Key Influencer(s) - Jeromy Farkas and Andrew Knack
Source: Calgary Herald
Jeromy Farkas was elected mayor of Calgary in the municipal election on October 20th. He narrowly defeated Sonya Sharp, while the incumbent mayor, Jyoti Gondek, finished third. Farkas previously represented Ward 11 in South Calgary as a councillor from 2017 to 2021.
Elected as one of the youngest councillors in Calgary’s history, Farkas campaigned on restoring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and public trust in City Hall. During his time on council, he focused on strengthening the City’s relationship with the Tsuut’ina Nation, improving the coordination of infrastructure and construction projects, and advocating for more disciplined financial management.
Born and raised in Calgary, Farkas is the son of refugees from communist Hungary. He earned a degree in Political Science from the University of Calgary, where he also worked as a research team lead in the Faculty of Medicine. Through this experience, he went on to develop a successful small business specializing in finance and data analysis. Farkas has also served on Calgary’s police commission and as a director and CEO of a non-profit organization.
As mayor, Farkas has pledged to make housing affordability, economic growth, and public safety central to his agenda. His platform includes repealing blanket rezoning to support more diverse housing development, strengthening resources for police and fire services, and expanding community-based crime prevention initiatives. Farkas has also committed to enhancing Calgary’s vibrancy through investments in public transit, essential infrastructure, and arts and culture.
Source: Facebook
Andrew Knack has been elected mayor of Edmonton in the municipal election on October 20th. He will succeed Amarjeet Sohi, who chose not to run for re-election following an unsuccessful attempt to return to federal politics earlier this year. Knack has represented Ward Nakota Isga in West Edmonton as a councillor since 2013.
During his time on Council, Knack has advocated for improved infrastructure and transit in West Edmonton. He played a key role in advancing the Lewis Farms Recreation Centre and Library, an overdue investment for residents in the community. He also championed better transit access, including the West LRT expansion. Knack has led several Council Initiatives, including NextGen, Seniors, Public Engagement, and Transportation Innovation.
Born in Edmonton and raised in Spruce Grove, Knack earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta. Before entering politics, he worked in retail management at West Edmonton Mall. Knack is a passionate advocate for community leagues, having volunteered with the Meadowlark and Jasper Park Community Leagues. He currently resides in West Edmonton with his wife, Jamie.
As Mayor, Knack has pledged to make affordability a top priority while protecting essential services. His platform focuses on building a safer city, supporting a stronger economy, and taking meaningful action to address housing and homelessness. He has also committed to pursuing a responsible budget without cutting back on public services.