Ward Zero podcast

In the latest Ward Zero episode, Esmahan Razavi, Jeremy Zhao and LiveWire Calgary editor, Darren Krause look at a handful of recent city issues.

The trio talks about the severance payout to former Mayor Gondek Chief of Staff Stephen Carter and whether this should be a problem for taxpayers.

They also talk about the return of the so-called Freedom convoys in Calgary and what underlying problem lingers with their resurgence.

The city needs to get better at Downtown Calgary activities, according to the trio - they have to get out of their own way.

And, what to do with the $105 million City of Calgary surplus. Back to taxpayers? Not so fast, the team says.

BTW - the Athletics DID win their first game 10-1.

In this episode, Esmahan Razavi, Jeremy Zhao and LiveWire Calgary editor Darren Krause look at a recent social media exchange (with expletives) between former Mayor Gondek Chief of Staff Stephen Carter and Ward 13 Coun. Dan McLean.

The trio also fires up the conversation on banning gas-powered leaf blowers in Calgary and then begins the conversation on affordable housing.

(There's "missing middle" bonus content available for $25/mo subscribers on Patreon!)

A lot of ground to cover in the latest Ward Zero episode, as the trio, led by Esmahan Razavi, tackle the Event Centre, recent Calgary city council polling numbers, an exclusive LWC investigation into donor disclosures and... the controversial thin blue line debate.

Esmahan Razavi, Jeremy Zhao and LiveWire Calgary editor Darren Krause talk about the different facets of recent Beltline protests.

The trio covers the physical action taken by police against counter-protesters, the city's letter to the Calgary Police Commission, a tweet and motion by Coun. Jennifer Wyness, and what might happen this weekend, given a special meeting of the Calgary Police Commission coming Friday.

Esmahan, Jeremy and Darren talked for way longer than this podcast... and went deep on several issues. They hit on the province wanting to reopen the Municipal Government Act, how the city saw Alberta budget cash and transit safety and how to deal with the social disorder.

PLUS - With no public health measures in place, will the Beltline 'freedom' protests continue?

There's a load of bonus content being prepared for our Patreon members - including 20 minutes on Calgary election campaign disclosures.

In this episode, Esmahan Razavi, Jeremy Zhao and LWC editor Darren Krause talk about council conduct, mask and the relationship with the province of Alberta. LWC members get bonus content via Patreon, so you'll have to check that out.

Esmahan Razavi, along with Jeremy Zhao and LiveWire Calgary editor Darren Krause kick off Ward Zero season 2 with some hot button topics.

They talk about the councillor home security costs and how the rise of extremism plays in this conversation. They also hit on the difference between politics and governance and how it's a mistake (right now) to try and govern with politics. Also - cost escalations on the Green Line? Say it ain't so.