Arriving to work on a red bicycle, Don Iveson sets an example to his constituents that every little bit helps. The political science graduate was the biggest news story in the 2007 municipal election. At 29, he is one of the youngest City council members ever.

At the University of Alberta, he worked with the Gateway Campus Press, and later with the University Press in Toronto. He was attracted by the role the news media plays in recording history as it happens. Don progressed from being a writer and editor to advertising and business management. Returning to Edmonton—the city he and his wife call home—he accepted a government relations position with the university.

People noticed Don’s leadership skills during negotiations of the U-Pass, a mandatory bus pass supplied to post-secondary students in Edmonton as part of their tuition fees. It became a running joke that he should run for council to be the extra vote to get the bill passed. Don took it to heart: researching the issues… enlisting campaign volunteers… registering his candidacy in Ward 5… leaving his job… raising funds.

Don spent two-thirds less on his campaign than the incumbent. He credits his stunning victory to his team and the long hours they worked the last six weeks before the vote. “There’s no substitute for knocking on doors and talking to the people you would like to represent.”

He says, “I’m just a regular guy,” but there’s evidence he does bring a different perspective because he’s from a different generation. Take the red bike, for example: It’s a symbol of his passion for protecting the environment. He’s an outspoken advocate for rigorous transportation reform and was named to the city’s environmental portfolio. He’s hoping to make it possible for us to drive less, and to create a more sustainable future. “We have to live a little bit more carefully. I’m just trying to think ahead…” to a time when oil reserves are depleted.

Despite the demands of being a councilor, Don serves as president of the Gateway Alumni Association. He is also involved in the development of CUREncy, an on-line social entrepreneurship project focusing on micro-donations.

Don is a testament to the power his generation represents, but he takes nothing for granted. He knows he’ll be subjected to a “…job interview every three years.”