat!

[240glt]

Originally Posted by Hallsy's Toupee

What's wrong with Karen?

I really loathe to say this, but I think another knock against Sohi would be the thick accent. I can picture my elderly mom and her card-playing friends going "I didn't vote for Sohi because I can't understand a bloody word he's saying!"

Not sure about Karen. I have no direct contact with her, just what's come across in the media. I'd like to hear more from her before casting any sort of judgement. I guess "shudder" was a bad word.. I guess I'm more "wary"

Sohi may lose the crusty old white vote, but he may do well in the ethic block. My crystal ball though says that he's come in either 2nd or 3rd in this race (if he runs)

[Jaws]

Mrs. Voaklander bought 100 lights.

http://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/100-year-old-...-for-light-the-bridge-campaign-1.1290935

[Black Star]

Originally Posted by 240glt

Lol... there's a difference between living next to some random new development, and living next to the cone of chaos that was the Cromdale hotel for eight years!!! Anyone who would suggest that the new development is not a HUGE improvement over what was there before hasn't a clue what it was like to live close to there before!!

I was dissapointed that they could not accomodate a corner entrance. But the rest of it, I don't mind at all. Any pontification about "urbanity" is all fun & good for SSP, but outside this board and in real life, at least as far as this development goes, it means squat!

Oh it is a major improvement for sure.... but I just imagined it would be better designed. Like u mention with the side entrance etc.

[Coldrsx]

Originally Posted by 240glt

Ha! Until you douchebags have lived next to it, you have not earned the right to comment


We had the conversation with Shoppers and IBI about getting the entrance moved to the corner... no dice as they feel that the majority of the traffic will be drive-in. Other than that I think it'll serve nicely

Fair enough, but short term vision of what 118ave is striving for.

[kcantor]

Originally Posted by 240glt

Lol... there's a difference between living next to some random new development, and living next to the cone of chaos that was the Cromdale hotel for eight years!!! Anyone who would suggest that the new development is not a HUGE improvement over what was there before hasn't a clue what it was like to live close to there before!!

I was dissapointed that they could not accomodate a corner entrance. But the rest of it, I don't mind at all. Any pontification about "urbanity" is all fun & good for SSP, but outside this board and in real life, at least as far as this development goes, it means squat!

while i'm only guessing, that might also be a response to edc comments on shoppers' original submission for 109 street and whyte avenue which showed a corner entry that was - to put it mildly - "criticized".

[christopherj]

Originally Posted by 240glt

The worst thing would be Iveson, Sohi and either Leibovici or Krushell all running, Kerry could come right up the middle and take it

I bet Iveson will run no matter what, but I bet Sohi/Leibovici/Krushell discussion among themselves/sees where they stand by the time they have to officially declare, but only 1 runs.

That's my best guess at least.

[RicoLance21]

Originally Posted by ScottieA

I'm voting for the strongest candidate against him, even if I don't agree with their political leanings. Kerry did nothing on Council, he comes across as greasy and an a-hole, and has the backing of the Wildrose.

But at least he's smart enough to know that blowing up the arena deal would cost the city a lot of money, which is why he said he wouldn't revisit it if reelected. Although his "listen to the people" BS schtick could potentially give him an excuse to nix it if a plebiscite vote goes against it.

Not gonna lie to you....had the arena debate not been resolved by next election and if Diotte got elected (much easier by his one-issue campaign if not resolved), he would surely do anything he can to blow up the arena deal and just tell Katz Group to go f**k themselves. I think Katz also saw this coming, so he committed $15M to dodge this bullet. We should never be thankful enough that this debate is now over.

[Coldrsx]

Interesting read...

http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/documents/C550.pdf

So does that mean nothing or little until June 1st? I certainly hope I am reading into this wrong, because today was another fcuking dust storm downtown, partially due to these disgusting excuses for roads.

[Keats82]

I'm reading it the same as well - perhaps the city needs to be approached about updating the current setup? The month of May could be the same as October, as this reads.

[Coldrsx]

Basic basic basic things we still struggle with.

[240glt]

Originally Posted by cdnklc

while i'm only guessing, that might also be a response to edc comments on shoppers' original submission for 109 street and whyte avenue which showed a corner entry that was - to put it mildly - "criticized".

Yes, that project almost didn't go ahead.. glad it did but from the Shoppers folks it was an "exceedingly difficult" project to get approved.

But that's not the reason for the location of the entrace at the Parkdale Shoppers (We're not calling it Cromdale anymore, seeing as it's not even in Cromdale) As previously noted, it's becuase they felt there wasn't enough walk-in traffic to warrant it. They may be right... I fully support the development but likely won't shop there, preferring the Stadium Plaza Save-on. It's a tricky corner becuase it's not at the most vibrant end of 118th ave, and a very busy street with a big shopping plaza across the street.

[240glt]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

Fair enough, but short term vision of what 118ave is striving for.

What is it you think 118th ave is striving for ?