ErinRutherford

Budgets for travel and conferences were being debated at City Hall last week and though the dollar amounts were small hopefully it sets a precedent for closer scrutiny on all aspects of the budget. Councillor Erin Rutherford wanted to cut more and said she thinks about where the City finds itself fiscally, and the hard decisions that Edmontonians are having to make every day. She also said “It is small amounts, but it is symbolic of the greater picture that we’re faced with.”

Council did agree to other cuts Rutherford recommended.

Hopefully, Edmontonians will see the results of this fine tooth approach on next year's budget.

A motion by Ward tastawiyiniwak Councillor Karen Principe to have candidates pay for criminal record checks conducted by the Edmonton Police Service was voted down 11-2 with Councillor Jennifer Rice being the other support vote. Principe thought the checks would provide public peace of mind and didn’t anticipate the backlash her motion received. Candidates for Provincial MLAs and/or Federal MPs aren't required to automatically hand over such information.

Councillors Aaron Paquette and Erin Rutherford voiced their concerns with the motion and Mayor Sohi said political parties backing candidates in future elections will probably be vetting those candidates.

Criminal checks have become common for many positions so its understandable why the motion was brought forward.