7. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
Mississauga has an incredibly strong arts and cultural community. I am particularly proud of the work I have done as Chair of the Mayor\u2019s Arts and Museum Advisory Committee and through my support for the Creative Advantage Arts Plan, local cultural initiatives and community events. From our museums and performing arts to local artists and festivals, the arts help define Mississauga\u2019s identity and bring people together. I have worked on bringing life back to the Adamson\u2019s Estate, Derry House and Cawthra Elliott Estate; three historic landmarks we are fortunate to have in the Ward that are now being enjoyed by communities with a cultural flare!<\/p>\n
8. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards will you be setting and following?
Communication has been a priority since I was first elected. To date, I have hosted hundreds of public and community meetings, giving residents the opportunity to raise concerns, ask questions and work directly with myself and City staff. I have established a robust approach to engaging residents that includes regular newsletters and e-newsletters, social media, talk radio, local print media and, most importantly, direct community meetings. I believe communication should be timely, transparent and flow both ways. Residents should not simply be informed about decisions; they should have opportunities to help shape them.\u00a0\u00a0My door has always been open to anyone anytime and my track record for meetings throughout the week averages eight + a day, indicating how accessible I make myself.<\/p>\n
9. How do you plan to actively involve and include residents in decisions?
I will continue making resident engagements a fundamental part of the Ward 1 office. Since being elected in 2018, I have worked closely with residents, ratepayer groups, businesses, community organizations and local stakeholders to listen, problem-solve and advocate for our community. In the time I have served the Ward, I have had hundreds of community meetings and will continue holding community meetings creating opportunities for residents to raise concerns, ask questions, share ideas and work directly with me on issues that matter to their neighbourhoods.<\/p>\n
I believe effective representation means being accessible, listening before making decisions and ensuring residents understand how and why decisions are being made. Residents should never feel that decisions are being made without them. The hundreds of meetings I have held since first being elected are a reflection of that commitment, and I intend to build on that record in the years ahead.<\/p>\n
As Ward 1 continues to grow and evolve, residents need to know that their voices matter, particularly when it comes to development. I support thoughtful development that focuses on the City\u2019s Official Plan and respects the character and needs of existing neighbourhoods while planning for future growth. Growth needs to be supported by the infrastructure, transportation, parks, schools and other services that residents need.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I also believe strong relationships and respectful engagement with Indigenous groups and all community groups are important as they play a huge role in responsible municipal leadership. Building those relationships, listening to perspectives and working collaboratively helps us make better decisions for the future of our Ward and our city.<\/p>\n