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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Longtime Yellowknifer Adrian Bell is taking his message of change to residents as he officially enters the race for city council.

Realtor Adrian Bell, 36, has lived in Yellowknife since 1983.

His platform outlines three major areas of change - closer scrutiny of city spending, a new vision for downtown and promoting community spirit, including the revival of a city ratepayers association, a business improvement zone on Franklin Avenue, and two hours of free parking downtown.

Bell said his idea for bringing back an association of ratepayers - not seen in almost a decade - stems from his frustration with the city's high cost of living, continuous tax increases and what he perceives as a lack of fiscal responsibility on city council.

Bell said the ratepayers association will provide "closer scrutiny" and hold the city accountable when spending public funds, as they do in many other communities elsewhere.

"These costs - whether you're a homeowner or a renter - get passed on to the residents, and those costs are well within city council's control to manage," Bell said.

"But we've had eight tax increases in a row. It appears that council is not committed to keeping these costs low. I would like to change that."

When it comes to the issue of reviving the downtown core, Bell believes council should focus its efforts on specific areas, such as Franklin Avenue, rather than "revitalizing the whole 20 blocks."

A business improvement zone on Franklin Avenue, with revitalizing efforts such as first floor retail space and free two-hour parking, would go a long way to achieve this, said Bell.

"Good intentions aren't going to bring consumers back, we have to treat this seriously and provide some incentive, not only for consumers but small businesses owners and entrepreneurs that need to see the downtown retail spaces as attractive and competitive."

In addition to tackling the downtown issue and city spending, Bell is also focused on improving the city's community spirit. To achieve this, Bell said the city needs to take an active role in promoting festivals and engage with residents.

"There can be a way to work with these festivals without leaving the confusion over who is ultimately responsible for the events ... actively seeking out organizations that are doing good things," said Bell, who as president of the Long John Jamboree last spring achieved success with a revitalized spring festival that filled the void left behind by the now defunct Caribou Carnival.

To view his platform visit Bell's Facebook page "Adrian Bell for City Council."

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