Page 64 - Edify-Nov-Dec-2023

Why he’s Top 40 HE MAKES THOUGHTFUL DECISIONS WITH THE CITY’S FUTURE AT HEART
WARD NAKOTA ISGA COUNCILLOR, CITY OF EDMONTON >AGE 39
Andrew Knack grew up a staunch conservative, but shifted centre-left as he gained
experience.
“Being in that frame of mind for so long
made me realize, there are people who maybe just didn’t have exposure to other things in life [that I have]. It’s allowed me to know the spectrum of beliefs and try to bring people together,” says the third- term Edmonton city councillor.
“I used to not be in favour of marriage equality when I was growing up. I’ve learned a lot about why that was a terribly wrong opinion to have and how damaging that was to people.”
Knack says he’s learned more in the last two years on a more diversified City Council than the previous eight. Acknowledging his own privilege, for example, leaves him uncertain about whether he’ll run again in 2025, despite council being his “dream job.”
“Part of me wants to do it until the people kick me out or I retire. But the longer you stay in, the more you prevent others from putting their names forward.”
He attributes his “annoyingly positive” approach on hot-button issues to his years working retail at West Edmonton Mall.
“I never had anyone yell at me, because I would usually come into the engagement and be like, ‘Hey, how are you doing today? I hear you’re having a little trouble. How can I help?’ I have found that to be really successful.”
– Eliza Barlow
64 EDify. NOVEMBER • DECEMBER.23
ANDREW
KNACK
Eric Beliveau