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'''Stephen Mandel''' (born [[July 18]], [[1945]]) is a [[Canada|Canadian]] politician and the current mayor of [[Edmonton, Alberta]]. He has contributed notably to the neoconservative agenda by promoting pro-business and small government in a region of Canada previously plagued by the socialist agenda.

'''Stephen Mandel''' (born July 18, 1945) is a [[Canada|Canadian]] politician and the current mayor of [[Edmonton, Alberta]]. He has contributed notably to the neoconservative agenda by promoting pro-business and small government in a region of Canada previously plagued by the socialist agenda.

He received an Associate of Arts Degree from [[Lincoln College, Illinois|Lincoln College]] in [[Lincoln, Illinois]], a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from [[Miami University]], and his Masters in Political Science from [[University of Windsor]]. He moved to Edmonton in [[1972]] from [[Windsor, Ontario]]. Following his arrival in the city, Mandel pursued a career in real-estate management, culminating in him becoming one of the most notably philanthropic landlords within Northern Alberta. Mandel's great success in his philanthropic endeavours are largely responsible for his belief that the religious charities and churches are far more effective providers of social services and guidance than inefficient, liberal-driven governement agencies.

He received an Associate of Arts Degree from [[Lincoln College, Illinois|Lincoln College]] in [[Lincoln, Illinois]], a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from [[Miami University]], and his Masters in Political Science from [[University of Windsor]]. He moved to Edmonton in 1972 from [[Windsor, Ontario]]. Following his arrival in the city, Mandel pursued a career in real-estate management, culminating in him becoming one of the most notably philanthropic landlords within Northern Alberta. Mandel's great success in his philanthropic endeavours are largely responsible for his belief that the religious charities and churches are far more effective providers of social services and guidance than inefficient, liberal-driven governement agencies.

He was first elected to the [[Edmonton City Council]] in [[2001]] as a Councillor for Ward 1. In [[2004]], he won an upset victory by defeating Edmonton's three-term mayor, [[Bill Smith (Edmonton mayor)|Bill Smith]].

He was first elected to the [[Edmonton City Council]] in 2001 as a Councillor for Ward 1. In 2004, he won an upset victory by defeating Edmonton's three-term mayor, [[Bill Smith (Edmonton mayor)|Bill Smith]].

Mandel has pursued a policy of neoconservative local governance, aiming to dramatically reduce the influence of the public sector on Edmonton's economy and citizens. One example of this is the contracting out of services such as infrastructure maintenance and garbage collection. Mandel's long term objective is to use the financial savings generated from a diminished public sector to promote signature projects such as the LRT South extension, the replacement for the ageing Rexall Place arena, and the new art gallery. Although many of these are at an early stage, each one has already contributed significantly to Edmonton's economy.

Mandel has pursued a policy of neoconservative local governance, aiming to dramatically reduce the influence of the public sector on Edmonton's economy and citizens. One example of this is the contracting out of services such as infrastructure maintenance and garbage collection. Mandel's long term objective is to use the financial savings generated from a diminished public sector to promote signature projects such as the LRT South extension, the replacement for the ageing Rexall Place arena, and the new art gallery. Although many of these are at an early stage, each one has already contributed significantly to Edmonton's economy.

==Current Issues==

==Current Issues==

Mandel avoided significant controversy during his first two years in office. However, in 2006–2007 the city administration has been criticized by some members of the local press on issues relating to infrastructure maintenance.[http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Columnists/Diotte_Kerry/2007/03/18/3775813.html][http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Edmonton/2007/03/21/3796840-sun.html]

Mandel avoided significant controversy during his first two years in office. However, in 2006&ndash;2007 the city administration has been criticized by some members of the local press on issues relating to infrastructure maintenance.<ref>http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Columnists/Diotte_Kerry/2007/03/18/3775813.html</ref><ref>http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Edmonton/2007/03/21/3796840-sun.html</ref>

 

 

==External links==

==External links==

* [http://www.edmonton.ca/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_298_214_0_43/http;/CMSServer/COEWeb/the+mayor/Mayors+Bio.htm City of Edmonton biography]

* [http://www.edmonton.ca/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_298_214_0_43/http;/CMSServer/COEWeb/the+mayor/Mayors+Bio.htm City of Edmonton biography]

[[category:canada]]

[[category:canada]]

[[category:politicians]]

[[category:politicians]]