We often say "we should make politicians ride the bus!" in order to get a better bus system.

Giselle rides the bus. She uses city services. She gets them. And she wants to make them better.

That's the huge value that Giselle brings to the table. While council is discussing high-minded rhetoric and policy positions, Giselle brings the experience of actually using these services.

She's been an active participant in boards and commissions, volunteer organizations and political discussion for years. She ran last time, and did take a considerable chunk of votes off Sarah Hamilton, even with a scrappy, underfunded campaign.

Of the candidates in the ward, which has some suave, slick campaigns this time around, the only one I'm convinced that will fight to protect the services Edmontonians rely on is Giselle.