"Where's Your Platform?" Why I'm Listening First

A question I’ve been getting a lot is: Where’s your platform? The short answer? It’s coming.

But here’s the longer and more important answer.

If I’m elected as your City Councillor, my job is to represent you. That means listening before declaring. That’s why I’m knocking on doors, reading every message and email, and having real conversations. Your priorities are where my platform begins and not the other way around.

Not everyone cares about the same issues, and I take that seriously. My responsibility is to take what I hear, apply a curious and open mindset, and combine it with my experience and good judgment to build a shared vision for pihêsiwin and for Edmonton.

I can promise you this: my platform won’t be filled with grand promises that aren’t realistic or within the control of City Council. It will be grounded, thoughtful — and yes, it’ll have just the right spice to reflect a city that wants to win. (My mum would say that spice is turmeric.)

Oh, and one more thing — be cautious of any candidate who says they’ll “fix” everything on their own. No one on Council can act alone. Real leadership at City Hall means listening well, seeing the big picture, and building relationships that make progress possible.

I say this with humility, but also with confidence: these are my strengths. I know how to work across differences and bring people together to get things done.

So yes, my platform is coming. But before I tell you where I stand, I want to hear where you stand.

Take care,

Rupesh Patel

Edmonton City Council Candidate for pihêsiwin

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