ISSUES & APPROACHES

Many Ward 8 residents are concerned with these issues: housing and development, safety; and the economy.

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Housing and development. in Ward 8 and Kingston-wide, we need more affordable housing. I personally met people from three different buildings in Ward 8 who were moving out because they could not afford their new rent increases. Also, we need to bring community members into the conversation early on, to learn from their feedback and insights when new developments are being proposed in our neighborhoods.

Safety. On traffic and pedestrian safety, the new 25mph speed limit is helping, but there are still speeding problems on certain streets. We need to explore options such as speed bumps and more patrols.  *  Natural disasters have been getting worse while federal assistance is being cut.  How can we better prepare locally?  *  The threat of ICE abductions impacts us all as fellow human beings who do not want to see others suffer. We need to recognize and acknowledge that immigrants today -- as our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents in years past, contribute greatly to the vitality and soul of our community.  We need to explore ways to protect each other and manage these threats and divisive tactics. What more can we do to get to know our neighbors better and spread kindness?

Local economy. Our local economy could use a boost. And we need an affordable grocery store in Ward 8. Let's collaborate with business owners, learn about challenges and opportunities and come up with creative solutions.

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See more HERE 

 

Communicate, Collaborate and Act. To address these issues, we need to
communicate better, collaborate and act. Let's come together for monthly in-person meetings for Ward 8 residents. I will want to share what I learn from my role on the Council and will want to hear from my fellow Ward 8 folks -- both concerns and ideas for solutions.

When we collaborate properly, we recognize our neighbors as partners with important perspectives, skills and energy to help make change happen in a timely manner. Together we can be idealistic -- having the vision of what positive change looks like --- and realistic -- understanding what it takes to bring projects to fruition.

 

What I mean by Act: (1) Accomplishing our policy and project goals in a timely manner; and (2) Focusing appropriately on constituent services. I will be there for the residents of Ward 8.