Naheed Nenshi

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Naheed Nenshi
Naheed Nenshi cropped.jpg
36th Mayor of Calgary
Incumbent
Assumed office
October 25, 2010
Preceded by Dave Bronconnier
Personal details
Born Naheed Kurban Nenshi
(1972-02-02) February 2, 1972 (age 41)
Toronto, Ontario[1]
Alma mater University of Calgary
Harvard University
Profession Associate professor
Religion Ismaili

Naheed Kurban Nenshi (born February 2, 1972) is a Canadian politician who was elected the 36th and current mayor of Calgary, Alberta, for the 2010 Calgary municipal election. He has announced his candidacy for the upcoming 2013 elections.[2]

Nenshi was born in Toronto, Ontario, and raised in Calgary, Alberta.[1] His parents, Noorjah and Kurban, were South-Asian-origin immigrants to Canada from Tanzania, and he has a sister.[3]

Nenshi donated 10% of his 2012 salary, amounting to 20,000 CAD to a Calgarian charity in response to a 6% pay raise approved for city counselors.[4]

Contents

Education [edit]

He was educated at the University of Calgary, receiving a Bachelor of Commerce in 1993, and completed a Master of Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 1998.[3] Nenshi worked for McKinsey & Company for several years before starting his own consulting business.[1]

Nenshi has written about how cities can retain young professionals and co-founded two citizen's groups aimed at improving Calgary's civic government.[5] He was an instructor in non-profit management in the Bissett School of Business at Mount Royal University and wrote a regular municipal affairs column for the Calgary Herald.[1]

Political career [edit]

Nenshi giving a campaign speech in July 2010
Nenshi speaking to supporters and media shortly after being projected to win
See also: Calgary municipal election, 2010

Nenshi first ventured into politics in 2004, running unsuccessfully for a seat on Calgary's city council.[1] His 2010 campaign for mayor, dubbed the "Purple Revolution",[6] placed an emphasis on using social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to promote his platform and engage voters.[7] A late September poll showed that his campaign was generating interest as he sat third with eight per cent support, although well behind the leaders, alderman Ric McIver (42%) and local media personality Barb Higgins (28%).[8] His growing popularity led to greater scrutiny of his views, including a public dispute with Calgary Police Service chief Rick Hanson over the cost of policing the city.[9]

Days before the election, a Calgary Herald poll showed that Nenshi's grassroots campaign continued to gain momentum as he was shown to have 30 per cent support among decided voters, placing him in a statistical tie with McIver and Higgins. He polled the strongest amongst younger voters, believed to be the result of his social media campaign.[10] Nenshi's surge in popularity carried through to the election itself, when he earned 40 per cent of the vote, finishing nearly 28,000 votes ahead of second-placed McIver.[11]

Being a Shia Ismaili,[7] Nenshi became the first Muslim to become mayor of a major Canadian city.[12][dead link] His win was viewed as a breakthrough for the use of social media as an election tool,[5] and when considered with his faith and background, made international headlines.[13] His election is seen as major signal of the shift in Albertan politics and the make up of Calgary.[14]

2013 Mayor Campaign [edit]

During this fundraising Gala, Nenshi issued a challenge to his opponents to confront him directly and not to engage him in a proxy campaign of lobbing as he warns his supporters that his opponents will likely engage in.[15]

Homebuilder meeting video [edit]

In 2013, a video was leaked of Cal Welzel the CEO and founder of Shane Homes speaking to panel of Calgarian homebuilders detailing of a plan to influence the decisions of the city counsel after the upcoming elections. In the video Welzel spoke of plans: to raise 1.1M CND to enlist the support of Preston Manning's conservative foundation the Manning Center for Democracy. According to the speech, former Mayor Dave Bronconnier counselled Welzel how to control council motions with 8 votes. “So for whatever and however, we have to ensure that we end up with the eight votes.” Welzel proposed as a solution to circumvent direct confrontation with Nenshi's popularity.[16] Welzel named Councilors the industry could rely on to support motions in favor of the lobby and he supported with donations.[17][18] Nenshi has ordered a probe into as he describe distasteful and shadowy possible violations of electoral laws. In the wake of the release of this video-graphic evidence implicating the lobby, and the Manning Center for intimidating counselors,[19] and violations of campaign fund limits set at $ 5,000 CAD.[20] The Manning center has come under scrutiny.[19]

Mayoralty [edit]

Public works projects [edit]

Soon after assuming the office, Nenshi's council implemented many developments to revitalize Calgary's viability with capital infrastructure projects. Such as redevelopment of the East Village neighborhood with a new central library and the National Music Center. Through a partnership with the local arts community, the city will preserve the historical King Edward School as an arts hub.[21]

The Nenshi administration completed capital public works projects approved by his predecessor Dave Bronconnier, including the westerly extension of the C-Train line, Peace Bridge, and the construction of a traffic tunnel to the Calgary International Airport commenced. Nenshi's council voted to discontinue fluoridating Calgary's water supply.[22]

Transportation [edit]

Calgary Transit presented Nenshi's administration with the 'RouteAhead' plan for review.[23] The plan to be implemented over 30 years, calls for massive capital spending to expand and upgrade Calgary Transit's capacities. [24] [25][26][27] After Canadian-Pacific cancelled an environmental study of the expansion of Alyth train yard, the city approved to continue funding the study environmental impact the yard causes the residents of adjacent Inglewood and Ramsay neighborhoods.[28]

Nenshi abolished the $3 park and ride fees to encourage more commuters to use Calgary's Public Transit.[29]

Social and enterprise initiatives [edit]

The Nenshi administration initiated many programs to improve civic administration and clarify transparency of city political affairs, organized around themes such as "transforming government" and "cutting red tape". These initiatives are intended to improve the business and quality of life for Calgarians.[30] The Cutting red tape initiative was estimated to have saved Calgarians 33,000 in hours and 1.12M CAD in productivity.[31]

In 2011, Nenshi challenged the citizens of Calgary with an initiative to personally take responsibility and encourage their neighbors do three things to improve their community for '3 Things for Calgary Program'.[32] Nenshi approved a pilot project in 2011 for mobile food van servers. The project debuted during the "YYC Taste the Trucks" festival in 2011.[33] Nenshi's council also organized the Civic Camp, a forum that encourages and enables Calgarians to actively engage in civic affairs.[34]

The city implemented a 10 year plan to merge the business tax together with the non-residential property tax. Until then Calgary was one of last cities to have a stand alone business tax.[35]

The Calgary Economic Development (CED)organized a trade mission for Nenshi to showcase Calgary to meet with Chinese business and government officials to forge and reassert ties between China and Calgary.[36] Through the CED, Nenshi launched a campaign entitled 'Be Part of the Energy' aimed to promote tourism and encourage businesses and professionals to settle in the city.

Key Events of Mayoralty [edit]

In 2011, Nenshi was grand marshal of the city's gay pride parade. He was the first mayor of Calgary to do so.[37] In 2013 Nenshi proclaimed a day of "Trans Day of Visibility" as an awareness day for the challenges transgender and transsexual Calgarians face.[38]

Nenshi presided over the 100th anniversaries of several city institutions and traditions, including the Calgary Public Library, Calgary Stampede, Mount Royal University, and Calgary recreation. He proclaimed March 29, 2012 a 'dress Western day' as a prelude to the 100th Calgary Stampede.[39][40] The city was assisted in preparations for these celebrations with a 1.6 million CAD grant from the federal government. In 2012 the federal government designated the city for the inaugural "Cultural Capital" program.[41]

Nenshi donated $660 to two Toronto food banks, after the Calgary Stampeders lost the 2012 Grey Cup as per the terms of a friendly bet made with Toronto mayor Rob Ford.[42]

In 2012 Nenshi greeted Craig Hardy, Calgary Transit's 100,000,000th passenger of the year, the first on record for Calgary Transit.[43]

In 2013 Nenshi was invited as part of the Canadian delegation attend the World Economic forum to share his ideas of sustainable urban growth. A rarity for a mayor.[44]

The city of Calgary was unusually granted with a 52M (CAD), budgetary surplus from the Albertan government in 2013. Nenshi asked Calgarians for their input of 5 options to invest the grant.[45]

City Charter [edit]

To address the challenges of evolving into metropolises Nenshi and Edmonton mayor Stephen Mandel negotiated a memorandum of understanding with the Alberta government.[46] This motion will enable both mayors to work with the provincial government to draft city charters, effectively articulating the powers and responsibilities the municipalities have to deal with unique issues of development such as taxation, in 2013.

References [edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e "Naheed Nenshi". Calgary Herald. Retrieved October 19, 2010. 
  2. ^ "Nenshi 2013: Calgary Mayor To Seek Re-election (VIDEO)". Huffington Post. November 17, 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2013. 
  3. ^ a b Graveland, Bill (October 19, 2010). "Calgary's new mayor shreds city's stereotypes". Toronto Star. Retrieved October 19, 2010. 
  4. ^ http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2012/01/23/calgary-nenshi-pay-cut.html
  5. ^ a b "Calgary mayor-elect downplays egghead image". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. October 19, 2010. Retrieved October 19, 2010. 
  6. ^ "Purple Revolution". Purple Revolution. Retrieved April 17, 2013. 
  7. ^ a b Jinnah, Naila and Nikhat Ahmed (October 18, 2010). "Ismaili Muslim elected mayor of the third-largest city in Canada". TheIsmaili.org. Retrieved October 19, 2010. 
  8. ^ Braid, Don (September 26, 2010). "Nenshi capitalizing on social-media buzz". Calgary Herald. Retrieved October 19, 2010. 
  9. ^ "Calgary election squabble over policing costs". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. September 24, 2010. Retrieved October 19, 2010. 
  10. ^ Markusoff, Jason (October 13, 2010). "Herald poll: Three-way dead heat in race for Calgary's mayor". Calgary Herald. Retrieved October 19, 2010. 
  11. ^ "Election results". City of Calgary. October 19, 2010. Retrieved October 19, 2010. 
  12. ^ Windgrove, Josh (October 19, 2010). "Calgary’s Naheed Nenshi becomes Canada’s first Muslim mayor". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved October 19, 2010. 
  13. ^ Kaufmann, Bill (October 19, 2010). "Nenshi win makes ripples around the world". Calgary Sun. Retrieved October 19, 2010. 
  14. ^ Josh Wingrove (October 19, 2010). "Naheed Nenshi becomes Canada's First Muslim Mayor". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved October 23, 2010. 
  15. ^ http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/calgary/Mayor+Naheed+Nenshi+laughs+about+reporters+head+campaign/8191207/story.html
  16. ^ http://globalnews.ca/news/502394/exclusive-video-obtained-by-global-news-reveals-calgary-developers-plan-to-control-city-council/
  17. ^ http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Home+builders+raise+toward+electing+council+candidates+more/8279396/story.html
  18. ^ http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/04/23/cal-wenzel-calgary-developer-naheed-nenshi_n_3143140.html
  19. ^ a b http://beaconnews.ca/blog/2013/04/naheed-nenshi-colley-urquhart-attack-manning-centre/
  20. ^ http://globalnews.ca/news/508830/demand-builds-for-investigation-into-developer-campaign-contributions/
  21. ^ "Airport tunnel now belongs to Calgary Airport Authority". CBC News. November 2, 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2013. 
  22. ^ "Calgary removing fluoride from water supply". CBC News. February 8, 2011. Retrieved April 17, 2013. 
  23. ^ "Calgary's 30-year transit plan to cost $13B". CBC News. December 7, 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2013. 
  24. ^ Fletcher, Robson (February 10, 2013). "Calgary’s King Edward School on the cusp of becoming ‘arts incubator’". Retrieved April 17, 2013. 
  25. ^ Gee, Marcus (August 23, 2012). "Naheed Nenshi's challenge: Making Calgary a livable city". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved April 17, 2013. 
  26. ^ "New central library plan approved by council". CBC News. February 26, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2013. 
  27. ^ "National Music Centre breaks ground in Calgary". Canada Newswire. February 22, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2013. 
  28. ^ Zickefoose, Sherri (March 5, 2013). "Council OK’s $30,000 for next stage of railway yard noise study". Calgary Herald. Retrieved April 17, 2013. 
  29. ^ http://blog.calgarymayor.ca/2011/04/bye-bye-3-park-and-ride.html
  30. ^ "Transforming Government". City of Calgary. 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2013. 
  31. ^ http://beaconnews.ca/calgary/2013/03/calgary-red-tape-cutting-program-reports-over-1-million-in-savings/
  32. ^ Nenshi, Naheed (September 6, 2012). "Nenshi: Let’s improve Calgary in big and small ways". Calgary Herald. Retrieved April 17, 2013. 
  33. ^ "YYC Taste the Trucks". Yelp. Retrieved April 17, 2013. 
  34. ^ http://www.avenuecalgary.com/articles/civiccamp-engages-calgarians-to-create-a-more-liveable-city
  35. ^ Zickefosse, Sherri (April 10, 2012). "Calgary business tax to merge". Calgary Herald. Retrieved April 17, 2013. 
  36. ^ Gandia, Renato (May 12, 2011). "Nenshi leads China trade mission". Calgary Sun. Retrieved April 23, 2013. 
  37. ^ "Naheed Nenshi's pride participation shows that a mayor can serve all". The Globe and Mail. July 5, 2011. Retrieved April 17, 2013. 
  38. ^ "Nenshi proclaims Trans Day of Visibility". CBC News. April 2, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2013. 
  39. ^ Clark, Jessica (March 2, 2012). "Calgary’s hope as cultural centre rests on revamping cowboy image". Calgary Journal. Retrieved April 17, 2013. 
  40. ^ Lawrence, Jo Ann (March 28, 2012). "100 day kick off to the 100th Calgary Stampede at Olympic Plaza". Calgary Beacon. Retrieved April 17, 2013. 
  41. ^ "Calgary 2012". Calgary 2012. 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2013. 
  42. ^ Calgary mayor Nenshi makes good on Grey Cup bets. CBC News, November 29, 2012.
  43. ^ Stark, Erika (December 14, 2012). "Calgary Transit surpasses 100 million riders a year for first time (with video)". Calgary Herald. Retrieved April 17, 2013. 
  44. ^ Markusoff, Jason (January 22, 2013). "Nenshi’s invite to World Economic Forum is a rare honour". Calgary Herald. Retrieved April 23, 2013. 
  45. ^ http://www.calgaryherald.com/opinion/columnists/Nenshi+Tell+spend+million+year/8398885/story.html
  46. ^ "Alberta government partners with Calgary and Edmonton to develop big city charter". Alberta Government. June 18, 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2013. 

External links [edit]
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