Elections

John Castle, Candidate for Ward 2 in Hamilton Municipal Election 2010

Details page for this candidate.

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Candidate Details (top)

NameCastle, John
ElectionHamilton Municipal Election 2010
AreaWard 02
PartyN/A
Votes42
Email jdcastle5858@hotmail.com
Website (no website listed)
Home
Business905-541-6109
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Responses to Questions (top)

QuestionBrief ResponseFull Response
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 Pave Main St. (hitting those potholes, cracks, ridges) as you drive into town does not create a favourable first impression.
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 Most definitely, many of the city's mega plans should be subjected to substantial cost/benefit analysis.
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? Maybe Ryan, I have asked a good many people they all say the same thing: What exactly is the LRP????? Will it run on electricity, Broward fuel cells? natural gas, what is route, what is cost/benefit analysis reveal?
Is Hamilton doing enough to support and encourage new investment in our older neighbourhoods? If not, what should the City be doing? No I'm inclined to think that vigorous and well intentioned efforts to attract business investment have unfortunately proven ineffective. We should try to reverse course - business and wealth creation (prosperity) are negatively impacted by higher taxes, try to reduce public expenditures were possible.
Should we spend the Future Fund to build a Pan Am / Ticat stadium on the CP Rail Yard lands? Why or why not? Maybe If it ever gets built, again, I would like to see further analysis of cost/benefits. Perhaps the site could also be considered for residental purposes, light industry?
The City of Hamilton has committed to doubling transit ridership by 2020. Do you support this goal? If so, how would you realize it? Yes Let's hope the light rail proposal (whatever that is) gets built.
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 Unfortunately again, I believe bicycles and cars vehicles just do not mix (they are dangerous to both parties). I would support segregated bike paths, where possible.
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 I think they should all bring along extra shoes to sling at one another.
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 is a huge issue, unfortunately, business and investment capital is largely moving into the so called emerging markets and taking employment and wealth creation with it. The only solution [that is probably to devalue the dollar] reduce government taxes and expenditures hopefully making Hamilton/Canada more attractive to investment, wealth and job creation! This I admit is probably impossible to do.
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? Maybe I don't know the details, I'll reserve. Knowing what I know about YHM - it's probably a complete and utter waste of resources, just like the airport itself.
For your campaign, will you be accepting donations from corporations or unions? If so, why? If not, why not? No I don't expect any offers for contributions or donations from anyone.