On Firefighters and maginalized communities?

QUESTION BY EMAIL:

Hi. Just curious your thoughts on the firefighters issue? Also, where do you stand with respect to marginalized communities (racial minorities, 2slgbtq+, people with disabilities)?

MY REPLY:

I don’t believe there should have ever been a “firefighters issue,” but I’d need a specific question to address it fully. I have advocated for a 25% increase in fire-medic staff, raising our numbers from 194 to about 242. As Red Deer grows, we will likely need a sixth fire station—probably near Capstone, though exact placement will depend on response times. Increasing staff also reduces overtime, which was the main argument for the dynamic staffing trial. If implemented, dynamic staffing should maintain a minimum of four firemedics per station/truck at all times, with all stations open. It should determine how many additional staff we need, not how few.

On "marginalized communities—including racial minorities, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities"—I believe in treating all Red Deerians equally. As a disabled person, I do not wish to be grouped under any “alphabet agenda.” I support spending on accessibility improvements where existing infrastructure currently fails the disabled, like crosswalks that don’t align with curb cuts and better marking on multi-use trails. I do not support segregating residents or allocating resources based on identity. Hiring should be based on merit, experience, and even well-thought-out ideas—not skin color, gender ideology, or personal characteristics.

I hope this answers your questions,
​
Kevin M. Klerks
Candidate for Red Deer City Council