This week, Express reporter Erin Fawcett has asked Councillor Cindy Jefferies questions regarding what issues are important to her as an elected official and what can be done to achieve success in terms of those issues.
"I think the work we've down with the Greater Downtown Action Plan and seeing the things around that plan come to fruition is important to me," said Jefferies. "We have a lot of work to do still but I think we're headed in the right direction when it comes to that."
She added the continuation of the Movement Study is also important to her.
"This study will look at not only vehicular traffic but also bicycle, pedestrian and even transit movements," said Jefferies. "We will also study alternate modes of traffic and I think that's important to do as our City grows and changes."
She added another important issue to her is poverty in the community.
"It's not only an issue in our community, but in our province and in the country as well," said Jefferies. "Council needs to be mindful of the challenges the community faces in terms of poverty."
She added many may argue that poverty is a municipal issue.
"Of course the province plays a huge role in this as well," said Jefferies. "Deep down in my heart I think that this is the most important issue that can be worked on.
"We all have to play a role in the solution to this. It has very deep roots."
"It takes leadership from various people," said Jefferies. "It takes leadership from City council, various agencies and community foundations."
She said in terms of the Riverlands area and the Greater Downtown Action Plan, City council needs to stick to its plan in order to see them through.
"I think we need to stick with our agenda and it's going to take some time and collaboration," said Jefferies.
In addition, she added Red Deerians need to remember the great things we have in our community.
"We are always focusing on the issues and the negative aspects but we need to take a deep breath and realize that we're pretty lucky," said Jefferies.
