Response:

Hello Scott,

Thank you for your questions.

Do you support the continued operation of the Lethbridge Fish & Game Shooting Sports Facility in its current location in Pennaquim Park?  

Yes, no problem there, provided that all necessary safety precautions occur with respect to safe handling of firearms.  

Do you believe the City of Lethbridge has an obligation to residents by assisting the Lethbridge Fish and Game Association provide a safe, controlled environment to use firearms?

Yes, LFGA has had a long and now historic relationship that should be preserved.

Do you agree that the LFGA Shooting Sports Facility represents an important community sport and recreation resource? 

Yes,  I have two colleagues who use the facility on a regular basis and know of some others.

Do you believe that the LFGA Shooting Sports Facility should be treated differently than other sporting venues by the City of Lethbridge? If so, how?

Different only in the extra precautions to be taken around the safe use of firearms. 

What is your position on ethical hunting and our need to support modern methods of wildlife management.

I support ethical hunting. I agree that we need to support modern methods of wildlife management.   Alberta hunting regulations are reviewed on an ongoing basis and seem to be supported by the public.   

How would you support the extensive conservation, environment protection and revitalization, and wildlife management programs we provide?

I would maintain the current level of support.  We are entering a period of climate ‘instability’,. Some wildlife populations are either in decline or, in some circumstances,  are increasing populations and becoming habituated to humans.  These changes support  ongoing reviews of our wildlife management programs with LFGA and other stakeholders.

Have you ever worked with the LFGA in the past and what was your experience?

No, my knowledge of LFGA is limited to what I hear from my colleagues at the Post Office?

Please see attached statement I have prepared for an upcoming issue of the Lethbridge Herald.

Regards,

Craig Burrows-Johnson

Attached Statement: 

It is clear to me that there is no tolerance from either residents or businesses for further tax increases in the City of Lethbridge.  Going forward City Administration must show increased fiscal discipline.

Intermunicipal collaboration with the surrounding region under the amended Municipal Government Act, with support from senior levels of government will enable Next Step funding for a new performing arts space, a convention centre, and eventually, a second bridge to the west side.

The important work that has been done to make Downtown Lethbridge a place we can all be proud of must continue. The Heart of the City must become beautiful, safe and clean.

I support the diverse and growing arts community as part of our vibrant, multi-cultural community.

I also support sport and active living for their far reaching benefits on civic health and social cohesion.

I strongly believe we must prepare for coming climate instability. It seems certain that this will include future water shortages due to drought and severe weather events including floods and fires.

I support residential curbside recycling and the goal of reducing the amount of waste going to our landfill from businesses and institutions.  Extending the life of our landfill will save our citizens money in the long term.

There is an immense responsibility providing the City of Lethbridge with good government. City Council must be more directly accountable to the citizens through the adoption of a ward system.

I have worked with sport councils, not for profits, parent-teacher associations, and an Alberta Seniors Games volunteer.  I have also been an Adopt-A-Park coordinator, tournament director, soccer coach, and a curator of public and commercial art exhibitions.  For the last 10+ years I have served the citizens of of Lethbridge as Superintendent and Operations Supervisor, working with Canada Post in downtown Lethbridge.

I hope to continue to serve the citizens of Lethbridge as your Councillor after October 16.

Craig Burrows-Johnson

27 Tudor Court S.

Lethbridge, AB T1K 5C9

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.cbjforlethcouncil.com

Twitter: #CBJforCouncil

Cell: 403-715-0195