Tag: brad northcott

Cats, Chopsticks, and Rainbows: Ward 4 Interview with Brad Northcott

Brad Northcott grew up in Huntington Hills and when to John A. MacDonald and John G. Diefenbaker schools before they were junior and senior highs respectively. He has raised all of his kids here and has decided to give back to the community as his kids now have all grown up. He graduated from SAIT as a journeyman plumber and now operates his own plumbing business. 
Why are running for alderman in Ward 4?
Northcott thought that issues such as pools and libraries needed to be addressed because these were concerns that may not get as much coverage in the media. He also thought that the airport tunnel issue was extremely important.
What does the city look like 100 years from now?
“It looks like we’ll have higher density in the established neighborhoods,” says Northcott. 
He also believes that the north-central LRT line will be an important issue in the future, and was concerned about the disruptions it may cause in the future for communities.
Northcott looks back and is amazed that ward 4 is now “the outer ring of inner communities.”
“Density will grow and pressure on infrastructure will grow,” remarks Northcott. “The building blocks need to be put into place now.”  
Is social media an important driving force, or is it still the voting demographic and the hot issues that dictate the election?
While Northcott thought the Internet was key to accessibility in terms of information, he still needs to see how social media will evolve.
“I’m not big on it. I don’t really utilize it,” says Northcott.
What was one thing the city did right this term?
Northcott told CalgaryPolitics.com that the city really benefited from the major roads and infrastructure that this past council put in. It was something “that had to be done.”
Should municipalities be granted constitutional powers?
“I’d like to learn more about the ability to have a firm grasp of funds,” says Northcott.
While Northcott said he would be open to explore the issue, his first instincts tell him that it might not be a good idea for municipalities across the country.
Almost all candidates have preached the importance of transportation. Would you take the bus to work at least once a week if elected? If not, why would you not take it if you are recommending Calgarians should take it?
Northcott is a tradesperson and usually requires a car to go all over the city, but he was open to the idea of taking transit to work.
“I am interested in trying the bus and appreciating transit,” says Northcott.
What does your platform include in terms of Aboriginal issues?
Northcott said he had nothing specific for any particular ethnic group. As a Metis, he believes everyone benefits from his platform and ideas.
“I am open to anything that will make things better,” says Northcott. 
He also says that he does appreciate issues about affordable housing and will work to find ways to benefit everyone.
With CCTVs and the public behavior bylaw, do you believe the city has a place for dictating and monitoring the conduct of its citizens?
“I like the security aspect of it. I don’t like the interference in the freedom of life,” suggests Northcott.
He says that the “erosional quality of life” and concerns in high density areas have made the subject matter an important one. Security devices are not meant to be spying and disturbing people who may sleep under a tree because their homeless according to Northcott.
He relates to a case where an individual was being disorderly at a golf course because he was intoxicated. In cases like that, a public behavior rules were fair and appropriate in dealing with individuals like that.
“There are boundaries. There have to be boundaries,” Northcott told CalgaryPolitics.com

This is cross-posted with CalgaryPolitics.com

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