Democratic Participation

I want to work with people here in Ward 6 to identify and keep the focus on our local priorities as we move our city forward. I believe that when we engage our neighbours and our representatives during and between elections, we get a better government and a stronger community.

In the last City election, only 28% of eligible voters cast a ballot. Between elections, Council meetings see the same faces and public consultations usually hear from the same voices. And every year that passes sees people more cynical about their government and its ability to listen to and deliver on its promises.

I have written and spoken extensively about the problems of democratic participation, highlighting that the best opportunity people have to change the world around them is in their own neighbourhoods and with their municipal politicians.

As a candidate in a municipal election, I am seeking the opportunity to represent your interests and to help you build the neighbourhoods and the quality of life we want for ourselves, and for our children. Unlike politicians at provincial and federal levels, municipal candidates may ascribe to the values of a certain political party, but there is no party boss telling them what to think or what to do. But without residents themselves filling that void by working with their neighbours and engaging their representatives, our neighbourhood associations and our municipal leaders can only hope that they are getting it right.

I want to work with people here in Ward 6 to identify and keep the focus on our local priorities as we move our city forward. I commit to meeting regularly with neighbourhood leaders on neighbourhood and homeowner’s associations, as well as our university and business partners, to ensure that the City and I are getting it right.

In order for that to work, I also want and need to hear from residents from across Ward 6 about what is going well and what could use work around the corner from your homes and your schools. I want to know what is important to you in our great city, because talking more often together is the best way to get a better government and a stronger community that works better together.