Elections
Sean Gibson, Candidate for Ward 3 in Hamilton Municipal Election 2010
Details page for this candidate.
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Candidate Details (top)
| Name | Gibson, Sean |
|---|---|
| Election | Hamilton Municipal Election 2010 |
| Area | Ward 03 |
| Party | N/A |
| Votes | 976 |
| sean@gibson2010.ca | |
| Website | http://www.gibson2010.ca/ |
| Home | 289-921-8683 |
| Business | |
| Fax | |
| Bio | I believe that making decisions that reflect the will of the residents and businesses of Ward 3 and taking quick action on those decisions is essential to the growth and development of our community. As a product of Ward 3, I have lived and grown up in the neighbourhood, continue to operate a business in the community, and would bring a unique and bright perspective to city hall on behalf of all constituents.
I am currently working with residents in the front lines and see the need for growth in our neighbourhood. Employment, health and safety, and youth engagement are three areas that constituents have identified as needing more attention. We all know the status quo is not working. We need a strong voice that will call for changes that will allow Ward 3 to prosper. For example, the city needs to revamp business incentive programs to ensure that we can be competitive with other wards in attracting businesses to the area. I am determined and dedicated to working hard to bring about such positive change. The entire City of Hamilton will benefit if the residents of Ward 3 have improved employment prospects, better health, feel safer in their neighbourhoods, and have more opportunities for their children and all youth involved. My mission is to improve the quality of life for all residents in Ward 3. |
Responses to Questions (top)
| Question | Brief Response | Full Response |
|---|---|---|
| Some cities have committed recently to publishing their public data in an open format that citizens can directly access. Should Hamilton pledge to become an "open source city"? Why or why not? | Yes | Yes, absolutely! Transparency and open politics will help people regain a sense of trust in the system, people no longer believe in the system because they don't know what's going on. |
| Is Hamilton doing enough to support and encourage new investment in our older neighbourhoods? If not, what should the City be doing? | No | No, the city is not doing enough. This is straightforward, cut out some of the red tape and invite people to invest in this area. Attaining a permit to enhance/renovate your property is like pulling teeth and costs just as much in some cases. Starting or establishing a business in this community is not a very pleasant or enjoyable experience, I'm speaking from experience. The support and encouragement that a municipality could provide is just not there. In the 16 years, I have operated my business here in this city, I have never once heard.... "Thank you for investing in Hamilton Mr. Gibson", it's the simple things that make a difference. |
| Do you believe that poverty is the most critical issue facing Hamilton today? If so, please outline your solutions. If not, please explain your reasons. | Yes | Poverty has been a part of my platform since 2006; it's extremely encouraging to see in The Spec (Oct 18 & 19 issue) poverty is finally on voter's radar. As someone who understands poverty, I know how much it's affecting our ward and our city. Why try to reinvent the wheel? We can take advantage and collaborate with local homeless shelters, community health centres and recreational centres along with other applicable organizations that already have a grasp and understanding of how to eradicate poverty. Working inclusively with these groups will help address the critical issues of poverty facing our city today. |
| Should we spend the Future Fund to build a Pan Am / Ticat stadium on the CP Rail Yard lands? Why or why not? | No | The future fund is for just that "The Future" not for today, they should have called it the "The Today Fund" then. Put together a strategic plan for the future of our community/city and work towards those ends. Tap into the future fund if it's necessary ...in the future. |
| Will your term change people's first impression of Hamilton, and make that first impression more attractive to visitors, students, commuters and newcomers? If so, how? | Yes | As a local business owner and an entrepreneur, I have already begun changing the way people look at our city. I have a great deal invested in this City and within the area already. On a daily basis, our business engages students from local schools, to the residents in the community and newcomers in a meaningful way. I would like to bring this passion and progressive attitude to City Hall on behalf of our Ward, and in turn changing how our City and Ward is viewed. I would be privileged to represent this Ward and above all this City as an engaged and steadfast Councillor. In doing so I would continue to hold Hamilton and Ward 3 in the highest regard and strive to make Hamilton a destination for many. |
| Hamilton's Cycling Master Plan has Council approval. However, the implementation timeline is very long and ward councillors can block individual bike lane projects. Do you support accelerating the completion of a continuous bicycle network and other initiatives like a bike sharing program and better access up and down the Escarpment? Why or why not? | Yes | I definitely support this initiative and as an avid bike rider that's evaded one too many accidents on our city roads. Hamilton's Cycling Master Plan is something I believe will address healthy living and a plethora of environmental matters that have plagued our city for years. We are already facing monetary woes and financial challenges as a city; hence a creative approach for this project will have to be fashioned. |
| For your campaign, will you be accepting donations from corporations or unions? If so, why? If not, why not? | Yes | To date I have accepted donations from family, residents, friends, local business in the neighborhood and Local 5167. My mother has worked at McMaster University since I was 13 years old; her union has always looked after us and represents the best interest of their members. Local 5167is in my ward and their support is something I welcome. |
| Council is poised to vote on the Airport Employment Growth District, a 3,000 acre plan to expand the urban boundary around Hamilton International Airport for employment lands. Do you support this plan? Why or why not? | Yes | From my discussions with the individuals at the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and other business owners in the city, this initiative promises to aid in the growth of our city and the expansion of our local airport. Any program that encourages the expansion and growth of our city is something that I would readily support, also the income from such new business can help pay for some of the other projects (i.e. Hamilton's Cycling Master Plan, LRT). |
| Many observers argue that Council meetings could be more respectful and professional. Do you agree? If so, what will you do to change this? | Yes | Treat others they way you want to be treated; Respect- Integrity- and above all Honesty are the cornerstones of my character and those values I'll bring to City Hall. |
| Do you support Hamilton's LRT proposal? If so, what will you do to ensure Hamilton's success in building LRT? If not, why do you oppose it? | Yes | I strongly support the LRT and the development of this future/visionary project in the City of Hamilton. The challenge will be how to effectively secure the funds necessary to acquire this initiative. We must prioritize the needs of our citizens and if the LRT is a financially viable and practical venture, I'm all for it. This project and all of our future projects in this city must take into consideration "Where will the money come from?" |
