Vote now for Edmontonian of the Year!
If Time magazine can choose a “Person of the Year” from eight billion prospects, we can certainly do it from among the mere one million citizens of Edmonton. It’s kind of like Vue magazine’s “best of Edmonton,” but there can only be one. We just don’t have the budget.
The only criteria was “made waves in 2012,” in an otherwise open field encompassing all ages, professions and walks of life. After input from GigCity readers and contributors, we have come up with a “short list” of notable locals.
You may vote for your favourite now:
Stephen Mandel – The Mayor
GigCity has run almost two years without once mentioning the mayor by name – he was just “the Mayor” – but time has clearly come to recognize his many accomplishments in the course of doing his job.
Daryl Katz – Infamous Billionaire
As the owner of the Edmonton Oilers and the Rexall Drugs franchise, this Edmontonian was in the news far more than any other local, at the heart of an arena deal that was the talk of the town. The saga continues.
Lynden Dorval – Insubordinate Hero
The teacher’s much-publicised rebellion against Ross Sheppard high school’s “no zero” policy that resulted in his termination had the direct result of getting the Edmonton Public School Board to draft a policy giving teachers the power to give zeros.
Mark Meer – Commander Shepard
If you’re into video games, this Edmonton actor is the Mayor and Rebel Hero rolled into one. In addition to his role in the Mass Effect video game series, he’s on TV, radio, movies and on a local live stage at least once a week.
Todd Babiak – Duke of Magpietown
It would be hard to find a bigger and smarter booster of Edmontonia than this award-winning novelist, whose compelling use of “story” is serving him well in the field of marketing, among other creative pursuits. His latest campaign: Make Something Edmonton. Done.
Danielle Smith – Queen of the Wildrose
For changing the face of politics, splitting the right and offering an alternative, even if you don’t agree with it, the face of the Wildrose Alliance made the government uncomfortable, which is always a good thing to do.
Carrie Doll – Anchor of Role Models
The CTV anchor and former Consumer Choice Awards “Woman of the Year” also made waves for her charity work, ranging from the Alberta Diabetes Foundation to the Stollery Children’s Hospital.
Corb Lund – Cosmic Alberta cowboy
In cutting to the heart of Alberta’s myths, legends and rural stereotypes in a way that country music has rarely done, this future Ian Tyson has touched thousands of Albertans on both sides of the political fence.
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All voters are eligible to win a prize package that includes merch from Roger Waters The Wall tour (chrome keychain, full colour tour program, buttons, stickers, laminate), a DVD copy of Waters’ 2002 tour “In the Flesh,” and a pair of tickets to a concert to be named later. Email your name HERE to be entered in the draw.
