1. Candidate Bio:
As a proud resident of Brampton, I share with my fellow residents, a love and appreciation of our city. I also share their concerns of public safety, lack of proper infrastructure and wasted tax money. My campaign is self-funded and lean; I ask for no monetary donations and I am determined to run a competitive campaign through hard work and wise spending. I will bring that value for money and work ethic to city hall.
I’ve decided to run in this election because I want to be at the table to represent our concerns and priorities. I am a husband, a father of two young children, a team manager at a national security company and I’m committed to our city. If elected, I will work diligently to further the interests of both wards 2 and 6 as well as all Bramptonians by building consensus and leading by example.
2. What are your three top priorities for Brampton?
1. Reducing Crime – which continues to increase. Too many Bramptonians do not feel safe to walk our streets.
2. Evolving Transportation – as it is slow and burdened but depended upon. It needs to get better.
3. Attracting Businesses – will stabilize taxes and provide new opportunities for us.
3. What is one major council decision from the previous (2014-2018) term that you agree with?
The decision made this year to endorse the Brampton 2040 vision. It’s a bold, hopeful and modern vision for our great city.
4. What is one major council decision from the previous (2014-2018) term that you disagree with?
The decision made on October 2015 that dismissed the LRT opportunity. While the funding was not as high as other cities, it was available for something we must eventually do to be a competitive city.
5. Are there any other ideas from other cities that you would like to see replicated in Brampton?
I would like to see more festivals and conventions held in our city to attract the right kind of tourists and opportunities, just like in Toronto. I would like to see technology companies feel confident to invest in our city, just like in Barrie. I would like to see a thriving film and arts industry, just like in Vancouver (aka. Hollywood North). I would like to also benchmark and study ideas from cities all over the world that have excellent standards of living.
6. What are your top transportation priorities to ease congestion and gridlock in the city of Brampton and connections to other communities?
Encourage our fellow residents to take public transportation by providing more efficient, expanded and upgraded services so that they can safely and easily get to where they need to go.
7. What are your thoughts on the Brampton 2040 Vision and how should the city proceed with the vision?
The Brampton 2040 Vision is an ideal and futuristic state of our great city that has the potential to transform the way we work, live and play, however, meaningful steps must be taken today to ensure the vision is feasible. The city will need to tackle crime and infrastructure concerns, as well as public services and health. Additionally, the council will have to find ways to reduce wastage of tax payer dollars from this costly endeavor.
8. What is your position on the city’s finances and how would you tackle demands for services and infrastructure renewal?
In 2015, a newspaper article reported that the city was $215 million in debt and, based on what we’ve all heard so far, it may have significantly increased since then. The report went on to state that, at the time, 94 per cent of property tax simply went to city staff payroll, even though tax rates were raised. The city’s finances appear to be mismanaged and wasted on poor choices, avoidable lawsuits and under the table deals.
9. What are your thoughts on how the city/region should handle the alleged uptick of spontaneous youth violence and crime in the city?
Our city needs both prevention and cure. We need to engage the youth to provide mentorship and education on life skills; how to deal with the ethics, morality and pressures of life. We should also review the support services offered to newcomers by the city to ensure they still benefit the community.
Additionally, our police services should be well supported, funded and directed. I agree with the Peel Police Chief’s quest for more funds to tackle violent crime; as we continue to grow so do our public safety needs as a region. Finally, a comprehensive review and a bold plan is needed to tackle this increase in violence. Public safety must be a top priority at City Hall if we are to be a healthy, happy and competitive city.
10. Why should voters vote for you?
I’ll focus on building partnerships and consensus within city hall to ensure we keep the campaign promises that we’ve all made; reduce crime, better infrastructure and more opportunities. Done effectively, we will have a city that is safe, heathy, innovative and prosperous.
Candidate contact info:
Phone: 647-501-2574
Email: shannoniyer@hotmail.com
Website: Link here
