7. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
Mississauga excels at creating opportunity or it should. Ward 7 should be one of the places that benefits from it most.<\/p>\n
We have something many cities would spend decades trying to create. We are beside Canada’s largest airport, connected to one of the country’s largest economies, and home to established businesses and communities from around the world.<\/p>\n
Ward 7 brings many of those advantages together. Cooksville has GO rail, MiWay, the Hurontario corridor, established neighborhoods, local businesses and one of the most established populations in the city.<\/p>\n
But having advantages is not the same as using them well.<\/p>\n
For me, that is the next challenge. Ward 7 should not simply accommodate more growth. Growth should leave residents better off. That means safer streets, easier transportation, stronger local businesses and infrastructure that keeps pace with the people using it.<\/p>\n
Mississauga has already proven it can attract people, investment and growth. Now we need to excel at turning those advantages into a better everyday life.<\/p>\n
8. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards will you be setting and following?
Residents should not have to follow every Council meeting to understand what their City is doing.<\/p>\n
I would provide regular Ward 7 updates explaining important votes, construction, traffic changes, spending decisions and neighborhood issues in plain language.<\/p>\n
But communication is more than sending newsletters.\u00a0It has to happen before decisions are effectively finalized.<\/p>\n
Too often residents learn about something after most of the important decisions have already been made. Consultation at that point becomes an explanation rather than meaningful participation.<\/p>\n
My standard would be simple.<\/p>\n
Tell residents early.<\/p>\n
Explain the issue, cost and realistic options clearly.<\/p>\n
Then report back after the decision and explain what happened, including what resident input changed and what it did not.<\/p>\n
A Councillor represents residents at City Hall.\u00a0Residents should never feel that they need someone else to translate City Hall back to them.<\/p>\n
9. How do you plan to actively involve and include residents in decisions?
Consultation should give residents influence, not simply give government evidence that a meeting was held or a Checked box.<\/p>\n
I want residents involved early enough that their input can still affect the outcome.<\/p>\n
For significant Ward 7 issues, residents should know what is being proposed, why it is being proposed, what it will cost, what alternatives exist and when the decision will be made.<\/p>\n
Afterward, City Hall should report back.<\/p>\n
What did residents say?<\/p>\n
What changed because of their input?<\/p>\n
What did not change, and why?<\/p>\n
People will not agree with every decision I make. I do believe they are entitled to understand how the decision was reached.<\/p>\n
That is the difference between consultation and accountability.<\/p>\n