Edmonton mayoral candidates: Kim Krushell
Eight years after vacating her council seat, Kim Krushell has decided now is the time to come back into the public sector with a fresh perspective.
First elected in 2004, Krushell served three terms as councillor for Ward Anirniq (formerly Ward 2). She left office in 2013 to focus on her family and a career in the tech sector.
She says removing herself from the public eye for almost a decade should help her campaign because of the perspective she gained.
"I have a much bigger appreciation for how much the city can sometimes get in the way instead of getting things done for business."
'GET WINS FOR EDMONTON'
A key part of Krushell's platform is a property tax freeze for homeowners and businesses.
"If you don't have businesses looking here, if you don't have people wanting to live here, then we're going to have a cycle where your residential taxes are going to continue going up and up and up. That's not sustainable," she said.
If elected Krushell says her decisions will be driven by data and logic, not partisanship.
"I feel it's really important for leadership to be accountable. I showed that in spades when I was on council – and to make decisions based on common sense, not ideology."
But the political world she left in 2013 has changed. Across all levels of government, she acknowledges ideological divides are drastic as ever.
"I know most of the councillors that are sitting on council right now, and political ideology will get in the way," said Krushell. "My focus is on how are we going to get wins for Edmonton."
One of Krushell's big wins was leading a successful campaign to close the City Centre Airport. It was a divisive issue at the time but she believes it helped prepare her for today's more hostile political environment.
"I was the target, and I experienced it, and I fought back, and I stood strong. And I care enough about this city that that is why I'm coming back," she said.
'VOTE FOR SOMETHING'
Krushell hopes a comeback will allow her to improve Edmonton's relationship with northern municipalities and establish our city as a logistics hub.
"You've got the northwest passage now with container ships. You've got a deepwater port. We've got the CN Rail, we've got an airport where we can ship out cargo all day long, and that's why Amazon is located here," she said. "I've heard Amazon is looking at more sites around here."
Other areas Krushell says she'd target are Edmonton's garbage and transit systems. She wants to review the efficiencies of both. She's also made promoting sports events part of her platform, including a push for Edmonton to host FIFA World Cup matches in 2026.
Her main message to voters is: "Do not vote against something, vote for something."
Krushell hopes that translates to a vote for her on Oct. 18.
GET TO KNOW YOUR CANDIDATE
What is your favourite meal in the city?
Doughnut Party.
What is the best summer activity in the river valley?
"Actually, walking. Since COVID I've been walking like crazy with my husband, now of course its door knocking. But before I was in the river valley walking."
What is your favourite viewpoint or public art piece in Edmonton?
The public art on 124Street is Krushell's favourite in the city.
"I love the 124 Street area, it's why I choose to live in this neighbourhood."
Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
Krushell says she likes to play VR (Virtual Reality) games with her son, "it's pretty amazing, and that's where I can be an equalizer with my son because he's so good."
What was the last book you read?
"I think it was one of the John Grisham books."
Krushell says she likes reading Science Fiction, and WIRED magazine to keep up with the tech scene and news feeds for current events.
What sport do you enjoy playing or watching the most?
Skiing is a family favourite for Krushell and her son. Skiing, soccer, CFL football and curling are her favourite sports to watch.
"I like to watch curling on TV. Not actually in person, I like curling on TV. It's actually better to watch on TV because you can see, [it's a] better angle."
What did you want to be when you grew up?
"It wasn't a politician, I wanted to be a lawyer when I was growing up," laughed Krushell.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Maple Leafs fall to Bruins in Game 3, trail series 2-1
Brad Marchand scored twice, including the winner in the third period, and added an assist as the Boston Bruins downed the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series Wednesday
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
New Indigenous loan guarantee program a 'really big deal,' Freeland says at Toronto conference
Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was among the 1,700 delegates attending the two-day First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) conference that concluded Tuesday in Toronto.
'Life was not fair to him': Daughter of N.B. man exonerated of murder remembers him as a kind soul
The daughter of a New Brunswick man recently exonerated from murder, is remembering her father as somebody who, despite a wrongful conviction, never became bitter or angry.