Steven Knowles, Candidate for Ward 14 in Hamilton Municipal Election 2014 - Raise the Hammer Elections

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Candidate Details
Responses to Questions

Candidate Details (top)

Name	Knowles, Steven
Election	Hamilton Municipal Election 2014
Area	Ward 14
Party	N/A
Votes	0
Email	knowles.steven@hotmail.com
Website	http://www.stevenknowles.ca
Home
Business	905-870-9092
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Bio	Ward 14 itself is the greatest gift that the city of hamilton could have recieved through amalgamation. Outside of the obvious, like Flamboro Downs, we are blessed to have acres upon acres of precious farmland and a geographical footprint that is second to nothing in this province. I am amazed, as I'm sure you are as well, at the vast beauty that so many call home. The incumbent likes to refer to the residents of Flamborough as being "different". He feels as if the needs of this community are vastly different then the rest of post-amalgamated Hamilton. I think this view point, while being narrow-minded, also limits the success this community will have moving forward. We need a change this term in ward 14. While other incumbents are able to run on their record of accomplishments, the ward 14 incumbent has a history of poor attendance and seemingly lack of interest. At this critical time of need, ward 14 and the city of hamilton, need someone stronger and more dedicated to making improvements. Ward 14 depends on a positive proactive leader to encourage sustainable change and to give residents the respect they deserve, all the while perserving the quality of life that has been benchmark for this community for so long. While the city itself has had a number of issues, some being self inflicted, I believe the main issue here is a neglected view of the tax and service ratio and a respect for the tax payers hard earned money. Although largely ignored by the incumbent, and council as a whole, its shocking that this community has been hit with an additional 50 plus percent tax increase over the past 10 years and has recieved less in services from their partnership with the city. All I ask is for residents to challenge this idea of how a city can be run. I want residents in ward 14 to question everything they know about how a city should be run and keep an open mind to the possibility that there is a better way. It is unfortunate that this ward has gone so long without adequate representation but im prepared to change that. Please take the time to look around a little. I could not be happier to have you taking the time to explore a better way. This is an exciting moment for ward 14 and together we will make a difference in the lives of our friends, family and neighbors. Don't forget to contact me ... I'd love to get to know you better!

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Responses to Questions (top)

Question	Brief Response	Full Response
The City's Cycling Master Plan is up for review. Do you support improving the plan to speed the installation of cycling facilities and provide more high-quality protected infrastructure like the new Cannon Street cycle track?	Maybe	This is a cost benefit issue. The contruction of such projects should fall into place at the time of re-development and not alone as a sole project. These projects are very costly, and need to be done as cost effective as possible. In saying that, i support a balanced transit network, but a responsible one.
Do you support implementing a Vision Zero for Hamilton, with a goal of eliminating all pedestrian and cyclist deaths on our streets? If so, what specific actions would you take to implement this policy, and if not, why?	Yes	Yes i support this. I would accomplish this by ensuring that our development of safe streets is done with a balance in mind for all pedestrian, cyclist, and vehiclular traffic.
Do you support the use of participatory budgeting to allow ward residents to propose and vote on local capital projects?	Yes	Yes. More input the better!
Do you support an expanded role for Hamilton to provide more affordable housing? If so, what should Hamilton do?	Yes	Yes i agree with aiding in more affordable housing. hamilton needs to look outside the box to encourage support from the province and associations.
Do you support converting more of Hamilton's one-way thoroughfares into complete, two-way streets that support walking, cycling and transit?	Yes	Yes i support this, provided a balance is accomplished. Often transit plans account for cycling, walking, and public transit all while neglecting the vehicle user. No matter what option we choose, we must take into account all forms of transit.
The Province has shelved a proposal to build a mid-peninsula highway from Niagara Falls or Fort Erie around Hamilton to connect with Hwy 401 or 407 north of Burlington. Do you agree with the Province's decision to put its development on hold?	Yes
Do you support the city's plan to build an east-west light rail transit (LRT) line with full capital funding from the Province?	No	As it stands, i do not support an east-west LRT plan. I believe in increased transit service but i don't believe LRT is the way for Hamilton at this time. I prefer the BRT system under a P3 model. Whether the province pays for the contruction or not, future maintance and work will rely on ridership and city contributions. The BRT system is more cost effective and will offer the most flexiablity as our city grows. As well, The citys overall plan includes many areas of development running north through south. In saying this, the provincial dollars seem wasted under an east-west plan.
The Province plans to allow municipalities to use ranked ballots in future elections. If so, will you vote to adopt ranked ballots in Hamilton?	Yes	Yes, i agree with ranked ballots.
Do you believe City Hall should be more accessible to Hamilton residents? If so, what steps would you take to achieve this?	Yes	yes, I believe we need to consider extended hours and possibly weekend openings for some departments. This would allow residents to have access to services when its appropriate for their schedule.
Do you believe Hamilton should do more to protect and enhance its built heritage?	No	I believe we currently take care of many heritage issues properly. While heritage is important, growth is equally as important as well.