Mayor Naheed Neshi visiting SAIT to talk to campus radio The Pulse 103 on Jan. 11, 2011. Max Stephen photo

During his recent visit to SAIT campus, Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi spoke of his desire to change Calgary for the better.

Nenshi came to campus Jan. 11 to speak on-air with student journalist Aileen Machell at the Pulse radio station.

“I think the best sign for a healthy city is that the people are happy,” said Nenshi.

“The things I want to change are things that we actually can change.”

Nenshi fielded questions from Machell about affordable housing, public transit, better parking and more positive experiences for students. He also said he wants all Calgarians to stay involved with changes happening around them.

“It’s really exciting to see that people are engaged,” said Nenshi, who uses social media like Facebook and Twitter to communicate with the public.

“I want to keep the people excited about the opportunities they have to be involved with the future of their city.”

Nenshi promised to keep in touch with students through online measures, and by listening to the needs of students.

Steve Olson, a SAIT instructor in the RTBN program who arranged the interview, said he’s pleased to hear Nenshi wants to connect with Calgary students.

“There was something about this particular campaign that brought students, and newly able-to-vote people to the polls, and that was very important,” said Olson.

“He’s bringing things forward, and he’s getting out and meeting with people to try and find out exactly what’s going on.”

“He recognizes that SAIT is a very important educational facility in this city, and that it needs his time,” said Olson.