How I came up with my platform priorities?

It’s a proud moment to share my platform priorities with you. Over the years, I’ve read through countless campaign platforms since I first became a voter. Now, it’s both humbling and exciting that I get to share mine and hear your feedback.

When I joined this race, I did so with one guiding principle: to meet people where they’re at. I came into door knocking with ideas that mattered deeply to me, such as uncertainty about Edmonton’s future, frustration that people aren’t getting value for their money, and the sense that this is a pivotal opportunity to lead.

Since July, I’ve been knocking on doors across pihêsiwin. My goal was to get a true pulse of the ward, and while I didn’t make it to every door, every conversation mattered. Time and again, I heard the same themes:

• Property taxes that feel too high for the services people receive

• Concerns about safe and reliable transit

• Neighbourhood and community safety

• Traffic congestion and construction frustrations

• A lack of amenities, especially in the South part of the ward

At each door, I asked two simple questions:

1. What issues are top of mind when you think about Edmonton?

2. What do you hope to see more—or less—of in the future?

By late August, the wheels were turning. I started drafting my platform with your voices in mind. I looked closely at what’s already underway, what the City can control, and how ideas connect to one another. I also considered cost, practicality, and how I’d need to work with my Council colleagues to get things done. Unless I felt strongly about a bold new idea, I focused on balanced, achievable priorities.

Here’s the truth: Edmonton is at a pivotal moment. With uncertainty at the national and provincial levels, we can’t afford to stand still. This is our opportunity to lead—but to do that, we need to build strong foundations, plan for uncertainty, and invest in the future of our economy and our youth.

I believe my platform reflects what I’ve heard at the doors: practical, compassionate, and thoughtful. It won’t speak perfectly to everyone, but I hope you’ll see a vision that puts people first and sets up Edmonton to have a winning future.

I’d love to hear what you think. Please reach out at rupeshpatelyeg@gmail.com with your questions or feedback.

Take care,

Rupesh Patel

Candidate for Edmonton City Council – Ward pihêsiwin

If you believe in this vision, please share this blog with your neighbours—or request a lawn sign to show your support!