Calgary mayor, council face historically low approval ratings: poll
Posted Dec 20, 2023 9:19 am.
Last Updated Dec 20, 2023 12:59 pm.
Calgary council is incredibly unpopular at the moment, according to new data, marking an unfavourable first for the municipal government.
A ThinkHQ poll from early December asked over 1,100 citizens how they are feeling as this government approaches the midway point of its term.
A staggeringly poor review for Mayor Jyoti Gondek, as 61 per cent say they disapprove of her performance, while 43 per cent say they “strongly disapprove.”
When it comes to council, 37 per cent say they are supportive of their local councillor, with just eight per cent feeling “strongly.”
The majority feel the opposite about their local representative, as 24 per cent of respondents say they strongly disapprove of their councillor.
Some councillors have spoken out about the polling.
Andre Chabot with Ward 10 says he has received positive reaction in his ward, meaning he must be doing something right.
Ward 13 Coun. Dan McLean, who recently was sanctioned by colleagues for golfing during a council meeting in July, took to X, saying he has opposed a lot of positions presented from the mayor and some of his colleagues.
Recent poll shows the Mayor with historic low approval. Report also says:
“There are some City Councillors in a very similar position to the mayor, mostly for taking the same positions as the mayor.”
To be clear, I’ve consistently opposed most all of those positions. pic.twitter.com/R9C2bvcvWh
— Dan McLean (@DanWMcLean) December 20, 2023
As the year comes to a close, there have been a lot of issues that this council has tried to tackle, whether it’s the housing crisis, the controversial arena deal, or high inflation.
Gondek has also faced substantial backlash for not attending a menorah lighting at city hall earlier this month, saying the event had become too political.
An election is nearly two year away, but it’s safe to say many Calgarians are hungry for change.
