The mayoral and city council candidates were asked to reply to four questions that we hope will give voters a better idea on where they stand on some of the most challenging issues of the day.
1. The current city council voted 5-4 to keep Pine Valley. If this matter were to come before council again, how would you vote and why?
1. Without a viable option for users, I would vote No. There is no doubt the land is of significant commercial value. However, the Quality of Life for those; young and elderly, novice and family, school children, and those mentally and physically challenged would be impaired by a sale without a plan to fill the void. Pine Valley has served as a recreation place for generations; you cannot just eliminate it and have disregard for those who use it. It needs to be more than a money grab; an affordable alternative should be considered if sold.
2. City council voted 8-1 in favour of the Northern Recovery Centre for Women in the former Haldi Road elementary school. How would you have voted and why? (Incumbents: how did you vote and why?)
2. Given the need for this type of facility I would have voted YES. Clients of the NRC have taken the most important first step to improve their lives. The semi-rural/urban location and the small school facility are a good fit for this agency. I believe that the neighbourhood is better served by the NRC presence than having a boarded up or vacant building. It is the responsibility of all levels of government and society in general to be receptive to the clients of the NRC plea for assistance.
3. The current city council gave its bargaining committee a target of a net-zero increase to negotiate a new collective agreement with city workers, leading to the first-ever labour disruption by municipal staff. What will be your recommendation when the current collective agreements for city workers expire in 2016 and why?
3. The Net Zero mandate is a short term cost certainty containment strategy and obviously it creates a difficult atmosphere at the table. There is no doubt that more senior governments set the pattern for contract settlements with the public sector. City employees are public sector workers and some elements of those settlements probably rub off. However, I would propose that contract negotiations should not be impaired by flavour of the day objectives. Ability to pay, affordability and creative problem solving solutions that create a win/win settlement would be my goal.
4. Why should residents vote in the Nov. 15 municipal election?
4. The opportunity to vote freely is the most important and treasured right in a democratic society. Residents should vote because of the uncertainty of our times, this vote affects the very future of our city. Voters should research the credentials and character of all candidates and support those who they believe will provide good governance and those who will respect the "public trust" given. You should "Pick your Heroes Carefully".
