| Is Hamilton doing enough to support and encourage new investment in our older neighbourhoods? If not, what should the City be doing? |
Maybe |
The City is doing much to encourage investment in the form of Grants, Loans and Programs for the B.I.A.s and new business owners across our community and in the downtown area. While there are rules that must be followed, the City is willing to work with all investors. However, I am continually dealing with residents in older neighbourhoods who have been promised new sidewalks and roads for 15 or 20 years. I am appalled that they have been consistently put off in favour of other projects, while their community's infrastructure crumbles, and have been advocating on their behalf on an ongoing basis. |
| 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 |
We need available space to attract long term investment by companies wishing to locate in Hamilton close to a highway on suitable land. It is imperative that we grow our tax base in order to balance the tax burden between commercial industry and residents, while enhancing job creation initiatives and reducing poverty. |
| 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? |
No |
Bicycle lanes in the City of Hamilton is a great initiative, helpful towards the environment as well as good physical activity. Unfortunately, at this time we do not have the dollars to accelerate the program, we need to repair our crumbling infrastructure first. |
| For your campaign, will you be accepting donations from corporations or unions? If so, why? If not, why not? |
Yes |
Yes, I will be honoured to accept any donations to my campaign that citizens and supporters are prepared to give me. It is their right under the Election Act to support the candidate of their choice, and my right to accept that support. |
| 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 |
At times tempers heat up and members of Council can get carried away trying to get their message across, however I believe that no disrespect is intended. While not always agreeing with everyone's opinion, I have always endeavored to keep my words and tone respectful to all Councillors. Keeping to the five minute response time, having the Chair exercise more control over unruly behaviour, and being sure that all elected officials know the Rules of Order will help alleviate these issues. |
| 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 |
Yes I support the implementation of LRT for the East/West route to start. I also support the North/South route as this will take into consideration the residents on the Mountain and give them much needed access to our downtown areas. LRT is a forward thinking plan to help alleviate traffic and environmental issues, however, it must be funded by all levels of government and affordable for the taxpayers of Hamilton. |
| 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 |
I believe in open and transparent governing, as long as there are no ramifications under the law to a particular issue. The City of Hamilton website does provide information to the public, but more content could be added. |
