In the run up to the 2017 election, we asked our readers and listeners what issues matter most to them. Every day, we ask candidates for their thoughts on healthcare, growth, traffic, city facilities, downtown, and the other issues important to their campaign. Today, Rachael Mercedes addresses your issues.

For Council candidate Rachael Mercedes, the two biggest issues facing Airdrie are the need for a hospital and a women's and children's shelter. Those two needs are inextricably related to Airdrie's growth. In comparison, other issues like traffic, downtown redevelopment and recreational facility needs barely register.

"I don't feel that these are the needs that we need in Airdrie right now. I mean, it's something to look at on a later date, but to be honest with you, this is not what we need right now. That's not a matter at hand to be taken care of."

Mercedes said she has seen Airdrie's need for a women's shelter first hand in her work as a family and marriage councillor. She believes Airdrie is at an epidemic level of domestic violence, and would use a seat on City Council to push to get a shelter built.

"Domestic violence in this city has been an epidemic for some time. The RCMP noted a average of 58.5 percent incidence of domestic violence per month her in Airdrie compared to the national rate."

Mercedes pointed out that similar sized municipalities like Medicine Hat and Grand Prairie do have emergency shelters, and it's time for Airdrie to build one as well. She does not think it's acceptable for women and children fleeing domestic violence to flee to shelters in Calgary.

Mercedes also believes Airdrie has a desperate need for a hospital. If elected to City Council, she said she would push for more healthcare funding from the government, and would push the next mayor to advocate for a hospital at the provincial level. She expressed disbelief that smaller municipalities in Alberta have hospitals, while Airdrie's growing population does not.

Mercedes acknowledged that healthcare is the responsibility of the provincial government, but stated time and again that getting a hospital built is the biggest need for the community. When pushed on what she saw her role as in that process, she explained that she would advocate tirelessly, and that there is a need for many voices to come together to get the province's attention.

"You've heard the phrase, 'The squeaky wheel gets the grease?' I will speak to the mayor, whoever is elected, and have them voice that to the provincial government and give them a proposition as to building a hospital. We're in desperate need of one."

 When asked about other issues facing Airdrie, such as the often mentioned need for additional recreational facilities, traffic problems or downtown redevelopment, Mercedes reiterated that those issues are not the priority at this time. Rather, a hospital and a women's shelter should come first, followed by a group home for youth, affordable housing and a homeless shelter later down the road.

 

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