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The vast majority of the Calgary business community understands that their businesses thrive when their city thrives – not just economically, but socially and culturally. They see community assets like our New Central Library or the growth of the East Village as key pieces of a vibrant community that attracts incredible people to our city to seek employment and raise their family.

They understand that this is an incredible place to do business because of what we are, rather than how many dollars they can squeeze from the government in property tax relief or corporate handouts. They understand that they are part of this city and, as much as they benefit from being here, they are also ready to do their part.

The notion that the current mayor and council is not business friendly is simply incorrect. The responsibility of our politicians is to ensure that advocacy by special interest groups does not adversely impact the public good. The current mayor and council have done an admirable job of protecting the common good and ensuring that special interest groups do not overtake the public agenda.

When Calgarians head to the polls next week, I hope that they remember what we have built together over the last several years – Calgarians (both those who own businesses and those who don’t) and government. We have seen our city grow, evolve and become one of the greatest cities in Canada through smart planning, progressive thinking and, most of all, putting the needs of our people first. That, after all, is what a democracy is all about.

Riaz Mamdani is CEO of Strategic Group.