Ottawa votes: Bay ward candidates answer our questions

The candidates of Bay ward (clockwise starting in the top left corner): Alex Cullen, Mark Taylor, Trevor Robinson, Michael Pastien, Brendan Mertens.

Ottawa Citizen

Alex Cullen is running in Bay ward.

Ottawa Citizen

Alex Cullen

ISSUES PAST

How did you vote, or how would you have voted, on the 2013 Transportation Master Plan, which includes a $3-billion plan for the second phase of light rail?

I was a member of Ottawa City Council (and chair of Transit Committee) that campaigned on and succeeded in developing LRT Phase 1, and I am very pleased to see it being constructed today. I would have voted for LRT Phase 2 — it is the next step of our plan.

Was the outcome of the city’s casino deliberations generally positive or negative? Why?

It was negative. City council, under Jim Watson’s leadership, flipped and flopped on this issue, made a sham of public consultation, and generally looked bad — not their finest moment.

How did you vote, or how would you have voted, on the move to biweekly garbage?

I voted for biweekly garbage pickup, for two reasons: (1) with blue box, black box and green bin, we could reasonably expect a fair amount of waste diversion, so the amount of left-over garbage would be reduced and not require weekly pickup; (2) moving to biweekly pick-up reduced costs to the taxpayer.

How did you vote, or how would you have voted, on the $100-million plan to redevelop Arts Court?

I would have voted for the $100 million plan to re-develop Arts Court. This was a project I had long supported — it was a question of when we could afford this, and it is now.

What’s been the greatest success of the current council over the past four years?

Succeeding in getting both provincial and federal commitments for the Ottawa River Action Plan to reduce storm sewer discharges into the Ottawa River. These are tangible commitments which should mean we can begin implementing this program next year. (LRT Phase 2 still requires firm costing before any $ amounts can be committed by either the federal or provincial governments — we are still a long ways off on this).

What’s been its greatest failure?

There are two:

(1) severely cutting OC Transpo bus service in the 2011 budget to meet an artificial tax target. In 2010 that City Council voted to expand bus service significantly as a means of encouraging more ridership, consistent with the City’s goals. However, the rollbacks (cuts) in service in 2011 (combined with above-inflation bus pass increases) has led to persistent declines in transit ridership: from 103,000 in 2011 to 97,000 in 2013.

(2) dropping the ball on the child care file: the city is supposed to manage child care services in Ottawa, but has failed to accommodate the impact of full-day learning on community child care centres (despite a 9,000 family waiting list), managed to close two of its 13 municipal child care centres despite over 80 per cent of mothers with children under six seeking licensed care, and failing to include the school boards in developing its child care service plan. Talk about a dropped ball!

YOUR WARD

What are the two most important issues in your ward? Why?

Issue 1: Leadership. Leadership on speaking out for the community on transit cuts: The communities of Queensway Terrace North, Crystal Beach-Lakeview and Ambleside McEwen lost their bus routes during the budget cuts in 2011, went to their councillor to speak up for them at Council: He refused. I have a proven (and successful) record of fighting for my community — that is what a city councillor is supposed to do.

(As well, after four years of above inflation bus pass price increases, it is time for a fare freeze).

Another example of leadership needed (currently missing) in Bay Ward is the Britannia flood-proofing works issue: When I left in 2010 I had increased funding for this project (initially set at $485,000 in 2006) to $670,000 and it was ready to be built — we had the design and a survey giving access to the land (most of it was found to be MNR land). However, Taylor delayed the project to review the plans and then, as costs escalated, refused to go to City Council for the additional funds. Finally the residents, in frustration, went to MPP Bob Chiarelli for the funding, which he got (the project is now $1.1 million). The design is exactly the same as in 2010. If it wasn’t for Bob, that project would have died.

Issue 2: Leadership on upgrading our aging infrastructure, particularly our fieldhouses in Bayshore Park, Woodroffe Park, Kingsmere Park and Frank Ryan Park. Here is the opportunity to upgrade these over 50-year-old facilities to include needed community programming space.

The Bayshore fieldhouse is a telling example of lack of leadership in Bay Ward. Bayshore is a community of 7,000 residents, and has a 60-year-old fieldhouse that is woefully inadequate to serve this community. In 2010, when I left, we had completed the concept design exercise for a new facility and it was ready to go into the queue as a capital project. As this was a designated target community under the City’s Community Development Framework, It should have been built by now — it isn’t. I will get it done.

What specific measure will be your top priority if you’re elected?

Get the fieldhouse upgrade program into place; freeze the price of bus passes in the 2015 budget; address the inequity in property taxes faced by renters (there is no justification for the multi-residential sector (for buildings of six units or more) to pay 40% more in property taxes compared to a condo unit of the same value).

If you are the incumbent, of what decision made by council in the last term are you most proud?

In my last term as city councillor (2006-10) I am very proud of getting the LRT Phase 1 plan that I worked on approved and funded and seeing it now under construction; and seeing federal & provincial commitments to put the Ottawa River Action Plan (which I voted for) in place. And in Bay Ward seeing the Britannia floodproofing works finally get implemented (construction starts this winter!)

What do you wish the council had dealt with better?

Managing the transition in child care as full-day learning was being implemented. I chair a licensed child care centre (River Parkway) and we rolled with the punches, losing our school-age program to FDL but expanding our pre-school and toddler programs. Other centres were not so successful and the city was oblivious. To compound the issue, the city, despite strong demand for licensed child care in this city, closed two of its 13 centres — going backwards when demand for licensed child care spaces continues to grow. No leadership here!

If you’re not the incumbent, say something nice about the incumbent.

He is a pleasant fellow.

Now say what you’d do differently, if elected.

I am not a get-along, go-along politician who votes with the mayor 99% of the time — I am no bobblehead. I believe in working with my communities and bringing their issues to City Council. I have done this on many occasions and have the track record to show it — from getting adult crossing guards at D. Roy Kennedy School to a community house at Michele Heights to getting a pocket park (Inspiration Park) for Winthrop Court to floodproofing works at Britannia Village to a recreational pathway along the Byron strip — the list goes on.

And it is not just ward issues, it is also city building issues, like LRT Phase 1 (THAT was work, LRT Phase 2 was a cakewalk in comparison), like getting the Community Bus Pass at a reduced rate (equal to the Seniors Pass) for people with disabilities, like merging Ottawa Housing and City Living to create one City housing agency (Ottawa Community Housing), like installing gull wires at Britannia Beach to improve water quality so that the 80,000 people who use this each year can swim there safely, like voting for the Corktown Bridge crossing the canal to Ottawa U. — the list goes on.

I am a community activist who believes that city councillors should work for and speak out for their constituents, not just attend meetings and vote with the mayor. City Council is where public policy should be debated — it makes democratic governance work better.

CITY ISSUES

Taxes. Are they too high? Just about as high as they should be? Not high enough for the city we wish we had?

There are services the city is forced to provide or subsidize, which should not be paid for by property taxes, which causes municipalities in Ontario to have higher property taxes compared to other provinces. Property taxes are regressive (not based on ability to pay) and are inappropriate to pay for such needed services as social housing, homes for the aged, public health and child care. If these were funded from ability to pay taxes, then our property tax load would decrease and be better suited to fund the services municipalities provide and be more affordable to seniors on pensions and low-income families.

Don’t get me wrong — these services are necessary and municipalities are well-placed to provide them, but they ought not to be paid for through property taxes.

Please list some city services you consider “core” and any you consider “frills” that could be cut back.

Core services are what taxpayers want and are willing to pay for. Some say these services involve providing adequate infrastructure for transportation, water and sewers, governing land development so that services can be efficiently allocated, policing for the safety of our neighbourhoods, and regulating commerce to protect the public. However, public transit, public health, social services, parks & recreation, and social housing are all services expected in a modern city. Add to that protection of greenspace, provision of safe cycling facilities, support for the arts and sports, and you begin to have the city that we see today. What was considered “core” in 1914 would be inadequate today. Are the city’s swans “frills”? Do we need to fund a police choir? As a veteran of dozens of budget debates, these programs continue to be with us today for a reason.

Development issues continue to be controversial. What would make the planning process smoother?

Many development projects go through the planning process smoothly: They fit within the city’s Official Plan, have gone through a public consultation process, and get adopted by city council with little fuss. The controversial projects are controversial less due to process and more due to a clash of values, which City Council must arbitrate.

There would be better acceptance of City Council decision-making if the city was consistent in its planning process and if developers genuinely consulted with the public. There should be no surprise, however, that from time to time developers seeking to maximize their investment clash with communities resistant to change. As long as the process is transparent and fair, then let it work.

P.S. Banning corporate (and union) contributions to municipal campaigns would help restore public confidence in this process.

The city is now constructing the first phase of LRT, the Lansdowne Park redevelopment is all but complete, and council just approved the Arts Court and Ottawa Art Gallery expansion. What other “city building” projects do you think council should consider in the next term?

The Ottawa River Action Plan and the new Main Library — both are overdue.

GOVERNANCE

Roughly how many council meetings have you attended in the past year?

None this year. I served on Ottawa City Council for 10 years (2000-2010), six years on Regional Council (1991-97) and the former Ottawa City Council before then (1991-93). I know most of the members and how it works.

Should the transit commission include “citizen” commissioners who are not elected officials? Why or why not?

No. We elect politicians to represent us and in turn they are to be accountable to the electorate for what they do. Public transit is an important public service and unelected citizen representatives have no mandate or accountability to the public who pays for this important service.

What would make the goings-on at City Hall — whether at council or in the bureaucracy — more transparent?

I support having greater transparency at City Council — it makes for better governance — and have supported such measures as restrictions on closed-door meetings, public notice of reports coming to Council, public consultation prior to decisions, a lobbyist registry, a gift registry, etc. In my view public policy should be debated publicly, warts and all.

Personally, as city councillor, I always reported to my constituents through open ward council meetings, where I would hear from community groups on local issues and report on activities at City Hall. In my view being open and accountable is part of the job — electing people who respect these principles would be the best means of assuring this.

Should councillors have term limits? If so, what should they be?

No. It is up to the electorate to decide how long people should represent them — they are perfectly capable of tossing someone out when required.

There is a ward-boundary review coming up in the next term of council. Do you think we have too few, too many or just the right number of wards?

We may need two or three more wards to accommodate population growth, so a modest increase to the status quo.

The principle behind this is to ensure that communities have access to their representative, and with a ward with 50,000 people folk do not have the same access to their representative as a ward of 30,000 people. The converse is how large City Council becomes, as the dynamics of a 20-member Council is quite different than from a 40-member Council. It is finding that balance between effective representation and efficient government.

Is your campaign willing to accept corporate and/or union contributions? Yes or no?

NO.

Some people think those sorts of contributions should be banned. What do you think?

I have campaigned for a long time to ban corporate & union contributions, for two reasons: (1) each elector has the right to contribute to the candidate of their choice, but why should we allow people who control corporations or unions to use those resources to contribute a second time? (2) it is a conflict of interest, in my view, to accept donations from corporations who do business with City Hall (and the bulk of corporate contributions in Ottawa come from those companies).

Following the 2003 municipal election (and again after the 2006 municipal election) I attempted to get City Council to ban corporate & union campaign contributions. I will do so again following this election. It’s time.

Some people are interested in the city moving a ranked-ballot system of voting. If the provincial government allows municipalities to adopt this system, would you be in favour of it?

Yes, I support implementing a ranked voting system – it would ensure that whoever gets elected represents a majority of the electors (not just a plurality) in his or her ward.

ABOUT YOU

What formal education, training or other credentials do you have?

I have a master’s degree (M.A.) in economics from York University. I have also served as a City Councillor at the former City of Ottawa (1991-93), Regional Councillor (1991-97), Member of Provincial Parliament (1997-99) and City Councillor in the current City of Ottawa (2000-2010).

I have been elected as a school council chair, a service club president (Kiwanis), a union vice-president (ESSA), and a school board trustee (OBE). I have held the position of executive director of the Council on Aging (a non-profit United Way agency).

If the election were held tomorrow, which mayoral candidate would get your vote?

Jim Watson (Jim, you owe me).

Do you live in the ward in which you’re running? If not, what’s your interest in the area?

Yes I do, for over 30 years — I have raised a family here.

Did you grow up in Ottawa? If not, what brought you here?

I came to Ottawa in the 1970s to go to university, and returned in the ’80s to get a job, buy a house and raise a family. It was a good decision.

What’s the most significant position of responsibility you’ve ever held, either in work life or as a volunteer?

I have been a parent, a cubmaster, a hockey coach, a school council chair, a community association president, a service club president (Kiwanis), a school board trustee, chair of a school board committee, a union vice-president, a city and regional councillor, chaired two task forces on property taxes, an MPP, the executive director of a non-profit United Way agency, chaired a task force on Bay Ward Social Issues, a city councillor again with the new City of Ottawa, chaired the board of Ottawa Housing, chaired the City’s Transit Committee (which developed the LRT plan), and am currently the chair of a licensed non-profit child care centre.

Are you married or in a long-term partnership? Kids? How old are you?

I am married, between us we have five adult children and three grandchildren. I am 63.

Who’s the best municipal politician in Ottawa you know of? Why?

Diane Holmes, councillor for Somerset Ward. She was a role model for me: dedicated, compassionate, progressive, principled and not afraid to speak on the issues.

When did you last take OC Transpo to work or to run an errand?

Last month, coming home from work (this happens from time to time).

How often do you take transit?

Occasionally, about once or twice a month. I usually bike to work in the biking months, and share the car in the winter.

Brendan Mertens, a candidate in Bay ward.

Ottawa Citizen

Brendan Mertens

ISSUES PAST

How did you vote, or how would you have voted, on the 2013 Transportation Master Plan, which includes a $3-billion plan for the second phase of light rail?

I’d first ask why wasn’t this being built 20 years ago? Plans keep changing and this project will clearly go way over budget and try to steep into municipal funding. I won’t let the LRT take from municipal workers. I can honestly say that if in office, the LRT will never dip into municipal funding. These types of the projects tend to go way over budget and the taxpayers are who suffers. The last thing I want are essential services feeling the backlash of a mismanaged/over budgeted project.

Was the outcome of the city’s casino deliberations generally positive or negative? Why?

I’m not a fan of labeling stuff, so I don’t want to put a positive or negative label on it. I’m just going to say it’s just not healthy to gamble when you have addictive personalities. The city needs to think of its people first and foremost. This is the first step to becoming Canada’s Detroit. As a city we need to lead by example, this is not how we’ll generate an income that allows us to sleep well at night.

How did you vote, or how would you have voted, on the move to biweekly garbage?

I’d say biweekly for the winter/colder season, think of those who work out in those who work in those extreme temperatures. However, I do feel the garbage pickup does need to become weekly from June-August. No more garbage cooking.

How did you vote, or how would you have voted, on the $100-million plan to redevelop Arts Court?

Don’t get me wrong. I love the arts. I really do. However, I would have voted against the redevelopment of the Arts Court or would have re-issued a new budget for the project. Geared to income housing is coming up to being 50 years old and they need updating as well as more housing for those in need.

What’s been the greatest success of the current council over the past four years?

Helping Jim Watson with PR.

What’s been its greatest failure?

The Orgaworld Corporation. They signed a 20-year contract with a company that lost $8 million of taxpayers’ money and we still have 14 more years with them. I would be at the forefront of those who are demanding that the 20-year contract, which was signed in 2008, be renegotiated at the very least.

YOUR WARD

What are the two most important issues in your ward? Why?

Issue 1: Helping families/seniors/disabled (anyone on a fixed income). Geared to income housing are coming up on being 50 years old. We need to fix this. Coming from poverty I can tell you straight up, those units need updating. A way I’d like to help out the community is to set up a centre for both youths and seniors. Being a misfit rebel, I know that an activity centre would be a great outlet for those who aren’t as fortunate as others. Those who are disabled are welcome for activities as being on fixed income; entertainment can be a tight squeeze on the pocket. I’d like to see the elderly also use the centre, as many seniors live in the area. I currently live next to three retirement homes. These seniors will need to work hard with their ADLs to keep in shape and live longer.

Issue 2: Bus Routes and bus safety/security. Like you, I want to play an active role in making my community a safer, better place to raise my family, and forge a future filled with promise. One way to make the community safer is to add a few more bus stops so those who are challenged with mobility issues won’t have to cross six lanes of traffic on Carling Avenue and Fairlawn. We need to think of those who struggle from month to month, using public services as their only transportation. Which is why I’d like to build shelters at every bus stop to protect those from extreme weather conditions. Working 2^nd and 3^rd shifts in the health care profession, I usually ride the bus late at night. That’s when I’d noticed there would never be any OC police around. I’d see them constantly throughout the day however, when travelling at night I find none of their presence seen or heard. We have the ward with the most sexual assaults and if we acknowledge that with more security to protect the community, then we’re moving in the same direction together.

What specific measure will be your top priority if you’re elected?

Ottawa’s share of the Ontario Municipal Employee Retirement System is more than $500 million and continues to grow. What I find is simply unfair is that a city councillor can run and be elected for two short terms and walk away with an extremely generous pension package (70% of your best five years). This is why the “Two-Term Promise” needs to be taken to a new level and have city councillor’s receive a pension after serving four terms.

If you’re not the incumbent, say something nice about the incumbent.

Mark Taylor has a slick haircut.

Now say what you’d do differently, if elected.

I’d probably fight to have a yearly Comedy Festival or even fight to have Just for Laughs to help with the Ottawa tourism. Laughter really can go a long way.

CITY ISSUES

Taxes. Are they too high? Just about as high as they should be? Not high enough for the city we wish we had?

As of right now I feel taxes are ok. However, this is just my opinion and I’d love for people to touch base with me on this touchy subject. What I’d like to do is put a four-year freeze on taxes so the city can’t raise them to squeeze more money out of the working class like myself.

Please list some city services you consider “core” and any you consider “frills” that could be cut back.

As for city services that I would consider core, easily the health care sector. Alzheimer’s disease is booming at an alarming rate, more people are getting the disease and the level of care is becoming more complex. If we don’t take care of those who are aging with the disease, then we only let the community down by letting those who work in the health care field become over worked and under staffed.

I wouldn’t even consider any other services that I’d cut back on.

Development issues continue to be controversial. What would make the planning process smoother?

Just being transparent with the public about these plans. I always feel the general public is being misinformed and we suffer by having taxpayers’ money blown on such mega project such as the LRT and the Green Bin Program. If elected by the community, I’ll have no problem with sharing and being honest with all the information on development issues.

This is something that I’d love to hear back at community and town meetings. It’s the taxpayers money and it’s their voice that should be heard. We should find out what the community wants and head in the same direction together.

GOVERNANCE

Roughly how many council meetings have you attended in the past year?

None in person, but I do watch them online. I can point out the bobble-heads if you want.

Should the transit commission include “citizen” commissioners who are not elected officials? Why or why not?

Yes. A non-biased pair of eyes would really help with the input of things.

What would make the goings-on at City Hall — whether at council or in the bureaucracy — more transparent?

We need to hit the younger generation. We keep pretending like they don’t exist. My whole election was to use the Internet to get people out and voting. Why can’t the city do the same? The city could do more online, with highlights of their meetings, posting minutes online, and even creating a city council app for Android and iPhone users just so there is less work for them to see what we’re doing.

Should councillors have term limits? If so, what should they be?

No. As long as they are doing a great job, the people will keep voting them in. The one thing that I do have a problem with is that you get a fat pension after only two terms. The pension is 70 per cent of your best five years and the starting salary is at $93,000. What I’d like to do is change the way that Counselors obtain their pension by doubling the term limit they need to be in office. SO instead of getting a pension after serving two terms, you get one after serving four. This way we eliminate anyone who wants a pension with his or her “two-term promise.”

There is a ward-boundary review coming up in the next term of council. Do you think we have too few, too many or just the right number of wards?

Personally, I think there are too many. If it were up to me, I’d re-zone a few of these wards just so we can save the taxpayers money and have more to spend on the city.

Is your campaign willing to accept corporate and/or union contributions? Yes or no?

I will not accept any money from any corporation or union. I cannot be bought.

Some people think those sorts of contributions should be banned. What do you think?

Ban them. Contributions are clearly a way to have corporations pull the government string without actually touching a thing. It’s a scary time we live in and if we don’t do something drastic, such as banning corporate/union contributions, then we’ll never fix this corrupt system.

Some people are interested in the city moving a ranked-ballot system of voting. If the provincial government allows municipalities to adopt this system, would you be in favour of it?

Yes I would be in favour of it.

ABOUT YOU

What formal education, training or other credentials do you have?

Working with Alzheimer’s patients really had prepped me for politics as I feel I’ll be hearing a lot of nonsense. I’m sure, just like at my job, I’ll have to separate a few of councillors when things get heated at meetings.

If the election were held tomorrow, which mayoral candidate would get your vote?

Jim Watson. Just cause he has a cool story related about Ghosbusters. People should ask him about Ray Parker Jr. ant a tennis tournament.

Do you live in the ward in which you’re running? If not, what’s your interest in the area?

I do live in the area and I ran because my wife and I would like to start a family within the next year or two. We just want a safer community and what other way to make is safer than to lead by example.

Did you grow up in Ottawa? If not, what brought you here?

I did not grow up here and how I came to Ottawa was a simple twist of fate. I had a U-Haul packed and ready to go to Toronto. Got a call the day of that we didn’t get the place and we moved to Ottawa instead on a whim.

What’s the most significant position of responsibility you’ve ever held, either in work life or as a volunteer?

Any time I go in for a shift, it’s the most significant position of responsibility. The fact that I’m dealing with people’s lives from day to day is pretty important and comes with a lot of responsibility.

Are you married or in a long-term partnership? Kids? How old are you?

On Oct. 13 of this year, it is my second wedding anniversary to a very lovely lady. I have to say that cause she hate’s it when I say “THE WIFE” in print interviews. We’d like to have kids however due to our financial situation we are only able practice having them.

Who’s the best municipal politician in Ottawa you know of? Why?

I know I’ll regret this. Alex Cullen. He honestly isn’t a bad guy and it’s truly an honour to be running against him in this election.

When did you last take OC Transpo to work or to run an errand?

As soon as I’m done typing this, I need to go get something for my wife. I always use the OC Transpo. I’m from a small town that didn’t have busses on Sundays, so I appreciate it. Ottawa’s bus service is great and can be improved on, I would know, I ride the bus 6-7 days a week due to work.

How often do you take transit?

Twice a day 7 days a weeks. It’s my method of getting to work as my wife and I only have one car, so she takes the car to her job. Chivalry isn’t dead in our household.

Michael Pastien is running in Bay ward.

Ottawa Citizen

Michael Pastien

ISSUES PAST

How did you vote, or how would you have voted, on the 2013 Transportation Master Plan, which includes a $3-billion plan for the second phase of light rail?

I would have voted against Phase 2 until its design “plan” makes infra fiscal sense. Fact is, OC Transpo’s bus system is sustainably rapid enough along the Parkway west of Bayview, and no LRT will be necessary north of the Queensway, for at least a decade!

*I am on public record as having stated this in a letter to the mayor, City Council, the media and 40 chief city stakeholders on Dec. 6 ’11, along with my suggestion that our city would be much better served by having either a southern LRT extension or Transitway from the Ottawa International Airport running westward alongside either the Rail Track or Hunt Club Rd, all the way to Algonquin College, then continue along the 417 to Bayshore Shopping Centre and Canadian Tire Place in Kanata.

Was the outcome of the city’s casino deliberations generally positive or negative? Why?

When the casino deliberations began, there was a general understanding in the city that Lac Leamy was sucking cash away from its metropolitan Ottawa neighbours, and that there was a sufficiently growing appetite for gambling to sustain it. This mood and trend then rapidly changed, due to concerns about the devastating loss of Ottawa area jobs at the Rideau-Carleton Raceway, plus escalating concerns about likely negative societal side effects, such as gambling addiction and crime. The proper decision was made to shelve it indefinitely, and the whole kerfuffle has by now been most peaceably forgotten.

*Quite frankly, richly established Casino Lac Leamy could have easily blown away any nearby competition!

How did you vote, or how would you have voted, on the move to biweekly garbage?

I propose an easy-to-remember simplified system where all recyclables are picked up at the same time biweekly, and regular garbage is collected every two weeks in between.

*I personally only throw out one handful of garbage every two weeks, and recycle everything else. I’d like to encourage Ottawa citizens to incrementally recycle a lot more.

How did you vote, or how would you have voted, on the $100-million plan to redevelop Arts Court?

Ottawa’s National Arts Gallery, which is just down the street; could have been approached to provide a space at its location to showcase Ottawa’s Art. I quite frankly would not have voted in favour of the “nice-to-have” $100M pet project Arts Court. However, now that it’s been voted in by the present council, I’ve since come up with a potentially perfect complimentary add-on initiative, of perfectly marrying the New Downtown Library with it. *It’s “SmArtly” next to the “studious” University of Ottawa & the rather “Bohemian” Byward Market area!

What’s been the greatest success of the current council over the past four years?

Its ability to cohesively get along and manage to work as a team and get things done (by and large, quite well) was a very welcome relief; after having endured our previous council’s sadly dysfunctional four-year term.

What’s been its greatest failure?

Non-pragmatically spending tens of millions, on a handful of unnecessary “nice-to-have” pet projects. *The mostly dull Horticulture Building (other than its Heritage-worthy façade) which had been sitting atop contaminated soil for decades; was moved to a spot mere yards away, at a cost of $10+ Million! *Has the building been decontaminated yet?

*During which century will the ongoingly dragging, tiresome, going nowhere LeBreton Flats buildings construction be completed?

YOUR WARD

What are the two most important issues in your ward? Why?

Issue 1: Solving proposed westbound LRT routes, whether they be along the Parkway; or along Richmond Rd. *A pragmatically considerate public consultation must be held to discuss the feasibility of running the LRT at ground level between Richmond Road & Byron Avenue (which would nicely revive the spirit of the old previously existing Trolley Line); in lieu of the fiscally exorbitant, undergrown tunnel “assumed” by the Transit Commission.

Issue 2: Pragmatically, and quickly solving the stagnating, huge vacant Grant School property; which has a whopping $4 Million+ realty value!

What specific measure will be your top priority if you’re elected?

I am keen on quickly developing my new Carling Avenue median “Safe Bike Riding Lane” initiative, which I announced on Sept. 20 as part my 2014 platform.

What do you wish city council had dealt with better?

I wish it had managed much more tactful communication with the federal government and the NCC, most specifically in regards to the proposed (highly still feasible in my opinion) Ottawa Parkway LRT. The proposed “mind-boggling” seemingly illogical “French Community Resource Centre” dead end project (at Grant School in…West end Bay Ward?) should have been shelved.

If you’re not the incumbent, say something nice about the incumbent.

He seems to be a nice very quiet guy, who does a simply basic, casually good job.

Now say what you’d do differently, if elected.

Bay ward clearly needs a visionary strong-voiced infra realist councillor who will finally get things done, and vitally solve the perpetually stagnating (Westbound) LRT plan and Grant School…in addition to providing safe bike lanes and crosswalks for kids, seniors and the disabled; plus fiscally simply beautifying neighbourhoods throughout which will help foster goodwill, business growth, and naturally deter crime!

CITY ISSUES

Taxes. Are they too high? Just about as high as they should be? Not high enough for the city we wish we had?

On Sept. 20 as a part of my Election Platform, I was the only candidate to propose no increase in taxes for the upcoming year. During Election 2010, mayor Larry O’Brien was lambasted for having “unnecessarily” raised taxes, but taxes still have been raised every year since then by 2.5% (+ millions have been borrowed too)!

Please list some city services you consider “core” and any you consider “frills” that could be cut back.

CORE: Police, Fire Stations, Ambulances, Public Transit, Garbage Pickup, Snow Removal, Sewer Upkeep, City Property Mowing, Road Repair, Community Parks…

*Ottawa’s Museums should conveniently be located in close proximity to one another, including the National Museum of Science and Technology.

FRILLS: City extended learning classes and workshops (which aren’t profitable) should be eliminated; as Ontario’s Public & Catholic Schools and Algonquin College traditionally provide these types of services.

Development issues continue to be controversial. What would make the planning process smoother?

City Hall needs a much stronger leverage Infra PR Communications “Evangelist” with the Federal Government, NCC, and the Province. City Council also needs to develop a pragmatically reasonable “Heritage” Building designation system.

Continue retooling LRT Phase 2 Design Plans until its Design is infra fiscally sound!

*PS: Areas of the existing Transitway could smartly be opened to also facilitate civilian vehicles once an LRT route opens alongside it, eastwards from downtown.

I am on record as pioneering the idea on Sept 20 ’14 that the City sell its rich Downtown Library property, and use this realty payoff to finance its relocation cost to the new Arts Court; and the remainder could go towards replacing Ottawa’s badly deteriorating sewer system, and perhaps even pay off some of our accumulated debt.

The Commercial Vehicle “Underwater Ottawa River Tunnel” project between Ottawa & Gatineau is a vital priority.

GOVERNANCE

Roughly how many council meetings have you attended in the past year?

I have attended a couple of meetings this year, along with a variety of other meetings and events at City Hall and its Council Chamber. I follow civic, Canadian & international news via independent research, utilizing a wide scope of info media sources.

Should the transit commission include “citizen” commissioners who are not elected officials? Why or why not?

“Citizen Commissioners” sounds kind of cheap. What would a “popularly elected” citizen commissioner necessarily know? It is vital that Transit Commissioners be highly skilled HR change management/infrastructure professionals, who are pragmatically hired via a matrix combo between an infra-informed transit manager, and right up to the mayor.

What would make the goings-on at City Hall — whether at council or in the bureaucracy — more transparent?

Cleaning up the city’s website, which is a bit of a misconnected cluttered maze, would be a great start.

Should councillors have term limits? If so, what should they be?

I see no reason for elected councillors to have term limits.

There is a ward-boundary review coming up in the next term of council. Do you think we have too few, too many or just the right number of wards?

I am in favour of having up to ½ less wards.

Is your campaign willing to accept corporate and/or union contributions? Yes or no?

No. I am the “Mr. Clean” candidate for Ottawa Bay ward who owes no one any favours.

Some people think those sorts of contributions should be banned. What do you think?

They evidently should be banned, to deter likely favoritism.

Some people are interested in the city moving a ranked-ballot system of voting. If the provincial government allows municipalities to adopt this system, would you be in favour of it?

I am in support of a ranked ballot system.

ABOUT YOU

What formal education, training or other credentials do you have?

I am a smooth driven “self-educated” infra visionary polymath, who is super multifacetedly accomplished in highly diverse career fields. *I have an uncanny talent of discovering “obvious” breakthrough solutions that most career experts miss!

If the election were held tomorrow, which mayoral candidate would get your vote?

Jim Watson would get my vote, as he is clearly at this time, the most qualified for the job. Although it seems obvious that Watson will easily win … if everyone sympathetically voted for likeable underdog Mike Maguire (who has laudable viewpoints), the less competent candidate would be elected.

Do you live in the ward in which you’re running? If not, what’s your interest in the area?

Yes. Our family has lived in Bay Ward since 1967.

Did you grow up in Ottawa? If not, what brought you here?

Yes, I am Capitally born & raised.

What’s the most significant position of responsibility you’ve ever held, either in work life or as a volunteer?

Being the impeccable executive secretary/operations chair for the Conservative Party of Canada riding association of John Baird MP in Ottawa West Nepean from 2011-2013.

Are you married or in a long-term partnership? Kids? How old are you?

I’m presently single (59) [if the opportunity is right, I am keen on having a 1^st child]

Who’s the best municipal politician in Ottawa you know of? Why?

I believe “The Fog” Jim Watson is still the best politician. His first two years of the current term as 24/7 mayor were outstanding; but his performance has since then slipped tremendously, and I presently don’t foresee that changing. *He could vitally use an infusion of fresh, visionary, infra PR advisory blood!

When did you last take OC Transpo to work or to run an errand?

I enjoyed my reliably quick as always return Bayshore to downtown bus ride along the scenic Sir John A Macdonald Parkway two days ago.

How often do you take transit?

The frequency that I use transit at varies greatly, depending on the type of work I am engaged in.

Trevor Robinson, candidate in Bay ward.

Ottawa Citizen

Trevor Robinson

ISSUES PAST

How did you vote, or how would you have voted, on the 2013 Transportation Master Plan, which includes a $3-billion plan for the second phase of light rail?

I am not the incumbent. While I have not had an opportunity to study the plan in depth, I believe that decisions such as which direction to head with light rail should be based more upon usage than politics. For example, it would be prudent, along with our partners, to explore the costs, viability and return on investment (ROI) of running LRT across the Prince of Wales Bridge to Gatineau, therefore reducing traffic volume on our existing Inter-Provincial Bridges and connecting roadways therefore reducing commute times for some Ottawa residents, including Bay ward residents. If your daily commute was shortened by say 5-10 minutes a day, wouldn’t that be worth at least taking a look? What about the federal government’s plans for the former Nortel campus? Would it not be prudent of us to look at an LRT connection there given the potential for thousands of employees?

Was the outcome of the city’s casino deliberations generally positive or negative? Why?

I think the casino issue is only one part of the bigger issue of tourism. Absolutely we need to make decisions that benefit our residents first; however, we also need to understand that tourism (in it’s various forms) is an important part of our community. For both residents and tourists, I wonder the rationale behind having such a major draw, like a casino, without a direct major connection to rapid transit.

How did you vote, or how would you have voted, on the move to biweekly garbage?

I am not the incumbent, but simply put, garbage stinks, there are no arguments there. Switching from weekly to biweekly garbage collection, that issue by itself, doesn’t make sense. However, when you look at the principle behind it, waste diversion and recycling, the intent does make some sense. No one wants to see a new landfill in their area. We need to think of how to leave positive legacies for future generations while at the same time not making our current population suffer, either financially or with odours.

How did you vote, or how would you have voted, on the $100-million plan to redevelop Arts Court?

While I am not the incumbent, I believe that we need to maintain and protect our heritage while still ensuring that it is functional. On the hotel portion specifically, as the city was already in short supply for guestrooms, having more certainly can’t hurt, if done correctly, especially because tourism is important to the city.

What’s been the greatest success of the current council over the past four years?

The greatest success of the current council that stands out, would be that they were the ones at the council table when “shovels finally hit the ground” for the LRT. While they may not have been the council that voted for the plan itself, I think a lot of residents in Ottawa were getting tired. Planning, in some form or another, has been ongoing for decades — for example, the Citizen reported years ago that Transitway infrastructure was built to take the weight of trains.

What’s been its greatest failure?

I don’t believe that its greatest failure will be known for a few years, future generations will be able to judge that better.

YOUR WARD

What are the two most important issues in your ward? Why?

As I have not yet had an opportunity to speak with a majority of the residents in Bay ward, I cannot accurately comment as to what the two most important issues are. I will instead speak to two important issues that have been brought to my attention thus far.

Issue 1: Residents in and near Britannia Village are upset because of a lack of maintenance by the city. There are areas of public lands where residents cut the grass/trim the trees more often than the city does. There are also streets that were apparently promised to be repaired/upgraded, along with the respective underground infrastructure, by previous councillors going back well over 15 years — such repairs were to also address flooding issues. My concern with the broken promises, even if the project is “in the works” that fact could have at least been communicated to the residents, along with estimated time frames, so that they didn’t feel neglected.

Issue 2: A few residents that I have spoken with have raised concerns over rumoured plans for redevelopment of the Britannia Park/Beach Area and respective buildings. They are concerned of plans to turn an entire parking lot into green space and then expand another parking lot by removing mature growth trees, all to partially make up for the reduced spaces by the closure of the other lot. Apparently, plans also no longer show the “trolley station.” Residents are concerned that there already is not enough parking for Britannia Beach in the summer and overflow ends up clogging area streets, more so when festivals are taking place. Though simplistic in nature, I agree with the residents who wonder how it makes sense for the city to rip up trees to expand a parking lot, because the other existing parking lot is being made into green space — would it not make more sense (and be cheaper) to simply fix and slightly expand the existing parking lots without removing mature growth trees.

What specific measure will be your top priority if you’re elected?

If elected, I want to get back to basics. I live in Bay ward, so the voters are also my neighbours. I want to fix what is broken, not just the large projects, but the small ones too. For example, there are sidewalks that aren’t accessible, they have been resurfaced but the curbs are too high for those with mobility issues. Residents need to feel like they are getting more from the city than just a tax bill.

If you are the incumbent, of what decision made by council in the last term are you most proud?

n/a

What do you wish the council had dealt with better?

I think there is always room for improvement, in government and in everyday things. It’s not to say that everything is done poorly, but anything can be done differently.

If you’re not the incumbent, say something nice about the incumbent.

Having only met Mark once, just before taping our debate on Rogers TV, he seems like a nice guy, though we didn’t have much of a chance to chat.

Now say what you’d do differently, if elected.

As I’ve already stated, the residents of Bay ward deserve a councillor that is one of their neighbours and that thinks like one of their neighbours. Someone who they can comfortably strike up a conversation with at the local grocery store, coffee shop, gas station, etc. During the campaign I’ve been to a few different functions. One such function was for the anniversary of a building and a few people asked why I wasn’t walking around interrupting conversations to shake hands “like most politicians do”. The way I look at it, as a politician or political candidate, unless a portion of the agenda is specifically set aside for you, you shouldn’t be taking away from the original purpose of the event. IE. campaign at a campaign rally, not a community’s anniversary celebration.

CITY ISSUES

Taxes. Are they too high? Just about as high as they should be? Not high enough for the city we wish we had?

I can’t say that I know anyone who enjoys paying taxes. That being said, I know many people who complain about the quality of our roads for example. We need to do our best to make our services as efficient and as easily accessible as possible, while also keeping Ottawa a place that is “affordable” to live.

Please list some city services you consider “core” and any you consider “frills” that could be cut back.

Everyone’s definition of core and non-core services will be different. That being said, what I believe is a core service to everyone is our first responders, we have all benefited from their service directly or indirectly, or know someone who has. We need to ensure that such services are as accessible to all residents as possible.

Development issues continue to be controversial. What would make the planning process smoother?

Communication. Communication is integral, important and a common courtesy. There will always be change, rather than force it upon your neighbours, I believe it best to involve them in the processes to the extent possible. A good example, there is construction of a new home in Bay ward, residents were told last year that it would be potentially happening in 2014, but that was it. Suddenly that specific neighbourhood is getting heavy equipment wake up calls at 07:30 a.m. without having been given any notice. Would it have been so hard to have put a rough schedule in the neighbours’ mailboxes a week or so in advance?

While building and expanding are very positive aspects, I don’t believe we should neglect what we already have. There are areas of Bay ward where residents have told me that they were promised more than 15 years ago that the streets would be torn up in order to repair underground infrastructure and fix flooding issues, as well as fix the crumbling road, which happens to be a bus route. I don’t believe that is acceptable. It’s a great idea to build a new building, or a new park, but if the roads leading there, for example, are in disrepair you’re left scratching your head a bit.

GOVERNANCE

Roughly how many council meetings have you attended in the past year?

In all honesty, I have not had an opportunity to attend any council meetings in the past year.

Should the transit commission include “citizen” commissioners who are not elected officials? Why or why not?

I think having proper and varied checks and balances are prudent, especially given that transit is one of the biggest parts of the average tax bill. Transit should not be a “political football.”

What would make the goings-on at City Hall — whether at council or in the bureaucracy — more transparent?

Social media has already changed how things run, some feel tweeting their councillor is better than calling 311, for example. I think we need to have a good mix of 21st century tools while also maintaining tried, tested and true methods for anyone who isn’t tech savvy, or for when said technology fails.

Should councillors have term limits? If so, what should they be?

Ultimately it is up to the voters to decide how long a councillor shall be in office. I personally do not believe that such a choice should be taken away from the voters. If a councillor believes that they still have a lot of positive things to give to the position and to those that they represent, let the voters decide, not a policy. In past elections we have seen incumbent councillors not be re-elected because the voters were looking for change, the same would hold true if I am elected in Bay Ward.

There is a ward-boundary review coming up in the next term of council. Do you think we have too few, too many or just the right number of wards?

I think defining what “the correct number of wards” is, is a matter of perspective. Residents may feel under or over represented and believe that a ward review is due. Some councillors may feel over or under worked and believe that a ward review is due. I don’t believe using population numbers and/or the geographic area of the wards as the sole deciding factors would be prudent as there are different issues between rural, suburban and urban wards. We need to strike a balance between ensuring residents feel that they are getting value for the expense of having their councillor, while also ensuring that the workload is balanced properly amongst councillors to ensure that they are able to properly represent their residents.

Is your campaign willing to accept corporate and/or union contributions? Yes or no?

As I have not yet received any campaign contributions, I would gladly accept any legal contributions. Kidding aside, there are valid arguments on both sides, I have not yet made a decision on this issue.

Some people think those sorts of contributions should be banned. What do you think?

I believe, as we live in a democratic country, that everyone is welcome to their opinion. Obviously there are issues of the appearance of conflict of interest when receiving contributions from a union or corporation that could potentially directly benefit in the near future. That being said though, I’m not sure how such a ban could be effective or controlled. For example, theoretically speaking, if corporate contributions were banned, if a specific company still wanted to contribute to a campaign (regardless of their motives), they could provide $750 to each of their employees in order for said employees to make “personal” contributions to that campaign.

Some people are interested in the city moving a ranked-ballot system of voting. If the provincial government allows municipalities to adopt this system, would you be in favour of it?

I have not yet had an opportunity to look at this issue in depth, so I therefore cannot comment as to whether I would be for or against such a change. That being said, I am not opposed to exploring options.

ABOUT YOU

What formal education, training or other credentials do you have?

I attended Algonquin College for the then named Small & Medium Enterprise Management, Event Management and finally the then named Hotel & Restaurant Management.

If the election were held tomorrow, which mayoral candidate would get your vote?

Based upon what I have seen thus far, given that the first mayoral debate hasn’t happened yet, I would vote for Jim Watson tomorrow.

Do you live in the ward in which you’re running? If not, what’s your interest in the area?

Yes, I have lived in Bay ward all of my life and I believe that such experience provides me with an important perspective.

Did you grow up in Ottawa? If not, what brought you here?

Yes, I was born, raised and I am still living in Ottawa, Bay ward specifically.

What’s the most significant position of responsibility you’ve ever held, either in work life or as a volunteer?

I wouldn’t be able to limit this to just one as I’ve held different positions that have been significant in their own way, or have provided me with life experiences that I believe would benefit the residents of Bay ward.

I have served as Volunteer Co-ordinator for the Ottawa Race Weekend, helping to co-ordinate approximately 2,500 volunteers, while concentrating primarily on securing the course for the approximately 100,000 participants and spectators, all for a weekend that included Olympic qualifying events.

I have served as Student Trustee with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), while also serving as Eastern Ontario Representative on the English Public Board Council with the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO), representing approximately 80,000 and 150,000 students respectively.

Professionally, while working as a small team on a large project to correct deficiencies, I was promoted to new roles as we were able, over the course of a few years, to almost double gross revenue, increase profitability and most importantly, increase client satisfaction & confidence.

Are you married or in a long-term partnership? Kids? How old are you?

I am married and my wife and I have been together for almost 12 years, though not married that long. At present we do not yet have any children. I will be turning 32 during the election campaign.

Who’s the best municipal politician in Ottawa you know of? Why?

I wouldn’t label any current Ottawa politician as being “best” or “worst,” future generations will be the better judge of that. Looking at the current slate of candidates for this election, I am happy to NOT be running against Jody Mitic. Not only would Jody beat me in an actual running race, but I’d have a hard time not voting for him to represent me in an election.

When did you last take OC Transpo to work or to run an errand?

In all honesty, I am not sure when I last took OC Transpo. Because of the service where I live and the odd shifts that I used to work, it became more time efficient to drive, rather than take the bus.

How often do you take transit?

Not often by any means. Because of the service where I live and the odd shifts that I used to work, it became more time efficient to drive, rather than take the bus. I would be happy to see a completed LRT system that better serves the residents of Ottawa.

Coun. Mark Taylor is seeking re-election in Bay ward.

Couvrette/Ottawa (613) 238-5104 www.couvrette-photography.on.ca

Mark Taylor

ISSUES PAST

How did you vote, or how would you have voted, on the 2013 Transportation Master Plan, which includes a $3-billion plan for the second phase of light rail?

I voted in favour of the plan that Council built with extensive community input in 2013. I believe as part of our growth in a modern capital city we need a transit system that reliably and efficiently supports our increased needs. Stage 2 of light rail that includes the Richmond Underground ensures transit comes to Bay ward not just through it, providing a new station serving the Queensway Terrace North community. Part of my commitment to Roman Avenue residents in the last election is that we would save the 25 family homes scheduled for expropriation while finding a respectful alternative. With the help of residents we have accomplished that. The new Stage 2 route also protects the Byron linear park, the scenic Sir John A Macdonald parkway and will serve the Carlingwood, Woodroffe North, Woodpark, and McEwen/Ambleside neighbourhoods.

Was the outcome of the city’s casino deliberations generally positive or negative? Why?

It was positive only in the sense that we did not wind up with an ill-considered result. While I don’t object to gaming in our community when it already exists, the process that unfolded was not positive. It could have been better presented, discussed and debated.

How did you vote, or how would you have voted, on the move to biweekly garbage?

I supported biweekly garbage pickup. The rollout of the green bin program was not without its challenges however no community wants a new landfill built near them. By delivering this core service in a new way we can do our part to protect the environment.

How did you vote, or how would you have voted, on the $100-million plan to redevelop Arts Court?

A new Arts Court facility was the top priority determined by the Arts, Heritage & Cultural Renewal Committee that I co-chaired. I supported this P3 project, which includes the Ottawa Art Gallery, the Council on Arts Ottawa, SAW gallery, University of Ottawa education space, a hotel and residential space in order to showcase our own talent as the national capital and do it in a way that is financially responsible.

What’s been the greatest success of the current council over the past four years?

The ability to work together to deliver the results residents expect of us. Councillors have disagreed without being disagreeable and even difficult issues have been handled without becoming stalled or deferred. Voters sent a clear message in 2010 that while they elect representatives with different views they expect them to work together responsibly. The change in council from combative to collaborative was the one change that allowed all the rest to take place.

What’s been its greatest failure?

Attempting to deal with the issue of casinos and gaming.

YOUR WARD

What are the two most important issues in your ward? Why?

Issue 1: The majority of our community was built in the 1950s & 1960s and needs to be updated to serve today and tomorrow’s residents. This takes in everything from renewed parks, field houses, roads and infrastructure to handling traffic concerns and providing the core services residents count on.

Issue 2: Trying to provide the right balance of service for every neighbourhood in the ward, responding to their unique community needs while respecting tax dollars.

What specific measure will be your top priority if you’re elected?

Renewing our community in an affordable way while ensuring we have a caring city ready to face tomorrow’s challenges. Our city and community needs require that councillors work on multiple fronts at the same time.

If you are the incumbent, of what decision made by council in the last term are you most proud?

Our commitment to end homelessness in Ottawa in 10 years. Financially and socially we cannot afford homelessness and are acting on a plan to help those in need.

What do you wish the council had dealt with better?

The pressures of achieving appropriate development from infill and intensification projects. This is likely to improve significantly under our new official plan and supporting plans.

CITY ISSUES

Taxes. Are they too high? Just about as high as they should be? Not high enough for the city we wish we had?

Taxes at or close to the rate of inflation are reasonable. This provides residents with predictable costs while creating the incentive for us to find new ways of delivering existing services and city building projects more smartly.

Please list some city services you consider “core” and any you consider “frills” that could be cut back.

Core: Infrastructure (roads, pipes etc), Transit, Emergency Services, Water and Waste water service.

Potential places for cutbacks: There are efficiencies in every area that can and should be found. We have moved in this direction by using mobile workforce technology, moving services online and finding administrative savings. Rather than cutting back on services residents’ value we need to continue finding ways to make them less costly and more efficient.

Development issues continue to be controversial. What would make the planning process smoother?

A faster and more publicized first look at proposed developments that included getting feedback from communities at the pre-planning stage.

In terms of physical infrastructure, a new main library, a city wide renewal plan for older community sites like Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre, the Nepean Sportsplex etc. and the completion of our Ottawa River Action Plan.

In terms of community building, three of the greatest challenges that we will face over the coming decade will be ensuring older adults remain an independent and active part of Ottawa, providing quality early childhood care and education to our communities’ children and caring for our communities’ most vulnerable.

GOVERNANCE

Roughly how many council meetings have you attended in the past year?

I have attended all of the past year’s council meetings.

Should the transit commission include “citizen” commissioners who are not elected officials? Why or why not?

I believe it should so it can represent our community more broadly. Implementation has been challenging however and improvements could be made so that citizen commissioners are more fully involved and engaged.

What would make the goings-on at City Hall — whether at council or in the bureaucracy — more transparent?

This Council has moved strongly to ensure transparency by creating lobbyist and gift registries, posting office expenses online and hiring an integrity commissioner. I would be in favour of the disclosure by councillors and senior management of meeting schedules that indicated all meetings held and their subject.

Should councillors have term limits? If so, what should they be?

I believe this is an individual choice. I have chosen to limit myself to two terms as councillor.

There is a ward-boundary review coming up in the next term of council. Do you think we have too few, too many or just the right number of wards?

I believe we could reduce the number of wards by adjusting and balancing the populations they represent.

Is your campaign willing to accept corporate and/or union contributions? Yes or no?

Yes, although I will not be accepting contributions from unions that deal with the Community & Protective Services Committee, which I chair.

Some people think those sorts of contributions should be banned. What do you think?

I am supportive of the current model which allows for contributions from individuals, companies and unions subject to a candidates willingness to receive them. Banning corporate and union contributions could simply make them less transparent with individuals donating on their behalf.

Some people are interested in the city moving a ranked-ballot system of voting. If the provincial government allows municipalities to adopt this system, would you be in favour of it?

Not at this time.

ABOUT YOU

What formal education, training or other credentials do you have?

I have attended Carleton University although did not complete my degree. I have a prior career as a medium-sized business owner as well as experience in the government and education sector.

If the election were held tomorrow, which mayoral candidate would get your vote?

Jim Watson

Do you live in the ward in which you’re running? If not, what’s your interest in the area?

I live just outside my ward boundary however I grew up in and have worked in my ward most of my life including working here both in business and government as well as volunteering.

Did you grow up in Ottawa? If not, what brought you here?

Yes, I am an Ottawa native and grew up in the Queensway Terrace North community of my ward.

What’s the most significant position of responsibility you’ve ever held, either in work life or as a volunteer?

An Ottawa City councillor responsible for our community of over 40,000 residents.

Are you married or in a long-term partnership? Kids? How old are you?

I am 43 and happily married with two wonderful girls, a 20-year-old daughter and a 13-year-old step-daughter.

Who’s the best municipal politician in Ottawa you know of? Why?

I have always appreciated retiring Coun. Doug Thompson. As a former mayor himself he has a firm understanding of many issues, well liked in his community and very adept at successfully achieving what he sets out to do.

When did you last take OC Transpo to work or to run an errand?

As of completing this survey, yesterday Sept. 23 to work at City Hall.

How often do you take transit?

3-4 times per month depending on our schedule. Most often our family uses it on the weekend.

George Guirguis

Did not respond by the deadline.

This article was republished from: http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/ottawa-votes-bay-ward-candidates-answer-our-questions

Ottawa votes: Bay ward candidates answer our questions

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