Niagara Falls Candidate Questionnaire Results

1
Mayor Candidates
Beam, John (Ringo) No response received
Didodati, Jim Pages 7 - 10
Mikos, Joseph No response received
Topolinsky, Connie No response received
City Councillor Candidates
Bell, Chrisitan Page 11 - 14
Campbell, Wayne No response received
Caruso, Tony Pages 15 19
Craitor, Kim Pages 20 - 26
Dandy, Bert No response received
DeAgazio, Tia No response received
Dychtiar, Peter Pages 27 - 33
Fisher, Shirley No response received
Gigliotti, Ross No response received
Gordon, Harvey No response received
Groves, Kenneth Pages 34 - 37
2
City Councillor Candidates (contd)
Hajifazul, Ziad No response received
Ioannoni, Carolynn Pages 38 41
Jones, Jamie No response received
Kates, Alex No response received
Kerrio, Vince Pages 42 45
Kuntos, Nemanja (Nem) No response received
Larocque, Corey Pages 46 - 52
Lococo, Lori Page 53 - 62
MacDonald, Gary Pages 63 66
Maggiolo, Joe Pages 67 72
Mannella-Byers, Mary Pages 73 75
Martin, Paul No response received
Merlino, Rich Pages 76 78
Monoaghan, James No response received
Morocco, Joyce Pages 79 82
OReilly, Terry No response received
Piergentili, Natalie Pages 83 - 86
Pietrangelo, Victor No response received
3
Regional Councillor Candidates
Angelone, Anne Pages 92 96
Downie, Paul Pages 97 100
Flores, Josephine No response received
Gale, Bob Pages 101 103
Greenwood, Barbara Pages 104 107
Maves, Bart Pages 108 112
Tossounian, Jeannette Page 113 - 117
Volpatti, Selina No response received
City Councillors (contd)
Strange, Mike Pages 87 88
Tavano, Michelle No response received
Thomson, Wayne Pages 89 -91
Tredwell, Tim No response received
4

1. Why are you running for office? What makes you qualified
to make decisions about spending and the municipal
services we require?

2. If elected, at budget time, what property tax changes would
you vote for (A: decreases; B: freezes; C: consistent with
inflation; D: greater than inflation)? Why?

3. What municipal services are missing in Niagara Falls? How
would you pay for them?

4. Is the municipality providing any services we can do
without? What are they and what would you do with the
found money?

5. Is it important for municipal councillors to follow the advice
of city hall? Why or why not?

6. How can the municipality ensure its senior citizens live
comfortably during their retirement?

CITY COUNCIL, REGIONAL
COUNCIL AND MAYOR CANDIDATE
QUESTIONNAIRE
5
7. What should the municipality do to ensure there are
opportunities for young people?

8. What should the municipality do to encourage economic
activity? What geographic areas of Niagara Falls need
economic revitalization? Why?

9. Is the billing for services like water and electricity fair?
What would you do as a municipal councillor to control the
water, sewer and electricity charges residents pay?

10. What should the municipality do to help people during
tough times? What sectors of the economy hold the key to
future jobs? As a municipal council member, how would
you tap into them?

11. What is your vision for Niagara Falls? How do you make it
happen when youre just one voice on a municipal council?

12. What is your vision for Niagara Falls? How do you make it

CITY COUNCIL, REGIONAL
COUNCIL AND MAYOR CANDIDATE
QUESTIONNAIRE
6
Why are you running for office?
What makes you qualified to make decisions about spending and the
municipal services we require?
I am running for office because I believe in a bright future for our City. For me, its
personal. Its about creating a great future for our families. I am relentlessly
pursuing the objectives that will support a great Niagara Falls for generations to
come.

If elected, at budget time, what property tax changes would you vote for
A: decreases
B: freezes
C: consistent with inflation
D: greater than inflation
Why?
If elected, at budget time, I would vote for property tax changes (C) consistent with
inflation. Keeping property taxes low and at a fair level for the residents of Niagara
Falls is a priority.

What municipal services are missing in Niagara Falls?
How would you pay for them?
I believe that we were missing an opportunity to communicate with residents.
Since we have updated our website and we are working on even more upgrades,
our next step is to establish a regular communications piece that will go out to all of
the homes in our community. I think this will help provide a service to residents
and allow us to share information about what we do, and how people can access
the services available to them in the City. It will also encourage more two-way
communication and provide critical contact numbers for specific areas and
departments.

7
Is the municipality providing any services we can do without?
What are they and what would you do with the found money?
I dont believe we are providing any services over and above what we should be
offering to residents. Residents are entitled to all we provide and to services
comparable to what other municipalities in Niagara provide as well. I believe in
keeping the level of service we have.

Is it important for municipal councillors to follow the advice of city hall?
Why or why not?
It is important for City Councillors to listen to the information that staff provides, and
to also listen to residents and hear what is going on in their community, and then to
take all of that information and make a sound decision.

How can the municipality ensure its senior citizens live comfortably
during their retirement?
I believe that a number of things we are doing will help senior citizens here live
comfortably in to their retirement.
1.Continued support of our transit system
2.Ensuring our City facilities are accessible and there are affordable
community outlets for senior citizens to access
3.Keeping taxes and water rates affordable, and
4.Continuing to pay down the debt.
5.
What should the municipality do to ensure there are opportunities for
young people?
Our commitment to bringing a university campus to the downtown and creating an
educational hub here will offer opportunities for the youth of our community that
were not existent here before. Not only will this priority help address brain drain
in our City, but it will create jobs and spur investment and growth. We are also
committed to supporting young entrepreneurs at our BIZ office and through
Business Development initiatives. These key elements will help provide an exciting
climate for youth to thrive in, in our City.

8
What should the municipality do to encourage economic activity? What
geographic areas of Niagara Falls need economic revitalization? Why?
Economic activity will be encouraged as we continue to focus on our priorities of
bringing a university campus to downtown Niagara Falls, working with the Province
to establish daily, commuter GO Train service to our City and keeping development
charges low at the Region and the City in order to create an optimum climate for
investment. The geographic areas of our community that need revitalization are
being addressed through Community Improvement Plans (CIPs) in the downtown
and Main and Ferry areas specifically, as well as on brownfield sites including the
100-acre Cytec site that will see revitalization through this program. We are looking
at expanding the CIP program to other areas to help encourage even more
investment.

Is the billing for services like water and electricity fair?
What would you do as a municipal councillor to control the water, sewer
and electricity charges residents pay?
The billing for water service is fair. Continued work in infrastructure projects
including sewer separation is vital. It ensures that residents are not paying to treat
clean water and addresses vital drainage infrastructure in our community. These
important projects help keep water bills low for residents. The billing for electricity
is controlled by the OEB, Ontario Energy Board, however I will say that I support the
proposal to have smaller hydro increases for areas in closer proximity to hydro
sources, which would include communities like ours.

Should the municipality continue to provide grants to outside
organizations (charities, social service agencies, tourism groups)?
How much money should the city spend on these grants? Which
agencies
Yes, I support this on a case by case basis. I am supportive of the current direction
that Council is taking with our commitment to grants to community organizations. I
believe we should brush the teeth we want to keep and I agree with continuing to
offer grants to worthy organizations that provide much needed services to the
people of Niagara Falls.
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What should the municipality do to help people during tough times?
What sectors of the economy hold the key to future jobs? As a
municipal council member, how would you tap into them?
During tough times a municipality needs to take fiscal responsibility and be smarter
than ever with peoples tax dollars. City Council needs to weigh needs versus wants
and make sound decisions. I believe that investing in our economy is the key to
creating success. Cities dont cut their way to prosperity we invest our way to
prosperity and the rising tide lifts all ships. Ensuring we are boosting our economic
sector will create positive, lasting effects and a fertile environment to generate
growth and encourage even more investment. I would tap in to our ability to
address development charges (DCs); I would support expanding our Community
Improvement Plan (CIP) program; I will continue to lobby for daily GO Train service
to Niagara Falls and I believe by staying focused on projects like bringing a university
campus to Niagara Falls and establishing a large entertainment complex to attract
large crowds and big acts will help buoy the economy in Niagara Falls and in turn
serve the people of Niagara Falls with jobs and prosperity.

What is your vision for Niagara Falls? How do you make it happen when
youre just one voice on a municipal council?
i) Jobs: We need more and better jobs for the residents of Niagara Falls. We believe
that our two priorities of bringing a University Campus to the City of Niagara Falls
and to continue to lobby for year-round daily commuter GO train service to Niagara
Falls will both be critical stimuli for jobs in our City. We will stay focused on these
issues, ensuring they remain priorities until they are a reality for Niagara Falls.
ii) Health Care: Though health care is the responsibility of the Provincial
Government, our municipality has taken an active interest in coming to the table to
ensure our residents are properly cared for, now and in the future. We worked hard
on establishing support for a South Niagara hospital and are committed, both
financially and in principal to see through the creation of a hospital for South
Niagara residents.
iii) Infrastructure upgrades: We are committed to continued investments in the
Citys aging roads, sewers and infrastructure. This is a major priority to help support
neighbourhoods and residents who experience flooding and water damage during
storm events.

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I have been a businessman in retail and have managed retail stores. I am also
an international importer/exporter and I speak Mandarin and have a degree in
Pacific and Asian Studies.
I have a team behind me that wants to see affordable reasonable change
made in an affordable transparent way.

If elected, at budget time, what property tax changes would you
Vote for
A: decreases
B: freezes
Why?
I would vote for a freeze on property taxes. We need a big effort to find
savings, like any business would. It shouldnt be hard to save several millions
of dollars. I have to do it at home like everyone else and like every business
and store does.

Well, we have taxes to pay with and people want frozen taxes, roads, the place
cleaned-up and thousands of other things that we need to do.
Id sweep it up, Id put two nails in it, we can do all that. The rest of the world
does it. Its your park; pick-up the paper like a natural extension of picking-up
stuff on a nature trail. Adopt a road, how about adopt a world aka
responsibility.

11
No idea, as that is something that we would have to ask the people.
Duplicate services should be cut of course. Dont take things away from
people.
I have to find that out thats my job.

Why or why not
If it is good advice sure follow it.

During their retirement?
The vulnerable will receive special attention.

What should the municipality do to ensure there are opportunities
for young people?
Arts & Culture, job training and centres to get together in so that they
do not feel alone and invite them to participate in society.

What should the municipality do to encourage economic activity?
What geographic areas of Niagara Falls need economic revitalisation?
Why?
We need to do everything we possibly can to invite economic activity.
Call me at home (905 353 0472) on this one as this is not an easy answer. The
days of Oneida and the Cyanamid are gone. We need to make due with what
we have and try new things. Every big business started out small.
Always advance Education and Experience. Prosperity is around every
corner if you work it right. This is a city that has no lack of corners.
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Is the billing for services like water and electricity fair? What
would you do as a municipal councillor to control water,
sewer and electricity charges residents pay?
Get the fluoride out of the tap water. Maybe we do not need
fluoride to wash our cars with.
Everybody in the world has industrial and residential rates.
Usage and efficiency of power you do use is not on par with
Europe.
We could use something similar to the recycle, reduce, reuse
model for energy & water efficiency & conservation. Education
and Experience is needed with waste disposal in our sewers.
We cant do much about the rates but we can be more careful with
it.
Get the same level of service with less. Education and Experience
For industries and the private homes.
This is an ongoing process forever.

organisations ( charities, social services, tourism groups )?
How much money should the city spend on these grants?
Which agencies?
Anybody that receives public money should be under review.
If the service level is good then we are happy to fund it. If it is
diminishing
or not serving, it will have to be dropped. For example, if the
Canadian Blood Services needs a lot of blood then give them
more access. It is an ongoing process constantly evaluated
by the public at all times. If it is redundant then pull it.
Reviewing is a big job but not as bad as mopping up failure
to provide due diligence. I will be watching the books.
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What sectors of the economy hold the key to future jobs?
As a municipal council member, how could you tap into them?
Education & Experience by having a team always watching to help people
By monitoring ways to help while the problem is manageable.
People pay taxes their whole life and they have different needs
at different stages of life. The job is to make a city that has services for
their citizens and what ever fate throws at them. We are there for them
that is our job. We are there for you after all you are they for us.
The streetlight shines down on everyone. We remove the snow
from all the roads. It is not hard to improve our city with such good people.
That is the best asset to work with.

I will be working with a team. I will be on a team of the best and smartest
people you elected. I will present my ideas to the team.
My vision is to make best use of what we have, which is the
tumbling waters down the street and to encourage people to come here,
stay here and raise families here and do the work that needs to be done
and serve each other.
We need to set goals and achieve the goals. We need the team made of
the best players and all on the ice at the same time. No high-sticking,
no body-slamming and keep out of the penalty box. Skate fast and hard
and get as many goals as you can during the game and you will win.
We will be working for the fans and the fans are rooting for the team.
This is not a hockey game as no one has to lose for us to win.
Setting goals and being focused is required for us to win.
Just as the pilot doesnt want to crash, or the team doesnt want to lose.
We want to win.
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Why are you running for office? What makes you qualified to make
decisions about spending and the municipal services we require?

I am running to help fix various problems plaguing our city for a long time and
our current council has basically neglected to fix. This includes transit
problems, economic development beyond tourism, utility cost escalations,
traffic problems, infrastructure problems and deficiencies, high unemployment
and people leaving the city. I believe my qualifications in helping my family run
a small business, my experiences in municipal boards and committees, a firm
understanding of law and by laws, firm understanding of municipal budgets,
networking with large businesses and political figures national and
international as well as the most important; listening to the people, make me
able to represent the people effectively on City Council.
If elected, at budget time, what property tax changes would you vote
for?

Decreases this term. We have enough waste and inefficiencies plus what we
get from the casino, we should be able to find money for this. We need to
decrease the fat at City Hall so we don't crush business development and
cause financial hardship to our citizens.

What municipal services are missing in Niagara Falls? How would you
pay for them?

Not so much municipal services we are missing because of City Council but
the Province needs to help our city and give us the GO Trains we need; we
need a maturity wing back an GNGH, we need the province to address the
escalating hydro costs so we can make industry afford to do business here.

15
Is the municipality providing any services we can do without? What are
they and what would you do with the found money?

We need to streamline our city hall and amalgamate some of the
departments. Also, we do a lot of contracting out to the private sector for
consulting services we should be doing ourselves since we have the
departments for it. Either we continue to contract our consultant work to the
private sector and basically dramatically reduce city hall or we reduce
consultant work and make our city staff do the job we pay them for; we can't
have both because it is costing the taxpayers a fortune. We can use the
money we make to put it toward non for profit groups such as affordable
housing cooperatives and charity groups.


Yes for the most part. Our city staff have the qualifications to research and
make recommendations but it is also important to get input from the people
and ultimately make decisions that is best for the people. You do this by
evaluating after listening to everyone's input and then you can make an
informed decision on voting and policy development based on that.


You can do this by ensuring their property taxes are reasonable based on
their income, build more affordable housing, ensure utility costs are
reasonable and not gouging, make sure infrastructure and services are in
place to make things like snow removal of sidewalks and roads, taken care of
if they need it as well as providing a proper Regional Transit. Also we need to
increase the $100 water credit for seniors to $250.

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young people?

Make sure council doesn't interfere with the natural development of
businesses by controlling spending, reducing taxes, reducing red tape,
reducing or eliminating unfair development charge practices and stop the
NIMBYism at City Hall. Our economy should be more than what is at
Clifton Hill. We should grow our industrial bases and make sure other
businesses including small businesses can build, grow and prosper in
Niagara Falls. Young people will stay in a thriving place if they can find
work and if businesses can operate various venues that young people
typically enjoy. I support post secondary education campus in Niagara
Falls but I would encourage a campus to be more diverse in its programs
besides the hospitality field.

What geographic areas of Niagara Falls need economic
revitalization? Why?

Competitive taxes and user fees, as little red tape as possible, ensure city
hall is as cooperative as possible, ensure by laws are useful and not
counter productive to growth, improve transit including amalgamating all
transit authorities into one Regional Transit, work with educational
institutions and businesses to help get programs that ensure local
businesses get employees that meet their requirements, competitive utility
costs, competitive zoning standards and appropriate flexibility in zoning.
As far as which geographic areas, all areas are important to my mandate
and all should be developed. In particular, we need to ensure the roads on
Fallsview Blvd are up to standard if we want to continue presenting
ourselves as a great tourist city; currently it is very unprofessional looking
and embarrassing to the tourist sector. If Niagara Falls wants to be like
Las Vegas, we need to act like Las Vegas.
17
Is the billing for services like water and electricity fair? What would
you do as a municipal councillor to control the water, sewer and
electricity charges residents pay?

The electricity rates are not fair. All the escalating prices are scaring
industries away and hurting our citizens. I want a public inquiry and report
as to why electricity is so high when we are so close to hydro generating
stations and why water and sewage is so high.

organizations (charities, social services, tourism groups)? How much
money should the city spend on these grants? Which agencies?

Yes we should when ever possible. We should establish a criteria on which
agencies can get grants and including a mandate on certain ones to ensure
money is going to demand groups that are in high demand and could be
classified as essential vs not so high and non essential. I will not support
any tourist groups getting money. If they want money they should seek
money from those collecting the Destination Promotion Fee because the
taxpayer is paying enough and we really need to allocate more funding
toward charities and affordable housing groups.

18

The City of Niagara Falls should do all that it can to ensure job growth
naturally from within and from outside. You need competitive taxes,
competitive fees and as little red tape as possible. Jobs will spring where
business owners believe they can make money in. We also need to work
with universities and colleges along with businesses and other stakeholders
to fill the gap between what training is offered to post secondary students
and what training and experience employers are looking for. We need to get
as many people to work as possible at existing places of employment that
are starving for a certain type of experienced employees that many are
having difficulties finding locally. We also need to encourage and find funds
through upper tier and the private sector to grow affordable housing; if people
can afford to live, people can afford to spend and stimulate the local
economy.

What is your vision for Niagara Falls? How do you make it happen
when you're just one voice on a municipal council?

I see a growing city exceeding into triple digits in population with a large
amount of people employed or training to get a job in the city. I see a city
connected to a true Regional Transit with people from this city and other
cities getting a connection to the GO Train from the Niagara Falls train
station. I see a downtown will lots of vibrant commercial and medium to high
residential. I see prosperity and growth in all districts of Niagara Falls. I may
be one voice but I am a strong voiced advocate and I am willing to work with
everyone to achieve this vision. There may be some at council that is not
interested but I am hoping the people can identify them and do a clean
sweep of council and elect those who are truly interested in serving all of the
people.
19
The citys future is dependent on partnering with regional, provincial and
federal governments. I have the experience and then some at both the
municipal and provincial levels dealing with all levels of government. I have
the direct knowledge and working expertise to be able to work closely with
the Council and city officials and to do just that. For example as the former
Niagara Falls MPP, I was able to persuade the provincial government to re-
work the citys contract with the Ontario Lotto Corporation that resulted in an
additional $20 million revenue to our city. To that end the $20 million should
not be used to incur new operating expenses, the Casino deal may change
like it did in Fort Erie. The best way to use this windfall is to pay down debt
and invest in repairing our roads and sewers. While that may sound dull it is
the SMART thing to do. Experience proves that... just ask Fort Erie!
I also want to work on reviewing the cancellation of leaf clean up service
and reviewing the costs of residential water bills particularly where the city
charges us for sewage disposal on water we use to water the lawn and
wash our cars. There must be a way to make the billing system fairer.
I have over 20 years of experience at the Municipal and Provincial Levels of
Government
1990-2003 - Local Alderman and City Councillor
2003-2013 - Niagara Falls MPP
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A: decreases
B: freezes
Why?
E: Slightly less than inflation.
Why: What the taxpayers of this town are never told is that in every year
the tax base has an automatic adjustment built in to the assessment base,
based on the rising value of the Fair Market Value of homes throughout the
town. This results in a tax windfall to the municipality. Every year in order not
to make difficult decisions council raises the taxes by inflation or claims they
are freezing taxes. They are not. They then grab this built-in hidden tax
windfall that usually results in a hidden tax increase that is greater than
inflation. If housing prices fall (and I hope they never do) the municipality will
be in deep financial trouble just to maintain reduced level of services.

This questions needs to be determine by the Residents and Businesses who
would give the Council advice on what additional services they require or
improved on.

Niagara Falls has entered a period of low population growth. There will be
opportunities to examine what are the consequences, both intended and
unintended. This may result in slowing down certain programs and
increasing others. Money found may well need to be redistributed to growing
programs. If there is a net savings the surplus needs to be redirected to
lowering our debt service charges which will result in more savings.
21
Is it important for municipal councillors to follow the advice of city
hall? Why or why not?
A council is only as good as the advice it gets from its professional staff
and the ability of staff to execute council's policy decisions. It is
imperative to listen to and fully understand the recommendations, the
risks and the opportunities that these recommendations present. A well
run council has only four jobs to do in an open and transparent way
1.) Define its mission/objective 2.) Hire the appropriate staff to direct
and execute the mission/objective 3.) Insure they have the necessary
resources to carry out the mission/objective 4.) Measure the results

How can the municipality ensure its senior citizens live
Most of the responsibility for seniors well being rests with regional and
provincial governments. The municipality in concert with the
community's service providers needs to work to ensure that seniors can
stay safely and in comfort in their own home for as long as possible. At
the local level it means that taxes need to be kept as affordable as
possible, that transportation and access to the community
infrastructure be welcoming as possible. We need to recognize that
seniors do not necessarily need a full set of services but on some
services, like snow removal, may require an enhanced set of services.
It's our job to make sure seniors get the services they require so they
can continue their excellent contributions to our community.

for young people?
Our young need hope and really need a future. The last decade has
seen far too many of our best and brightest leave the city for greener
pastures. We need to invest in infrastructure opportunities that will grow
both our community and opportunities for meaningful full time
employment. There is a brutal race for the best and brightest minds of
the future Niagara Falls needs to be at the front of that race. Thats
why I support the desire to bring a quality higher education university
campus to this community. It's not the full solution but it is certainly part
of one! (See answer 11&12)
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What geographic areas of Niagara Falls need economic revitalization?
Why?
Niagara needs to build on its strengths its people and its clean green
energy resources. 12% of Ontario's Hydro generating capacity sits on this
side of the Welland canal. We can deliver the cleanest, greenest most
reliable run of the river energy at the centre of North America's largest
population concentration. Surely we can capitalize on that. I support the
Beck Economic Cluster a consortium of industrial power users that is trying
to bring the power of the Sir Adam Beck Generating Stations back to serve
the economic interests of our community and in the process keep good
paying jobs and bring new ones to the City. We need to have a strategy to
compete against the success of the State of New York's Buffalo Billion
Dollar Investment Development Plan.

No.
I want to review the costs of our residential water bills particularly where the
city charges us for sewage disposal on water we use to water the lawn and
wash our cars. There must be a way to make the billing system fairer. Other
Municipalities like Halton region have a much fairer billing system. We can
do better!

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organizations (charities, social service agencies, tourism
groups)? How much money should the city spend on these
grants? Which agencies
The vibrancy of the city and the quality of our lives are greatly
enhanced by the arts and volunteer community groups. I have always
supported the not for profit sector community for what they do
professionally and with thousands of our community volunteers. The
tourism industry provides many , jobs and the municipality has
supported and encouraged that industry to grow and prosper. It has
and it will continue to grow. I certainly support the industry always
have and always will. It was always envisioned that after the billions
of dollars the public taxpayer has invested over the last 20 years
that at some point in time the tourist industry can and must stand
alone. I would welcome a dialog in the next coming four years to see
how that might be accomplished.

What should the municipality do to help people during tough
times? What sectors of the economy hold the key to future jobs?
As a municipal council member, how would you tap into them?
"It was the best of times It was the worst of times" and so began
Charles Dickens Tale of Two Cities. In many respects Niagara Falls
has benefited greatly from infrastructure investments in tourism,
energy, manufacturing, education and health. Our future growth is
dependent on partnering with regional, provincial, federal
governments and above all the private sector. I have the experience,
and then some, at both the municipal and provincial levels dealing
with all levels of government. I have the direct knowledge and
working expertise to be able to work closely with the Council and city
officials to do just that. But that is the past, but our future depends on
building on those investments in exciting new ways.
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when youre just one voice on a municipal council?
Our future will be different and it will be different in so many ways. Tough
times are always in the present but to turn an economy around is not
going to happen overnight. But as this question points out, we need a
strategy for investing over our next 20 years. We have the people and we
have some amazing resources. So there are three strategic areas I would
like to work closely with the mayor and council to develop

1. Education - Higher education like a university because it brings with it a
lot of high paying jobs and will support the establishment of the next two
industries. It has the added advantage of being an attractor to develop the
creative society we will need to really move forward in a serious way
restructuring the Niagara Falls economy. This in turn will provide more
economic opportunity to reverse Niagara's youth brain drain.

2. Health - As our population ages the need grows for trained
professionals and practitioners. Our new Niagara Falls South Hospital can
be a catalyst to form the basis a long with a University for a new medical
research campus that focuses on gerontology (aging) Again more high
paying rewarding satisfying jobs.

Contd on next page

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3. STEM - STEM is an acronym referring to the academic
disciplines of science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics.

The term is typically used when addressing
education policy and curriculum choices in schools to improve
competitiveness in technology development. It has tremendous
implications for workforce and local economic development
especially if the community invests in developing economic
incubators. Once again this is an education play but when
combined with focused research it will generate high paying jobs,
seed new industry and high tech start ups that in turn will lead to
brighter job prospects to keep our kids in Niagara and attract a new
generation of bight students to populate our peninsula . But I see our
future being routed in exploring how we can use the Ontario's
cleanest energy in some new and exciting ways. Renewable
environmental friendly clean energy can produce some spectacular
options. So Niagara Falls needs to invest in developing an education
alternative that is directly linked with the private sector. That means
we need to get senior governments to make important infrastructure
investments in the future, like a University campus that will focus on
STEM and do research on energy and energy deployment and
potable fast recharging energy storage. This in turn may lead to a
return of the automotive industry this time tied to the transportation
of the future not the past.

I am pleased to indicate I am running a Green Campaign and have
decided not put signs up all over the City respecting our
environment.
As well I have declined with thanks all the finanical donations offered
to me for my campaign .
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What makes you qualified to make decisions about spending and
the municipal services we require?
A: I am running for office because politics has always been a passion of
mine, as well as the desire to make the city I grew up in and am proud to
call home, a better place. Going campaigning for various local politicians
as a child and adolescent, I always knew I had a calling for politics and
one day it would be my turn to share my beliefs on the brochures I was
handing out.
I am currently a student at Brock University, and throughout my studies
in history, I have learned to develop a strong ability to think critically.
Critical thinking means that you do not take anything at face value. You
do your research, you build your viewpoint and then you execute your
thesis based upon the work you've already done. I therefore believe my
unique experience in this regard, will allow me to do the research on
whatever the issue is at City Hall, weigh in on both sides, and work
together with the rest of council to come up with the best possible
solution.

vote for and why?
A: I would vote for a freeze. My first order of business when I am voted
on to council will be to assess the current budget as well as the cost of
living, and the ways in which money is being spent in the city, so that I
can figure out the most feasible way to decrease the burden on the tax
payers. If a decrease is voted for without proper assessment, it could
lead to an increased debt. I do not believe in consistency with inflation
nor do I support taxes greater than inflation; I will work hard to figure out
a way to save the constituents money, as well as keep up with an
inevitable rise in costs. Therefore, voting for a freeze is the only viable
option to prevent a rising debt, as well as give the newly voted in council
a chance to evaluate and rectify the budget.
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What municipal services are missing in Niagara Falls? How would
you pay for them?
A: The constituents I have spoken with thus far have not said much in
regards to missing services in Niagara Falls, however, they have on
several occasions expressed the desire for current services to be
upgraded and improved. I do not believe in spending tax payers money
on services the city does not currently need. I support going back to the
drawing board and revamping current services such as Niagara Transit,
snowplowing, street cleaning, street repair, infrastructure repair, and the
Niagara Regional Transit system as well. When I get on council, I would
reevaluate the budget to see if monies are available, or can be
reallocated for these projects. We must fix what is broken, before we
can get involved in new projects.

Is the municipality providing any services we can do without? What
are they and what would you do with the found money?
A: I do not personally believe that there are any current services
provided municipally that we can do without. I would also like to qualify
my statement by saying that I would have to be voted on to council to
review all services that are being provided at this time. If there is a
service we can do without, I would advise that the found money be
allocated to a service that we on council have agreed there is a greater
need for. If there is not a need for a specific service, I would support
setting aside the money for future needs such as offsetting tax
increases, etc.

A: I prudently believe that municipal councillors should follow the advice
of City Hall. If council works together with City Hall to tackle the issues
at hand, I believe the outcome is far more plausible for the constituents
than when council and City Hall are divided. I believe we need both
factions working together as a team to make this city more successful in
all aspects.
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A: With an ageing population in all levels of community, I truly believe the
senior citizens who are the backbone of this community deserve to prosper
and be taken care of for their investment in this city. This is something that I
am very passionate about. After my last campaign in 2010, I visited many
nursing homes and homes of the elderly, and in many cases I was very
shocked to see their living conditions and their lack of opportunity to live a
more comfortable life. All members of council need to visit seniors living in
Niagara, be it in homes or in long-term care facilities, and come up with a
solution and a budget to make things more than acceptable for these very
important and valued citizens of Niagara Falls.

young people?
A: Being a student myself, I believe the city is currently neglecting the
youth of this community; who are the future of this city if they choose to
stay here. Most young people living in Niagara Falls can barely find full-
time work 4 months out of the year, and most people like myself have a
second or even third job. This is unacceptable; we have to bring more
sustainable full-time good paying jobs back to Niagara Falls if we expect
our students to afford paying for their studies and our graduates to remain
living and working in this city. We need to find ways to get local businesses
to provide full-time opportunities by instituting some type of by-law or
agreement that will provide this type of employment. The city needs to
provide the right climate for businesses to hire young adults. Students need
to be made aware of their guaranteed hours, so that they can maintain a
sustainable budget to live and complete school; therefore they will remain a
productive and integral part of this community.
.
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I currently believe in the last year, there has been a lot of economic
activity in some geographical areas of Niagara Falls. There has been the
development of new strip malls, and small business in the northern of
the city. The south end of town is also seeing a lot of shopping
developments, housing and some business park development. Queen
Street has seen a lot of infrastructure and development, which is
attracting small business and hopefully a post-secondary institution. The
one area I do see less activity is Chippawa, and I believe Chippawa is
one of the jewel's of our city for business development and tourism alike.
I envision many business opportunities and various tourist driven
functions which I will bring to council's attention, if given the opportunity.

Is the billing services like water and electricity fair? What would
A: I do not believe that the billing for services such as water and
electricity are fair at the present time. I have had several constituents
speak with me and have voiced their concern about their lack of water
usage, and yet they receive a bill that is much more than they had
anticipated. If elected on to council, I would like to find out why residents
of Niagara Falls have some of the highest hydro rates in the province,
taking into consideration the fact that we are supplying the power for a
large number of cities. These are issues that need to be addressed and
properly assessed by the newly elected council to make sure the people
of Niagara Falls are being billed accordingly and fairly. Spreading out the
tax base is a suggestion I would propose at City Hall, by addressing who
is not paying their service bills in full and holding them accountable for
their whole bill. This in turn, would levy the tax base and therefore lower
the current rates Niagara Falls residents are paying. Initially municipal
taxes were created to cover things like roads and water service for its
residents, I want to know what has happened to that principle of initial
taxation.
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organizations (charities, social service agencies, tourism groups)? How
much money should the city spend on these grants? Which agencies?

A: I truly believe the municipality should continue to provide grants to outside
organizations with scrutiny, because in order for Niagara Falls to truly be
successful and thrive, the next council must maintain already established
(and in some cases long established) partnerships and relationships. For
example, tourism groups bring tourists here, who in turn spend their money
in our city on souvenirs, food, attractions, as well as filling up our hotels.
Jeopardizing not providing grants to these groups is economical suicide,
especially in a tourism driven city like Niagara Falls. Special interest groups
like arts and culture need to be supported as well, because it has been
proven over and over again in numerous communities that these groups help
mitigate economic success in these cities and act as a barometer. In regards
to how much money we should spend on such grants and which agencies
we should support, that would have to be a evaluated and discussed by
council to carefully and wisely build up our reputation as a world class
destination.
.
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A: Hard economic times call for a disciplined and focused council, that
puts forth major efforts through controlled spending to turn a city's
financial situation completely around, even when it is surrounded by
economic collapse. I believe any problem can be solved with research
and unresolved actions to correct and maintain a proper economic
course of action. When you find ways to help educate and employ
people that are going through tough times, you create positive actions
in your city that people will be proud of and continue to grow the city's
economic recovery. There is always a way, and employing people
along those ways will guarantee continued and supported successes. I
want to meet my constituents and understand their situations, so I can
bring it back to council and find a solution that will benefit everyone, in
every corner of Niagara Falls. The sectors of the economy that I see
as holding the key to future jobs are maintaining and increasing
success in the tourism industry, procuring good paying manufacturing
facilities that are viable for longevity, expanding arts and culture, and
actively searching to bring post-secondary institutions to Niagara Falls.
The only way to tap into these sectors is for council to foster the
proper climate for productivity and creating several initiative
committees that have to include the electorate.
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What is your vision for Niagara Falls? How do you make
it happen when you're just one voice on a municipal
council?
A: My vision for Niagara Falls is one of prosperity for all who
live and play here and I undoubtedly believe it is possible.
This can be achieved with a council of like-minded people, full
of energy and conviction, combined with positive team
players that all share the same goals and principles. Those
goals have to include all sectors and citizens of this great city.
Keep in mind this will not happen overnight, patience and
persistence go hand in hand with our city's successes. As one
single person, with one vote, I can not realistically achieve my
vision on my own. Keep in mind that all things start with
ideas, research and fortitude, which I am very well
accustomed to. I will push for what I and my constituents
believe in. This city belongs to all generations and I want to
make it that way. In order for change to take place, you the
people of the city of Niagara Falls, must be bold and
educated in the votes you make, to make sure you vote in the
council that is best going to represent and benefit you.
Change has always been in your hands!
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34
I am running to represent the wants and needs of the people of Niagara
Falls.
Experience on Council doesn't necessarily lead to the ability that is
required. What is required is willingness to listen to the people of this city
and analytic skills that lead to sound decision-making. None of the current
Councillors can match my years of professional education together with
successful management of a local business.

for
A: decreases
B: freezes
Why?
Decrease! Our taxes in Niagara Falls are among the highest in the Region
and compared to cities elsewhere in southern Ontario. If we can lower our
taxes, we will have greater job growth, investment in our City and
sustainability.

you pay for them?
First, consider providing free wifi citywide. Secondly, bring back the fall
curbside leaf collection that Council voted to end several years ago. This
was such a minor item in the budget (a cup of coffee per resident) but
made our streets safer and was a great service. Especially for seniors who
now currently have to spend more time and labour acquiring leaf bags to
get the job done. Services like these, if properly structured, would be a
fraction of the money given to the City by the Casino.
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It is time to look at duplication, such as a local tourism board and a regional
tourism board. Are both really necessary? It is also time to look at the costs
of work done by the city to see how taxpayers can save money. And taxpayer
funded overseas trips, approved by Council in recent years, we can surely do
without!
Why or why not?
It is more important to listen to the people the Councillors represent. At the
same time, Councillors should heed any advice and cautions presented by
city staff who have professional expertise in an area, and then work to best
accommodate what the citizens want.
Keep the taxes down! Secondly, create a Seniors Advisory Committee with
the mandate of making our City senior safe and senior friendly.
young people?
Keep the taxes down so young people can afford to make a start here. Listen
to what young people say. The Mayor's Youth Advisory Council is a good
start as it allows our high school students to engage in community projects
and programs that involve them in our City. The city should create a High
School Alumni Council to meet the needs of 18-24 year olds in our City.

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What should the municipality do to encourage economic
activity? What geographic areas of Niagara Falls need
economic revitalization? Why?
Keep the taxes down! Work with entrepreneurs and developers
considering relocating here to negotiate tax incentives and
payment alternatives. Through the effective utilization of CIPs, we
can offer a fertile environment for economic growth and
development to thrive. Encourage networking and mentorship in
the business community through use of the Niagara Falls Small
Enterprise Centre and allow entrepreneurs to see and feel the
potential for investment and long-term growth within Niagara. The
entire city can benefit from economic revitalization in any area of
the city.

No, there is always room for improvement.
Why should every Councillor be on the board of the Niagara Falls
Hydro Holding Corp (Holdco), each collecting $4800 per year
whether they attend or not! Wouldn't residents who have
professional experience in electricity management, production or
delivery better serve us on the board, in order to understand
where money is wasted and efficiencies can be made to save the
taxpayers money.

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groups)?
agencies
Yes, the city should continue providing grants to organizations that
provide benefits to our residents.
To make decisions on funding local organizations, there is a new trend
towards citizen input in the budget process. For example, residents in
different districts of New York City hold neighbourhood assemblies to
begin a process for residents to decide how to spend funds. This is
called Participatory Budgeting. It is a good way to make decisions
based on what the people want, not just what Council wants.

Keep taxes down! An intercity transportation system that can
eventually link the Niagara Region to Toronto would open up new job
possibilities. Free wifi in our city would make it a desirable place for
business relocation.

What is your vision for Niagara Falls? How do you make it
Is to creative a city where our children and grandchildren are able to
wear their true identity pound and happy to call their home!
My enthusiasm and hardworking persistence will go a long way to help
create an environment that inspires the achievement of greatness
together.
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I am running for re-election because I want to see the issues that are
important to residents being dealt with. I enjoy public service and working
with residents to bring solutions to their concerns. I believe we have come
a long way this past term, and there is more work to be done to achieve
the goals this council has set. My experience over the past 15 years and
my reputation for doing my homework and speaking prepared has made
me qualified to deal with issues of spending and the municipal services
that we provide. There is nothing private about public money.

for
A: decreases
B: freezes
Why?
I believe there is a two-point answer to this question. I would agree to
freeze taxes as long as our new casino revenue deal continues to bring in
the amount of revenue we are benefitting from now and those dollars are
directed to fund projects that would normally come from property tax
dollars. But because the revenue that flows to the city is tied to a
percentage of casino revenues, that could drop dramatically and then I
would support a raise consistent with inflation.

you pay for them?
The city is providing the mandatory municipal services that we are
required to provide. Some well, others, not so much. While we are
providing a transit system it is in need of much improvement to make it
user friendly and operate in the manner that working residents, students
and seniors who use the system everyday need. We need to move to a
half hour service with better connections to meet the needs of the users.
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Nothing comes to mind in regard to highlighting a service we can do
without. This ties into the following question actually. If there was a
service that our staff believes we could do without, it should be brought
to council for us to decide.

It is important to follow the advice of city hall staff as long as the
information is complete and totally accurate and not presented in a spin
to make council vote in the direction staff wants an issue to go.

For seniors on a fixed income (CPP and Old Age Pension) , many are
living just at or under the poverty level. This category of seniors need
more affordable housing that is available in a shorter time period than
the average 2-4 years that is the present wait time. Perhaps one solution
is looking at property tax rebates to assist to seniors ability to stay in
their family home. Public transportation also needs to be drastically
improved for seniors that need to get around to buy groceries, doctors
appointments or to attend jobs that they still have to work at, just to get
by.

for young people?
What we are doing now isnt working. Our kids are going away to
college/university and upon graduating they are choosing to live
elsewhere. With Niagara Falls having one of the highest unemployment
rates this exodus isnt going to stop. I dont have an easy answer or
solution. I firmly believe is time to ask the citys economic development
agency to address this issue now and for council to make it a priority
ASAP. We need our young people to have opportunities in Niagara
Falls.
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Why?
In order to stimulate economic growth in areas that need economic
revitalization the city has created Community Improvement Plans in areas
such as Main/Ferry and the Downtown. While revitalization has been slow, it
is moving forward. In order to draw new business here the city needs to
seriously listen to the concerns being expressed by stakeholders about the
high cost of development charges and permit fees. If this is the impediment,
then council may have to adjust accordingly to make it more beneficial to
attract white-collar businesses that employ more than 5 people and pay
minimum wage. We need to determine what type of businesses we want
here, and aggressively go after them.

What would you do as a municipal councillor to control the water,
The service charges for water/sewer are outrageous, and much higher than
many, if not all our surrounding communities. The rationale behind the rates
increases was that we would be investing in our water/sewer mains to
reduce our water loss. And residents would be motivated to conserve water.
For a number of years we believed we were successful, but in fact a report to
council this past year highlighted that the reduction of loss was not
happening. There is 100 million dollars of water/sewer main improvements
needed to bring us up to date. That is not going to happen in the life span of
the next ten councils, knowing that, we need to reduce the service charges
we are imposing on the residents. I made these comments during the
deliberation of this years water charges and voted against the increase that
was imposed. The city does not control the cost of electricity charges. The
Ontario Energy Board dictates the cost of electricity. Only 20 percent of the
customers bill stays in Niagara Peninsula Energy, which is used to replace
items such as, poles and wires that allow NPEI to deliver your electricity to
your homes.
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agencies
The municipality should continue to invest in outside organizations that
benefit the residents of the city but should be reviewed annually to
ensure we are getting value for our dollar.

The answer to the previous question helps in the response to this one.
The charities and social services that the city invests in and deem as
fees for service benefit the residents during tough times. While
tourism is our main industry, it is crucial that as a whole, council take a
look at any serious business sector interested in relocating here and do
our utmost to make it happen.

I am very fortunate as an incumbent that I had the opportunity to work
with my fellow council members as a team to come up with a vision for
Niagara Falls. That is to see a thriving city that our children want to
come home to. A diverse city that offers a range of Arts and Culture in
an affordable manner. This can be implemented with the consultants
report that the new council will deal with. A new full service South
Niagara Hospital that is built with the transportation infrastructure for
the residents to get there. I would like to see a thriving downtown and
continue working with the BIA to achieve that. I will continue to work
hard to get our Transit System to the level the residents deserve. I
have never made a campaign promise because I depend on 8 other
people to make anything happen. I just commit to do my best for the
residents.
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decisions about spending and municipal services we require?
I am running because I believe I have the business and governance
experience and acumen to provide leadership and value to the city. The
city of Niagara Falls is a large Corporation, and I have vast experience in
the five functions of management, (planning, organizing, staffing, directing,
and controlling), through my years on council and sitting on the boards of
many local organizations including a bank , and my own experience in
business. The city is on track to spend over $100 million in infrastructure
work over the next term, projects like sewers, roads and related works, I
have owned companies that perform this type of heavy construction and
understand the technical aspects of these types of projects.
This city has provided a wonderful home to my family for over 100 years, I
love this city, and I want to give back, and work at constantly improving the
quality of life for our residents.

for:
A: decreases
B: freezes
Why?
Reduction. Every year over the past four years, I have pushed to have
decreases, and we have generally had a very minimal increase in taxes. I
was part of the council that fought to get a much greater share of gaming
revenues for this city from the OLG, and we have been successful and in
fact are on track to receive in excess of $20 million of new revenue, on a
yearly basis, to the city. Now , more than ever it is a reasonable
expectation for the residents to expect a tax decrease and I will work to
achieving that goal

you pay for them?
I believe the city provides the majority of services that people expect.
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Is the municipality providing any services that we can do without?
What are they, and what would you do with the found money?
It is my experience that the residents of Niagara Falls expect the council to
maintain the services and programs they have now, and of course work at
making them even more efficient.

Is it important for municipal councilors to follow the advice of city
The city staff is just one of the resources that I rely on to assist in making a
sound decision on an issue.

First is to control taxes as most seniors are on a fixed income, and work
with other levels of government for better health care for seniors and make
all city departments adapt to the needs of seniors as the country goes
through the aging population boom.

young people?
The city needs more post-secondary education and technical training
options to groom our youth for productive and prosperous career
opportunities and I will continue my pro-development approach to attract a
more diversified job market that encourages youth to want to stay and grow
their futures in Niagara.

What economic areas of Niagara Falls need economic revitalization?
Why?
We should continue to support the economic development department and
give them even more tools they need to attract more new business and
development. There are many areas of the city that could benefit from
some revitalization.

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you do as a municipal councilor to control the water, sewer and
I believe the fees should be geared to consumption, and we should
constantly strive to provide reliable services as economically as possible.

Which agencies should be funded?
Over the years, the various federal and provincial and regional government
agencies which are obligated to provide funding for social services, have not
kept up adequate levels of funding and resources for social services in
Niagara Falls. As result, the city has had no alternative, but to provide
additional financial support to these agencies. We need to provide
assistance to those in our municipality who are in need, however, I do not
want to lose site of the fact that it is primarily the role of the other levels of
government to properly fund these organizations.

municipal council member, how would you help tap into them?
The city should have a strong network of support services for people in tough
timesthe first is to help provide the emergency essentials of life , (food and
shelter); the second is to ensure they have access to programs to help them
get back on their feet.
Regarding jobs, a city needs to have a strong diversified mix of commerce
and industry. Today the city is dependent on tourism for both employment
and the tax base, and while tourism should be encouraged to develop and
grow, we need to encourage light manufacturing and high tech and more
educational based industries and green industries for example.
As a large employer in Niagara Falls, I am constantly meeting with new and
prospective industry leaders and developers in Niagara Falls to encourage
them to invest in the city.
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What is your vision of Niagara Falls? How do you make it happen
My vision of Niagara is to be the city of choice for young families to set
roots and raise their families because of the quality of life that this
unique town has to offer and to ensure it is safe for its residents with
excellent educational facilities and efficient and modern health care;
wonderful recreation facilities and a robust arts and culture scene. Also
to celebrate this amazing and unique natural wonder that makes us
known worldwide.
Sincerely,
Vince Kerrio, Candidate for Niagara Falls City Council

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As a journalist with The Review for 15+ years, I learned a lot about this
community, its people and its issues. Covering city hall for years, I also
learned about how local government works. Following a career change this
year, I want to put that knowledge to use as a city councillor. As a reporter, I
earned a reputation for being non-nonsense, fair, analyzing all sides of an
issue and for calling it the way I saw it. These assets would be valuable on
council.

for
A: decreases
B: freezes
Why?
My preference is not reflected in these options. I chose "C" because it most
closely reflects how I feel. But I believe tax increases should be below the
rate of inflation in the short term (the four-year term of council) because the
Niagara Falls economy has not rebounded from the 2008 recession the way
other Ontario communities have. Lower-than-inflation tax increases will give
the city additional revenue each year, but give taxpayers a chance to keep
up to increasing costs. Lower-than-inflation tax increases could be an
incentive to businesses to stay in town or expand, or for new businesses to
move here. In the short-term, council can use some money from the OLG's
annual $20-million casino-hosting payment to keep tax increases below
inflation.
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pay for them?
We're missing a road to the Gale Centre. Funding for that has already been
earmarked. But the poor planning that led to the construction of a $40-
million arena before knowing whether a road could be built to it was not
council's finest hour. Many of the incumbent councillors made that decision.
There's more the city can do to support community arts groups. Enacting
some of the recommendations in the 2014 Culture Plan (hiring a culture
officer, studying how to build a "cultural hub," and proceeding with a
performing arts centre) will fill a void in that sector. A culture officer position
can be created from the general purpose budget; a cultural hub and
performing arts centre will need to be financed through a longer-term capital
budget, possibly making use of the new OLG revenue.
Recreational and cultural activities aimed at teens (12-18) could be
improved in Niagara Falls. There are services for young children, but not
much for the "tween" and teen set. The city could take the lead here.
Increased youth programming can be found within the existing recreation
and culture budget or paid for through small increases to that budget.
As a tennis player, I lament the state of the courts in city parks. Tennis is a
great recreational and social activity people can enjoy all their lives. It's a
shame when the MacBain Centre was built, that it did not include tennis
courts. They can be funded through the existing parks' capital budget and
maintained through the annual operating budget.
Transit needs to be improved. Niagara is a fork in the road. If transit is to be
an effective service that's relevant and useful to residents, it needs to move
ahead with 30-minute wait times (at least on most routes) and better
evening and weekend service. Improved transit service will need funding
from the general purpose budget (which might justify a small increase in the
tax levy). In time, increased ridership should bring in more revenue.

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Overall, the city is involved in providing the right services. Stronger
direction by council could lead to better delivery of existing services.
I'd like to see a reduction in the "gifts" the mayor's office hands out at
ribbon cuttings and to visiting dignitaries. It's not a big line item in the
budget, but the plaques and framed pictures the mayor gives out add up.
It's appropriate for the mayor to recognize an office opening, but with a
struggling economy, a certificate might suffice instead of a more
expensive plaque. That money could be absorbed into the general
purpose budget and used for roadwork.

Councillors should consider that city staff are professionals who are
being paid very well for their advice. That said, it is only advice.
Councillors need to have the analytical and critical thinking skills to
evaluate a lot of different advice - from staff, residents, business, and
other governments - and proceed with a decision. Councillors with
professional experience sifting through mountains of information and
making it mean something will help this city move forward. I have that
experience.

The most immediate thing a council can do to help seniors live
comfortably is to keep their costs of living affordable. The less property
taxes, water bills and hydro bills go up, the more able seniors will be to
manage their financial affairs. The city can also ensure services like
snow-plowing is done effectively. And the city needs to create opportunity
for young people so they can fill the ranks as taxpayers, relieving the
burden from seniors whose incomes are often fixed.
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for young people?
Young people need the opportunities to get good, meaningful jobs in
their fields, to be able to buy a home, and to be able to raise a family.
Affordable property taxes, hydro bills and water bills are the most
immediate thing council can do to attract new investment. If more
companies come here, the more likely young people will find work that
doesn't require them to move to the GTA or other greener pastures. If
taxes and utilities are affordable, it will be an incentive for them to buy a
home. If the city provides amenities like arenas, parks, recreational
facilities (MacBain Centre, skateboard park, Firemen's Park, etc.) and
cultural activities, it will make the city livable for young people and
they'll be less inclined to move to a more "happening" city.

Affordable, reasonable, stable property taxes will encourage economic
activity. Level-headed decision making will signal to investors this city is
run by competent people. When a council builds an arena without a
road to it, investors will be leery. Downtown, Main & Ferry, Chippawa,
and Niagara Square have empty storefronts, while Lundy's Lane,
Fallsview, Clifton Hill and Five Corners seem to be more robust. In
struggling areas, part of the problem is a shift in population and
changing consumer trends.
Ongoing work by the business development office to support existing
businesses and to attract new ones is important. However, it's a
competitive world, and Niagara Falls is jockeying with other attractive
communities.
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Is the billing for service like water and electricity fair?
The "user-pay" concept for water and electricity is fair. There's a
network of wires, water mains and sewers to maintain.
Everyone has an interest in seeing them maintained, so
everyone should share in the cost of being connected. After
that, it's fair for people to pay based on how much of the
commodity they consume. Private services (phone, cable, gas)
work the same way.
Council can help keep residents' (and business') bills down by
proper maintenance of water mains, sewers and hydro wires.
When treated water is lost through leaky pipes, we all end up
paying for it on our bills. The same with lost electricity. When
rainwater ends up at a sewage treatment plant because of
combined storm and sanitary sewers, we're all paying more
than we should be to unnecessarily treat water. Accelerating the
existing infrastructure maintenance plan by using some of the
OLG's $20-million casino-hosting payment would help reduce
some of the unnecessary water, sewage and electricity costs
that are passed onto residents and businesses.
51

A municipality can help people during tough times by keeping their costs of
living (taxes, water bills, and hydro bills) as low as possible. Council can
provide financial assistance to social agencies like Project SHARE and the
United Way. If city hall doesn't support the agencies that help people, that
responsibility will fall to city hall directly. I'd be worried that city hall couldn't
provide those social services as effectively as the charitable sector does.
Technology-based businesses probably hold the key to future jobs more
than manufacturing does. Predicting "the next big thing" is impossible.
Communities that succeed in a knowledge-based economy as the one who
have an educated labour force with general skills in technology and critical
thinking whose workers are nimble enough to adapt to whatever "the next
big thing" is. Nobody could have predicted 20 years ago that smart phones
would be such a key economic sector, but Kitchener succeeded because
its residents were well-trained, educated and knew how to get on board
when Blackberry took off.
Niagara Falls can tap into emerging sectors by working closely with Brock
University, Niagara College, local school boards, provincial and federal
economic development agencies to identify future growth sectors and to
prepare the work force for them.
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happen when you're just one voice on a municipal council?

My vision for Niagara Falls is a city where people of all ages can
live with dignity. That means being able to find meaningful,
rewarding work that pays the bills. That will require an economy
that's more diversified than it is now. It means being able to afford
home ownership - which requires affordable taxes and utility bills.
My vision includes a city people can be proud of, which will require
parks, arenas, ballparks, museums and arts centres that people
are connected to. My vision includes opportunities for young people
so they don't have to seek greener pastures in the Greater Toronto
Area. It includes a comfortable and affordable retirement for
seniors, who can rely on productive younger workers filling their
ranks as taxpayers and easing their burden.
A councillor must be willing and able to articulate his or her voice,
which is why communication skills are valuable. He or she must be
courageous enough to proclaim a vision even in the face of
criticism. I have those communications skills and newspaper
readers know I have that kind of courage.
53
Why are you running for office? What makes you qualified to
make decisions about spending and the municipal services we
require?
It is the right time for me. I have spent the last 25 years with
businesses and non profits in Niagara and globally, learning the
secrets of how to get the right things done in a financially responsible
manner
Now I want to focus on a greater role in serving my community.
I have spent several years studying how council works and what it
can and cannot do. I have looked at the issues facing the city today
and what can be done.
vote for?
A: decreases
B: freezes
Why?
C: Consistent with inflation.
So much of what happens in our city depends on the municipal
budget. Adequate funding is of the upmost importance.
Maintaining the tax rates without considering inflation is tantamount to
a tax cut, and not in our best interest.
An argument can be made that the tax rate is higher here than
somewhere like Toronto but one needs to consider the fact that
Toronto is struggling with crumbling infrastructure precisely because
of underfunding due to politicians following through with unwise
promises about the tax cuts. It ends up costing more money in the
long run.
The fact is that Niagara Falls is an older city with an infrastructure that
needs updating. It is expensive but it has to be priority #1.

54
What municipal services are missing from Niagara Falls? How
A community park the city can call its central gathering spot to
reduce Optimist Park. It was a real loss for the city and there would be
broad support for it. If that community gathering place is going to be
downtown, Queen Street, then we have to redouble the focus on making
downtown the heart of the city as it once was. It is great that Fireman's
Park is protected but it's not the same kind of place and can't serve the
same purpose. Cut red tape and finish the Fireman's Park building so that
residents can enjoy it. Currently, it is an eyesore. The implementation of
the Arts and Culture plan. Streamlined processes for building permits.
Town hall meetings throughout the year for residents to meet with the city
council to consider the issues. Expanded services for seniors recognizing
that this is becoming a retirement community. Our new city transit system
still needs some attention as does the fledgling Regional system and the
expansion of GO to Niagara. Doctor recruitment. In the 2014 budget,
there was no expense for this. It needs to be a priority. More bike lanes as
new roads are constructed and review retrofitting old ones. Finish the
Millennium Trail. Preparations for a west end fire department need to be
seen through to completion in a timely manner, which includes staffing
and equipment. Community co-operative car sharing needs to be
encouraged to augment our transit system. An Aboriginal cultural
interpretation centre that would attract locals and utilize tourism as a
successful funding model.
55
As a council we would be required to look at the money that is
available and the wish list of programs and services. As a team we would:
consult with staff and residents
review how many people would benefit from the service
review for duplication or other services that are similar
prioritize
allocate the funds
Innovative ways to make the budget go farther include:
Investigate potential self funding programs such as arts initiatives that
partner with the tourism sector. There are numerous examples of this being
successful around the world.
Arts and culture have been undervalued in Niagara Falls. It is not an
'extra'. It is an exceptional business opportunity that we have been missing
out on.
Business needs to be encouraged to invest in providing for the needs
of the growing senior population. There is great profit potential in this and
businesses that reap those rewards could be encouraged to sponsor senior's
services.
Expand the 'leaf buddy' and 'snow buddy' programs into a volunteer
program that could be an important part of helping those in need.
Use the OLG income, but only after it is received, not spending it
before it is received.
Review water/sewer fees for high capacity users who get volume
breaks and monitor them more closely for accurate billing.
Review liquidating of city assets/property that are no longer used or
required.
Be proactive on collection of property tax/fee collection.
Have more city hall involvement in grant applications for local non-profit
groups on an on going basis so the funding does not have to come from the
city budget.
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Is the municipality providing any services we could do with out?
No. Not from my research to date but I would be interested in
reviewing this if elected with input from staff.

Is it important for municipal councillors to follow the advice of
city hall? Why or why not?
The job of staff at city hall is to keep council informed, make
suggestions about ways to proceed and to carry out the decisions of
council.
As a councillor, due diligence requires even further research on the
issues, an understanding of the thoughts and feelings of residents and
input from business owners, the Chamber of Commerce and other
stakeholders, and finally to apply his or her own knowledge and
experience.
The citizens of Niagara Falls have put their faith in a councillor to
be informed in their decision making as possible.

Most importantly, the city needs to encourage business to invest in
reaping the benefits of servicing the expanding senior population as
Niagara Falls is becoming a popular retirement community.
Participation by seniors in civic life will be enhanced by a thriving
arts and culture community, by accessible buildings, recreation facilities
and parks and age friendly programs.
Volunteerism, by and for seniors and other, can go along way to
building a welcoming community to live in.
Affordable housing and transit that consider the seniors needs is
vital. Cooperative community car sharing is an innovative affordable
means of transport that needs to be utilized.
Consultation of seniors groups in matters that affect them and the
whole community should be a priority for city council.
57
young people?
Develop the new industries I have described in my answers throughout this
questionnaire, to provide the better paying jobs that young people need to see
to make the decision to remain here after they have completed their
education.
Help the industries that call Niagara home now stay competitive and to grow.
We need to make a future in the Niagara tourism industry more appealing.
There are more and more good paying jobs in the expanding sector all the
time but there is a stigma associated with it here. The fact is there are many
people moving here from all over the world to be part of it. Also encouraging
employers to get involved with the growing 'living wage' movement can help
people with lower incomes the industry and help them provide their families
with a comfortable life.
We need to see the tourism industry form partnerships with the local arts and
culture industries to develop the potential that has been untapped here. The
fact is every other tourism destination in the world has done this
successfully creating an effective economic generator and an enhanced for
their visitors. Why not here?
Jobs in the expanding seniors care market can also be viable career options
for young people.
Attracting a new college, university campus and/or trade schools would be a
huge factor in appealing to young people.
Affordable housing and affordable and reliable local and regional transit
including community co operative car sharing are big factors in attracting
youth. I have heard so that long, to the point of impossible commuting times
have deterred students from studying in Niagara.
Entrepreneurial villages that bring investment stakeholders together are a
great way to keep young eager entrepreneurs here. We need to foster these
environments.
58
Direct assistance to the business community from the city is limited by the
Municipal Act but various grants, refunds and rebates can be utilized,
especially in the use of unused and underused municipal properties.
Streamlined processes for building permits can be implemented as well.
An important part of attracting businesses is showing that Niagara Falls is an
outstanding community to live in. They have to be able to attract the best
prospective employees.
Effective and affordable transit, city wide, regionally and with the expanded
GO system to Niagara Falls, is crucial. Community co-operative car sharing is
also an important way to meet transportation needs in the future.
City Council can take steps to encourage 'entrepreneurial villages' that bring
investors and entrepreneurial together to innovate.
Facilitate growing industries such as serving the expanding seniors
population/retirement community.
Affordable housing also produces a stronger and healthier workforce.
University, college campus, trade school.
Beyond the implementation of the official 'Culture plan' we need to utilize the
vast resource of artistic talent in Niagara Falls as an industry that is ready to
be harnessed.
Taking advantage of the under used south end of the city, as an area with
easy highway access and lots of potential that includes the South Niagara
hospital.
Co-operative residential communities that partner with light industry and new
eco friendly technology industries will also be a boost.
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What geographic areas of Niagara Falls need economic revitalization. Why?
Downtown.
The former heart of the city has been on a long path back to economic success.
The right things are starting to happen and the potential just needs to be
followed up on. We need to see progress in the area of the train station, bus
station and former police station.
This is an area of the city that should greatly benefit from partnerships between
the tourism sector and local art and culture.
There is also great potential in bringing back a week end market and/or
establishing a night market.
Finally and very importantly the old downtown is ready to host a post secondary
campus. We need to work hard to make this happen.
Main and Ferry
Main and Ferry is another older part of town that is seeing some revitalization at
this point mostly because of it's historical importance, but it still has more great
untapped potential.
The farmers market at Sylvia Place should be expanded and developed without
delay to attract tourists as well as be more useful to locals. Tourists come to
Niagara partly because of the wine industry and Niagara's legendary fruit
industry. We can make that part of their experience there by establishing a VQA
wine market like the now hugely successful ones at the farmers market in
Grimsby and else where in the province.
The vast Southern part of the city
If you look at a map of Niagara Falls the first thing that jumps out at you is
the majority of it is agricultural land in the south.
There is huge potential for growth here. The soil and climate are not the best for
farming but easy access to the QEW gives it huge potential for a wide variety of
development.
Golf courses and light industry are starting to grow here. The city has wisely
moved its transit HQ to that area. It's also the best pick by far for the sight of the
proposed new Niagara South hospital.
I predict market forces will make this area a growth centre for residential areas
including more adult life style communities and co-operative communities that
include light industry and employ the latest eco friendly renewable
neighbourhood generated and stored energy.
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No not in every instance. Some high volume users are not paying enough.
Some water and sewer users who use no utilities for part of the year (snow
birds and others) argue that if they are not using services while they are out
of town, why should have to pay. But just providing and maintaining the
availability of the service costs money and a base rate is appropriate.
Electricity rates are high now and reflect a province wide system that
needs attention; updating an aging grid that actually wastes power and
whether or not to pour huge amounts of money into refurbishing nuclear
plants are the challenges.
As a city we need to work with the province. We need to focus on a new
power delivery system that utilizes modern technologies. We have the
opportunity to encourage businesses in our city that will produce these
systems and be on the fore front of this coming change.
Technologies like neighbourhood eco friendly renewable micro power
generation and storage with delivery possibly through co-operative
associations.
This great business opportunity is also how we will eventually get to much
more affordable electricity across the province.
The farther we get along in updating the water and sewer systems, the less
it will cost the taxpayer for repairs in the long run. High volume users need
to pay a little more in my opinion and need to be monitored more closely.
agencies?
Prudent decisions regarding this depend solely on the funds that are
available after the essentials have been covered and every effort has been
made to fund activity through private enterprise, sponsorship and
community involvement.
61
What should the municipality do to help people during tough times? What
sectors of the economy hold the key to future jobs? As a municipal
council member, how would you tap into them?
Avoid tough times in the first place as much as possible by stimulating the
economy with a population that is receiving a 'living wage'.
Through a real effort to provide affordable housing so there isn't a 7 year waiting
list. People who spend 75% of their social assistance cheque on living in a hotel
month to month can end up turning to crime and substance abuse. In the end
we all pay the price. Affordable transit is an important part of the equation too.
I would like to see a rejuvenated effort to bring mental health professionals to
Niagara; right now it is a crisis situation that needs immediate attention.
I would like to also encourage more community involvement in programs
that assist those in crisis situations, There is a growing spirit of
volunteerism in the community that that can get more focused and organized.
I have spoken above the potential for Niagara Falls to capitalize on the coming
changes in power generation and storage technology.
Niagara Falls is recognized around the world still as a centre for power
generation technology with a history that includes the like of Tesla and others.
We should capitalize on that and encourage an industry and related industries
here that will be on the cutting edge.
As I have also mentioned above there is great business potential in growing
the arts and culture community and in serving the growing retirement
community in Niagara Falls are both opportunities.
Also if there is success in establishing a new hospital in Niagara Falls an effort
should be made to encourage businesses in the health field to establish
themselves here.
Ways that council can help tip the balance in attracting these industries include
assistance with grant applications
one time refunds/rebates of initial development and other charges within the
guidelines of the Municipal Act.
facilitating an entrepreneurial village where investors and entrepreneurs can
network and launch new ventures.
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you're just one voice on a municipal council?
My goal is to achieve and maintain the best quality of life for our residents.
I would like to see everyone in our community with quality jobs with incomes
that can comfortably support families.
I see a new focus on arts, culture and community spirit.
I would like to see Niagara Falls be a destination where visitors feel
welcomed. And leave feeling like they have been to one of the most incredible
places on Earth. We want them to be telling people to come here and to want
to return. Unfortunately the reality is that we still have a bit of a reputation for
taking advantage of travelers. We have to work on changing this.
Although tourism is important to Niagara Falls, we need to find a balance
between the wants and needs of the tourism industry and the wants and
needs of the residents of Niagara Falls. Right now the residents are feeling
ignored.
Transparency and accountability at city hall have been a challenge.
Residents and stakeholder groups have felt shut out. There have been,
perhaps too many decisions being discussed behind closed doors in 'in
camera' sessions. We need to change this.
One very difficult but important change I think the city needs to see eventually
is the rerouting of railroad track through the heart of our city. I would work
hard to try to make it happen.
Having worked on teams through out my professional life I know what it takes
to successfully work with others and to find practical solutions and effective
strategies for the common good.
63
Im running because Im confident that I will be able to contribute
positively to running this city. Im an active listener and Im keen to bring
the concerns of the citizen of Niagara Falls to the table and represent
them with honesty and integrity. I have a background in Urban
Geography which gives me a unique perspective on urban planning and
understanding urban issues. Ive career in education and my
involvement with the teachers union have provided me a wide variety of
experiences that have connected me with politics. Ive taught politics
and debated politicians. Ive lobbied Queens Park on education reform.
These and many other similar experiences have made it clear that I
have what it takes to represent Niagara Falls.

vote for?
A: decreases
B: freezes
Why?
ANSWER: B or C depending on the cost of services
This will depend on the state of the finances. We cannot afford to run a
debt on municipal services and therefore tax increases, freezes or
decreases must reflect this reality. How are we using non-stable forms of
revenue such at the casino money comes into play.
We have to reform the long term funding formula for running
municipalities. We must bring the Federal and Provincial Governments
to the table as a member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to
explore new sources of revenue for municipalities. This would include a
portion of the federal gas tax or a transfer based on population rather
than simple land ownership. This type of funding is the only long term
solution to the infrastructure deficit we face in all municipalities across
Canada.
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What municipal services are missing in Niagara Falls?How would
you pay for them?
I would like to see a Entrepreneurship Grant Program for Young
Entrepreneurs and Small Start Up Companies. I have to further
research how Niagara Falls handles grants, loans and its plan for
attracting small business to Niagara Falls but we must develop a plan
to retain and attract talented young adults to Niagara Falls. We cannot
rely on the tourist industry or government services alone to be the
economic base for Niagara Falls. We must diversify our economy.
I would seek provincial and federal funding, it would be a good use for
the casino revenues, and I would look to engage the business
community through an investment planning process to connect small
start-up companies with investment capital and expertise to get
establish themselves in Niagara Falls and be successful.

I would have to investigate this further. If there are I would explore what
we are presently doing and try to find a more cost efficient way for the
community to provide that service.
I would have to explore how they are presently being paid for and
proceed from there.

Yes, its important to consider the advice of city employees. They
provide the research and information for council to base their decisions.
This expertise cannot be ignored. However once an informed decision
is made then city hall must support that decision.

65
How can the municipality ensure its senior citizens live comfortably during
their retirement?
The municipality can ensure access to public transportation, culture and
recreational experiences are all available to retirees. The city must ensure that
services support independent living and that shoveling driveways and other
services are not a burden on those with disabilities or other physical limitations.
We should support the provinces provincial pension plan to ensure a higher
standard of living for retirees. Community centres should provide programming to
enable seniors to have opportunities to stay active in the community. The city must
continue to support programs like Meals on Wheels and other charitable
organization that support seniors.
What should the municipality do to ensure there are opportunities for young
people?
See question 3.

We need to seek small start-up companies that would benefit from locating in
Niagara Falls. These benefits are vast and include location relative to trade with
the US and access to the market of the Golden Horseshoe and Internationally
across Highway H2O. The low cost of locating here and the value of it being a
great location to raise a family. In Toronto they are seeing small companies with
fewer than 8 employees are become a major economic force in the city. This will
not limit our goal of attracting industry and major employers but here is a new area
we can focus on and hopefully see immediate rewards.
The geographical area of the city I would like to see revitalized is the downtown.
We have a number of areas within the city that act like a traditional downtown and
this area no longer plays that role. Id like to see Bridge from Victory down to River
Road and across to Queen redesigned to host high rise condos, apartments,
offices and retail. A market square could be developed within the confines of this
building that includes shops and restaurants. For this area to be successful we
must increase the population density of the area. A welcome centre that includes
rail and bus transit would become a focal point for Niagara commuters. Go Transit
would be a key element of this revitalization. If a university satellite campus is to
be built in Niagara Falls, it would be a great addition to this new vision for this area
of the city.

66
Is the billing for services like water and electricity fair? What
would you do as a municipal councilor to control the water,
User pay is as fair as it gets but a plan to supplement
disadvantaged and low income houses an important contribution the
city can make to help the poor in Niagara Falls.
This is a multifaceted question. It starts with supporting conservation
initiatives to lower usage rates by residents. It means ensuring
infrastructure costs are not borne solely by rate payers. It means
ensuring management of the services is working to control costs to
avoid rate increases.

groups etc)? How much money should the city spend on these
grants? Which agencies?
Municipal grants enhance the livability of our city and provide
essential services to our citizens. Unless the city wants to get
directly involved in taking on each of these responsibilities we
should continue to provide grants. I will have to review the
breakdown of these types of grants and where they are going. I
presently dont know the total value of the grants or the value of the
money made available for grants. However this is an area that must
be monitored by the finance department and reviewed by council
each year.
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I am a retired police officer and after policing for 37 years, I still care about
the community I live in. I have been a resident of Niagara Falls since 1990.
This next chapter in my life is a continuation of that. Serving the
community is and has been very fulfilling personally. Public Service is
something I believe in whole-heartedly. I believe that my experience of
having worked with all levels of government and various agencies has
prepared me to take a leadership role in our City. I will strive to do my very
best to make sound decisions in the best interests of the citizens of
Niagara Falls. I know I can make a real impact.

Over the past 20 years I have been responsible for preparing and
submitting operational budgets to the tune of 3 million dollars at both the
business level and at the Regional level. In preparations at the Regional
level, the objective was to provide a realistic estimate of costs in an
affordable and sustainable way in consideration of these regional
objectives.
37 years of policing has taught me how to work with various municipal
services, as well as regional, provincial and federal officials. Each area had
strict guidelines in the decision-making process, budgeting and spending. I
also prepared funding grants to offset costs to programs or initiatives to
better serve the community savings to taxpayers.
I have had the unique opportunity to lead major investigations related to my
police career. I will always do my homework and make sound decisions
based on the facts available at the time. Working on City Council will
require team building, consensus and vision. I believe I have had the
unique experience of successfully managing and leading in my
professional life to be able to make difficult decisions in the best interest of
our community.

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for
A: decreases
B: freezes
Why?
It is my stance that any property tax changes should be consistent with
inflation. Currently, property taxes are broken down to 42% being kept in
Niagara Falls and 43% going to the Region with the remaining 15% going
to the School Boards. We have to keep up with inflation or we will be
carrying overruns as a deficit and paying for it later. Careful fiscal
management in spending will be paramount, while maintaining services at
current levels.

Most of the large ticket items (services) are found at the Regional level. For
the City of Niagara Falls, the services provided are currently sufficient, in
my view. The only issue would be to improve on what we currently have.

I believe we should move Doctor Recruitment, Planning and Business
Development to the Region. This should be a regional issue. It would avoid
duplication in services when competing for business in the Niagara Region.
Merging Regional Planning and Development would be better suited at the
Region. Shared resources would save money in the long run.
Unfortunately, this would not be considered found money but would
reduce the base budget for the municipality.
Other areas to consider for possible restructuring are Fire and Transit
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It is my belief that it is the City Staffs responsibility to provide advice,
reports, policy options, recommendations, costs, benefits, analysis and
other issues that would impact the final decision. This then gives Council
an opportunity to make an informed decision based on the information
they provide. These decisions cost taxpayers money and therefore, staff
reports and advice needs to be properly articulated for a sound decision to
be made in the best interest of the citizens of Niagara Falls. All
possibilities should be considered with input from Staff and Consultants
with final deliberations made by sitting Council.

Addressing Niagara Falls' aging population requires all levels of
Government working together. This growing population of seniors raises
concerns that impact them daily and our community. The area of
affordable housing, transportation, secure living environments and
healthcare are major issues that need to be addressed.
Strategies in building senior complexes which include different levels of
care, such as independent, assisted care and 24 hour care should be
expanded. These complexes should include parklands, restaurants,
shopping, doctors, recreational centres and walkways, all in a safe
environment. Business development in this area is important to our future.
The City can use city-owned lands to entice developers to this area as
well as some incentives.

for young people?
Like other municipalities that have courted Colleges & Universities,
Niagara Falls should continue in its efforts to pursue this initiative.
Educating the young with a focus on training future generations in
technology for the future. Encourage entrepreneurship locally.

70
Why?
To encourage economic activity you must include the public sector and
private sector working toward improving education, housing, health care
and business opportunities. The key to success is working with all levels of
government.
Revitalization in areas of Niagara Falls needs to be monitored closely. The
downtown core suffered after the building of Niagara Square with business
moving to a mall. Now we have an Outlet Mall and newer plazas being built
which will create vacancies in other areas of the city.
Encouraging entrepreneurship and encouraging our successful, local
businesses to expand and grow. Look to foreign investors abroad. We are
blessed with the millions of tourists who come here every summer, and add
to our local economy. Growth is the Key. People are moving to our area
and opening /purchasing businesses. People are looking to leave the GTA
and start up here. Continue to improve infrastructure, roads and sewers.

Encourage conservation immediately in the short term. Find efficiencies in
the system.
Consider amalgamating local providers. Avoid duplication of services.
Lower costs, in the long run, will be the result.

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ONEFOUNDATION for Niagara Health System 50,000
ST. JOHNS AMBULANCE NIAGARA 32,900
PROJECT SHARE 298,400
WOMENS PLACE IN SOUTH NIAGARA 19,350
YWCA 51,333
WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS 342,000
NIAGARA FALLS TOURISM 360,000
agencies?
Yes. Some programs rely on the funding from the City because of what
they do in the community. Taking these monies away would have a very
negative impact on the very community it is intended to help. I believe
the City should support these organizations because their work is
essential to ordinary citizens, as well as employees/employers. All of
the Niagara Falls grants provided should be routinely monitored for
effectiveness & good governance.
2014 Budget approval (all of which impact the community)

Engage with all levels of governments to ease tax burdens. Push the
province to increase the minimum wage. There is no easy and quick fix
to create future jobs. I believe growth in our population will bring with it,
growth to our economy. The private sector will go a long way to bring
development here. The health sector will be key to the future. The
Provincial Government can play a role in these areas like health
resources, ie. The New South Niagara Hospital and CCAC etc.
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My vision for Niagara Falls is a city that is attractive to people interested in
moving here. I personally moved here almost 25 years ago from Toronto
with my young family. Niagara Falls was where my wife grew up & family
members lived. Getting out of T.O & moving to a smaller city was exactly
what we were looking for. I believe it was the right decision for a young
family to grow.
I believe more & more people are actually moving to our Region in droves
from the GTA, seeking a healthier balance of smaller city life. You can see
this through the expanded growth in housing in Niagara Falls.
Many seniors believe retirement to a smaller city is the way to go. I believe
we need to do more for seniors like amenities, social and health initiatives.
Our new hospitals in the Region is a positive addition. These facilities will
produce high-paying, good jobs for the young.
One voice on Council is a start. This Council needs to work as a team. I
truly believe there is no I in Team. We have to act collaboratively and
speak with one voice to be able to get things done for this City. We need to
get citizens to support our initiatives and be supportive of its leadership.
We may not have the manufacturing /business development we would like,
but I believe that will increase when the influx of residents move this way.
We can make the conditions right for business development by creating
more incentives. I will work hard to cut the red tape that kills business in our
City.
Council has to be forward-thinking and look to the future, which means a
change in mindset. Tourism is and always will be alive and well in Niagara
Falls. We need to expand our vision which means to be a city that is open
for business and a welcome place to move to. Growth is the Key!
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Why are you running for office? What makes you qualified to
make decisions about spending and the municipal services we
require?
I am running for a position on Niagara Falls City Council to help
with the decision making on the issues that concern the residents
within our locality. Im an educated consumer and I am fiscally
prudent when it comes to my own personal spending and
supporting my family. I will attempt to manage resources on
spending for the city making appropriate recommendations.

If elected, at budget time, what property tax changes would
you vote for
A: decreases
B: freezes
Why?
Consistent with inflation is what I would expect as a homeowner in
Niagara; even low rates of inflation upsets the balance, but match
the real estate market.

What municipal services are missing in Niagara Falls? How
Municipal services generally are reasonably robust in Niagara
Falls, but an opportunity to increase Para transit for our residents is
a must.
Grant support and foundational support such as city events could
help support this endeavour.
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I would need to assess all services being provided to make an educated
assessment. Found money would be re- infused into areas of need such
as Para transit.

Yes, I would follow the advice of city hall, City council as a group
provides general administration, it accounts for the day to day
operations of the city.

Senior citizens need more affordable housing, and more provisions for
in-home care services which would ensure comfortable living with
dignity and home care support would warrant, living in their homes
longer instead of moving to long term facilities.

for young people?
To ensure opportunities for young people advisory groups or youth
councils could help to prepare our teens for work and to provide
educational opportunities if needed.

For economic activities in our city we need to encourage and support
new developments, new businesses, entrepreneurship, franchises and
partnerships. Central business district (down town), the city must invest
in it and provide financial support to develop new business providing
marketing and education.
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Is the billing for services like water and electricity fair? What would you
do as a municipal councillor to control the water, sewer and electricity
charges residents pay?
The billing for water and electricity is not fair. As a councilor I would like to
review, assess and continue to make educated requests supporting our
constituents by making appropriate recommendations to try and reduce costs.

agencies
Yes the municipality should continue to provide grants. Grant support provides
and builds business, community development, support and develops
opportunities for small business growth, which provides opportunity for our
citys residents.
An appropriate partnership to outline the grant parameters on how much
money should be spent must be created.
Agencies for the disabled, elderly residents, social programs must be
assessed and the numbers budgeted for funding.

During tough times we should support public services for those in need,
retraining and education for youths, seniors and children.
To provide services to businesses, support retail and develop new business
also services in the sector providing tourism holds possibilities for future jobs.
Tap into them by being a concerned member of the community; build a
relationship with these individuals to partner with and provide services for the
residents of our city.

My vision for Niagara is to amplify the voice of our residents and network in
the community to understand their needs; to seek out and provide an
independent, strong and resilient quality of life for those who reside in our
wonderful city.
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I have been fortunate to have held senior management positions locally
during my 30 year career. Involved in the Community on many different
levels as a volunteer. I'd like to take it to the next level where my
commitment & dedication can have a positive impact on the decisions that
will improve Niagara Falls.
My business and community experience have prepared me for the type of
decision making required on Council. When encountered with a problem I
deal with it head on. Integrity and trust are extremely important values to
me.

for
A: decreases
B: freezes
Why?
C) Consistent with inflation or just below.
Tax increases are unfortunately required to keep up with the demands of
the City. Anyone boasting about zero tax increases is just kicking the can
down the road. I would propose that tax increases stay just below the rate
of inflation.

you pay for them?
Arts & Culture Programming. Local & Regional Transit Improvements. Fall
leaf collection program back into effect. Allocate dollars from the
operating budget.

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I am not sure what, if any, current services we can do without?
Why or why not?
Yes. If we have the right people in the right positions. Their knowledge and
expertise should guide Council in the right direction.

Provide incentives for Seniors, rebates, and potentially a lower tax rate based
on income, length of property ownership, etc.

young people?
Reduce red tape and create incentives for new businesses or expansions for
existing businesses. Lower development fees and improve local & regional
transit. Get the GO train to Niagara.

Encourage visits to local businesses by reducing or eliminating parking fees in
certain areas of the City. Provide incentives for businesses to relocate or to
stay/expand. Downtown and industrial sections are in need of revitalization.
Dilapidated buildings are unsightly and pose a safety threat.

There seems to be confusion amongst the residents with the Water & Electricity
billing. A strong effort should be put on educating people on how the billing is
determined.

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much money should the city spend on these grants? Which agencies
Ideally it would be great if the City could continue to provide grants to outside
organizations, however the reality is that the City's budgets are limited. Many
of these organizations are left to fundraising efforts in order to be
sustainable. I would give priority to organizations that provide specialized,
needed services for qualified residents. I am not in a position to provide a list
of worthy agencies at this time.

Ensure that essential services are available during tough
times. Technological, and small specialized manufacturing companies hold
the key to future jobs. Work with the Region and encourage our Economic
Development Department to foster these relationships and explore every
opportunity.

My vision for Niagara Falls is to increase the value to the residents living in a
City recognized all over the world. We need to work towards making it a
destination worth visiting. Encourage local involvement and partnerships in
the business community. GO train will help residents that are required to
commute to work and will make traveling to Niagara more convenient. An
increase in awareness and funding for Arts & Culture to foster local talent.
There is a significant economic benefit for Arts, Culture, and Recreation
development. We need to give our youth reasons to stay in Niagara. By
working with a like-minded Council, we must harness the positive aspects of
this great city. We have a lot to be proud of, however we have much more
work to do. We cannot allow opportunities to slip away and we must provide
value to our residents and visitors alike.
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decisions about public spending and the municipal services we require?

My lifelong goal has been to serve and help my community. It has been an
honour and a privilege to serve the residents and businesses of Niagara
Falls as Councillor. My years of community engagement with various
organizations, volunteer involvement, serving you as a Councillor from 2003
to 2006, and from 2010 to the present have helped me understand your needs.

I have made your priorities, my priorities. While Chairing the GNGH
Foundation, we helped raise $9.2 million. I was a founding member and past
Chair of the Niagara Falls Community Health Centre, assisting with securing
a new South Niagara Hospital. It has been an honour to work with these
boards and others through the years. Building these relationships has set
the foundation for successful government funding assistance from all levels.

As I seek re-election, I ask for your support. I will continue to serve
with the same commitment, conviction and determination. I look forward to
continue building a strong future for our seniors, our parents, our
children and grandchildren.

Please consider my top five priorities on October 27:
1. Continue working closely with our Mayor and the provincial government to
secure a new Niagara South hospital
2. Full time Go-Train service to Niagara Falls.
3. Economic growth and development creating jobs for tomorrow.
4. Stand for fiscal responsibility while defending core city services.
Ensuring city services are delivered in an efficient and effective manner.
5. Providing good quality medical care and recreational facilities for all
our residents.
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for (A: decreases, B: freezes, C: consistent with inflation, D: greater
than inflation)? Why?
B: freezes;
Why: It is important to create a sustainable and affordable tax rate to attract
new growth and development and provide our residents an affordable level
of service. During this term on council we were able to improve our OLG
funding agreement. These funds are to be applied to capital projects and
infrastructure improvements. This allowed council to have a zero increase in
taxes this year. However, this funding is not guaranteed and can be
cancelled at anytime. I believe that we need to take full advantage of the
current funding arraignment to continue upgrading aging infrastructure,
roads, water, sewers and bridges. We need to access matching funds from
the Provincial and Federal governments to maximize our projects. We need
to continue to lower our debt ratio and reduce our debt servicing costs. All
of these items affect our tax rate and by addressing all these items
responsibly we can create budget stability that will eliminate significant rate
fluctuations.
pay for them?
Transit. Locally we are working with the Region to improve our transit
system to link all the municipalities.
Go-Train Service Full time; Mayors from the Niagara Region and I met with
the Minister of Transportation to lobby the Provincial government for full time
Go-Train service to Niagara Falls. Funding would come from partnering
with the Region and the Province.
All the services we are providing are reviewed during the budget process. It
is during this process that services are reviewed to ensure that they are
relevant and properly funded and that any duplication in services is
identified and eliminated. During the budget process the City is approached
by numerous groups and organizations requesting new or continued
funding. These requests are scrutinized and reviewed to ensure that any
funding provided is for a service that will directly benefit the taxpayer.
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Is it important for municipal councilors to follow the advice of city staff?
Why or why not?
Yes, we hire a professional (CAO) to oversee the operations of the
organization. These individuals are experienced in the various departments to
provide council with reports to base their decisions on. It is not the roll of
council to become the experts in the various departments or areas.
Provide adequate living accommodations, either affordable senior residents
and ensure there are enough long term care facilities (regional) and those
facilities are maintaining a quality of living standards. I am well aware of the
need for senior homes and long term care facilities; I have personal experience
through my parents.
young people?
Provide a diverse work environment. Work closely with the economic
development department and our College and University to see what the
demands are in the market place and the right training is being provided and
the industries have the trained work force to produce the product. I have been
actively involved with the Mayor and the rest of council to bring a University
Campus to Niagara Falls.
In order to stimulate economic growth and development it is important that the
city have a competitive and stable commercial tax rate. There are various
areas of our city that could be revitalized. Currently we are working on
creating an educational hub in the Bridge street area that will involve a mix of
new construction and re-development of existing properties.
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Is the billing for services like water and electricity fair? What would you
do as a municipal councilor to control the water, sewer and electricity
As a municipality we should be promoting conservation with a system that
rewards the consumer. We need to stream line any processes that add
additional costs to the delivery and charging of services. We need to ensure
that we invest in infrastructure improvements to keep delivery systems in the
best possible condition to minimize unexpected losses and costs. Equally
important is the promotion and use of green technology.
Be very selective in the funding of any agency and eliminate any duplication of
services. If an agency can demonstrate a return on its investment or provide a
social benefit that would need to be provided other wise it is worth investing in.
Investments however needs to be below a value that would necessitate a tax
increase.
The municipality needs to be flexible in tough times by recognizing true
hardship situations and being creative in addressing those situations. Small
business and technologies are the future of economic growth. As city leaders
we need to provide an economic climate that will attract and support new
development.
My vision for our city is one of prosperity for our seniors, parents, children and
grandchildren. People should want to live and invest here. My personal and
professional life has been dedicated to enhancing and promoting our city. I
know where we need to be and I am very capable of being a strong voice and
an intricate part of a strong team to get us there.

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I want to serve my community and be involved in making Niagara Falls a
great place to live. I have leadership skills that I use on a daily basis with
my colleagues and clients that I would like to put to use in other
ways. My participation on different committees has provided challenge
and use of my skills leading to satisfaction for me.
What makes you qualified to make decisions about spending and
the municipal services we require?
I have a graduate level education in both the fields of Education and
Applied Disability Studies. My 13 years experience in the social service
field have given me skills in serving others, interpreting and applying
legislation, building rapport with community agencies, managing benefits
for individuals/families and working together with my colleagues to
achieve the goals of the Community Services division of Niagara
Region. Decision-making has been a major component of my role.
My experience working with committees includes the Distress Centre of
Niagara, Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA) Zone 3
and Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) Niagara
Occasional Teachers local. I have represented Niagara at a provincial
level for ETFO and planned a regional information fair for Occasional
Teachers. With OMSSA, I have worked to plan and organize the 2013
Fall conference in Niagara Falls. Participation in the yearly golf
tournament and Suicide Awareness Walk have been part of the my work
on the board of directors for Distress Centre Niagara. These positions
required me to work together with my committee colleagues to determine
spending amounts and the goods/services to be purchased on behalf of
our members/employee group.
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A: decreases
B: freezes
Why?
Affordable increases in taxes in alignment with inflation are required to maintain
the current level of service offered by the city. I support these increases and
hope to work with the council to look for ways to stretch our dollars.
pay for them?
Services that will make Niagara Falls stronger would be inter-municipal transit,
more mental health service, pain management services, attracting more
business with full time employment opportunities and services for individuals
working hard in part time or seasonal positions. A review of the budget and
services offered would need to occur plus a conversation with key stakeholders
in areas that could be impacted before making any changes.
Services that are offered by both the city and the Region could be reviewed to
insure that services and costs are reorganized. A review of possible services
and the needs of the community is required to determine next steps.
It is important for municipal councilors to gather information from city hall staff
as well as key stakeholders when making decisions. City staff have knowledge
of the impact of decisions on the delivery of city services and community
members/groups have knowledge of the impact on the community and its
citizens.
Make strong connections with Niagara Region to advocate for the needs of the
senior citizens in Niagara Falls. A key goal is to support seniors to remain in
their homes and participate in the community. The city council should support
community groups to help seniors to reach these goals.
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young people?
As a council, we should maintain open communication with the young
people in Niagara Falls to understand the opportunities that they are
looking for. Some concerns that I have heard so far include transportation
services and increased employment opportunities.
What should the municipality do to encourage economic
activity? What geographic areas of Niagara Falls need economic
Partnership and open communication with community groups with this
interest as their focus. We need ideas and input from groups that find
economic development equally important. Working together with
community members and community groups to expand on and continue
the Community Improvement Plan. I support the revitalization of the
Downtown Core.
Is billing for services like water and electricity fair? What would you
do as a municipal councillor to control the water, sewer and electricity
Research must be completed to understand the billing practices and cost
saving measures taken in other cities. Conservation strategies should
continue to be supported and incentives given to citizens for helping to
manage their consumption. We must work together with key stakeholders
to understand the charges/billing as well as the impact to the community
and individual citizens.
groups)? How much money should the city spend on these
grants? Which agencies?
Yes, the city should continue to provide grants to outside
organizations. The amount of money and which agencies receive grants
should be determined based on budget, need and identified areas of
service required in the community. Open communication with community
groups and agencies is required to identify needs for service in the
community to strengthen Niagara Falls.
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times? What sectors of the economy hold the key to future
jobs? As a municipal council member, how would you tap into
them?
The city of Niagara Falls needs to remain strong during tough times
and continue to offer services that will help the citizens through. We
need to be creative and draw on the successes of other communities
that have modeled success in helping citizens during tough
times. Extra services need to be available when the need is greater
and council needs to draw the community together to support each
other. All sectors are important for the future but are changing. We
must ensure that there are citizens available with the skills employers
and businesses need when they locate in Niagara Falls. We need to
provide incentive to individuals of all walks of life to continue to
upgrade their skills and participate in education. Apprenticeships and
mentorship opportunities need to be facilitated to help citizens learn
new skills in environments that compliment the classroom and provide
hands-on learning opportunities.
My vision for Niagara Falls is to bring the community together, bring
those in the community with an interest or stake in issues together to
solve the problems. Building rapport and relationships with my
partners on city council, community members and key stakeholders. I
want to be your voice on city council and bring your voice to
discussions about key issues. I look forward to working to make
Niagara Falls stronger and better for all citizens.
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I've been self employed for 20 yrs. I understand the importance of short and long
term goals and the value of efficiency.

A: decreases
B: freezes
Why?
B. With 21 million in OLG compensation money coming in, Niagara Falls
residents have to expect us to be able to maintain infrastructure projects while
NOT RAISING TAXES.

Why or why not?
To a degree. City Hall staff have value because experience that should be taken
into account.

How can the municipality ensure its senior citizens live comfortably during
their retirement?
Continue to provide the Seniors Water Rebate but also entertain new rebate
programs.

young people?
Continue to pursue a post education institution in Niagara Falls and insist on
input into the type of education and training offered.

A 'NEW BUSINESS PROPERTY TAX REBATE' might be a good place to start.
There are large numbers of vacant commercial properties in NF. At the same
time we need to help our dwindling industry sector stay competitive and stay in
Niagara.
88
Fair, how about fairly excessive. I believe there are savings to be had by
the city's role being run efficiently, unfortunately there are Provincial and
Regional roles we can't change.

agencies
As an advocate of charitable foundations I feel the municipality should
participate in some sectors that require funding. I also feel that matching
grants is the proper way to go. If the community as a whole can't contribute
as much as the city then its probably not worthy of our tax dollars.

Unfortunately the recent job growth has been in tourism and call centre
jobs. Everyday millions of dollars in goods pass through our city. I believe
the QEW corridor from McLeod Rd to Sodom Rd could be potential
industrial/commercial growth areas.

I'd like to see a Niagara Falls where our youth only leave to work
elsewhere because they want to, not because they have to.
I'm a positive minded person who feels we can't look at industry or gaming
revenues lost to other areas, but look forward and be progressive. I don't
expect to be one voice but a positive influence and member of a
progressive, forward thinking team.
89
Why are you running for office?What makes you qualified to make
Since 1968 I have dedicated my life to Municiple Government and have the
knowledge and expertize to make the difficult decisions for the benefit of our
City.

A: decreases
B: freezes
Why?
Every year there are challenges and surprises that need experience and the
ability to influence the discussions to arrive at a finalized Budget. The
objective is always to reduce or freeze the tax rate. Check the record
between 1992 & 2003. NO Municipal Tax increases. I take responsibility for
the work.

We have a great deal of work to do with our sewer and water infrastructure
to stop stop flooding and improve roads and municipal property. Also we
must resolve the Transit problems Mun. & Reg we can do this with the 21M
from OLG & Casino renewal.

The public does not wish or deserve a reduction in Services. We are
constantly asked for more. Fortunately we are now in a position more than
any Mun. in Canada. With the OLG funds to do this.

Why or why not?
We have excellent and expertise staff at City Hall who provide the
necessary information in reports. Then it is our responsibility to consult with
the public & make our experience to my educated decisions.
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The Council can control taxes, provide Sr. services, recreation and
assistance. However this is primarily a Region, Prov. and Federal
responsibility.

young people?
The Municipality must support economic development efforts at the local and
Regional level and take advantage of Prov & Federal opportunities to create
jobs and provide opportunities for businesses to proper with cutting red tape
and good customer service.

With the economic windfall from the OLG we must set aside dollars in every
budget to encourage economic development. Incubator inclusively for small
businesses start ups. Constant search for business opportunities particular
Industrial Jobs. Tourism is our life blood in the Region. We must continue to
be a partner in our Downtown & Main Street and Cummington Square areas.

We must always be up to date and fight for fair rates but the Prov.
Government and the Region control these rates. Local council must be aware
and informed and have input to control rates.

Each budget debate there must be and effort to be informed and continue
and reduce spending in all areas. However the are charities, and needed
community services that are necessary for the needy and Social Services.
Economic Development also creates jobs reduces unemployment and
provides opportunities in our community.

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Control spending, cut waste and support job creation.

happen when you're just one voice on municipal council?
Increased involvement with economic development in all sector
Commercial, Industrial and tourism. Utilizing the OLG 21M dollars to
bring our city to the level the residents desire. To resolve the Transit
concerns both Municipal and Regional. To provide the best Health
care possible with the support of a new South Hospital. Implement the
major recommendations in the Arts & Culture report prepared for
Council to finally bring our Municipality up to a Standard we deserve
for Arts and Culture. Although we have worked on and requested Go
Rail service for 25 yrs it is imperative that we strongly pursue Go Train
to Niagara Falls for business and economical Development.

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I understand the issues that are important to the residents of Niagara
Falls. I care and share their concerns, and can address these concerns
at the Regional level. I have sat on the allocations committee for United
Way.
I participated in the budgeting process at the Region when I was a
Regional Councillor..

for
A: decreases
B: freezes
Why?
Freeze.

you pay for them?
We do have good municipal services in Niagara Falls. What we need,
however is access to inter-municipal transportation that is effective,
efficient and affordable. I would look at setting up a public/private
partnership to set up and operate an inter-municipal transportation
system. Actually, I believe that public/private partnerships benefit
everyone.

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I believe that many services are provided to residents by a relatively large
number of social agencies. Any duplication of services produces waste,
and so this should be looked at very closely. I believe that we should
keep all existing services, but consolidate these under one umbrella,
where possible. This concept should be explored further.
Again, private/public partnerships should be investigated.
I do not plan to cut any services, just make them more efficient. The
money saved could be re-invested in other needs such as roads, and
other infrastructure.
No
Councillors and city hall must work together. City hall should bring to
council issues and needs for discussion and action; by the same token
councillors need to consult with city hall on issues as they arise.
Employees of city hall are experts in various disciplines, whereas
councillors are not. For example, the Engineering department will present
to council a problem plus potential solutions and risks, costs, and any
disruption to the general public. With this information councillors can then
make the proper decision on a coarse of action, benefiting the community
I agree that we should take care of our seniors, the best way we can. We
need to ensure they have adequate affordable housing, recreational
facilities, and inter-municipal transportation.
I would support any proposal that allows seniors to have a forum with
which they can address their needs and concerns to both the City and
the Region. They know what their needs are, better than any one of us
can guess.
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young people?
Promote NIAGARA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS.
Promote attracting new businesses to Niagara; these can be up-and-coming
new technologies.
Then we can work with the local University, College and industry to provide
training to fill these new jobs. Inter-municipal transportation becomes
important so that students have access throughout the Region.
We need to provide an environment which is conducive to job creation, and
one way of doing this is to give new businesses some sort of property tax
relief, among other incentives.
Encourage more young people to stay in school and learn various skills, and
also encourage adults to re-train.

The answer here is related to question 7 above.
The key to economic growth and sustainability is JOBS.
So the focus needs to be on attracting businesses and retaining what we
have.
It is good for Niagara shoppers that many new stores are being opened,
which creates price competition, but by the same token, this creates low-
paying jobs. Better-paying jobs come from light manufacturing, especially in
up-and-coming technologies.
Downtown
Downtown is old, neglected, and an eyesore with low shopper traffic. Having
to pay for parking is another deterrent to people going downtown. I have
witnessed people getting very irate when the meter expires and they get a
parking ticket. Do you actually believe this shopper will return to downtown?
No. Why should they when the same services are offered elsewhere.
We have to make downtown an experience with varied offerings, such as
theatre, restaurants, specialty shops, office condos, residential
condominiums, and the like.
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No
Sewer rates are charged as a percentage of water consumption. During the
summer when we water our grass, our water consumption increases, but this
water does not end up in the sanitary sewer for treatment. So we are penalized
for watering our grass. The fair way for sewer charges is to base it on water
consumption in the winter.
In order to reduce our electricity costs, why cant we import some hydropower
from Quebec to supplement current production? As the demand for power
increases, we can import more and give price breaks to new industries that will
then create new jobs.
agencies
It depends.
Very little and only for real needs. We must focus on the needs of our residents
first.
Each outside group should be scrutinized and needs assessed before any
grants are given.
Most agencies should be self-sustaining; a thorough review is needed.
Offer some property tax relief, for a limited period of time.
Up and coming technologies, such a manufacturing 3D printers or other
components.
Promote NIAGARA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS.
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What is your vision for Niagara Falls? How do you
make it happen when youre just one voice on a
municipal council?
I see Niagara Falls as a vibrant, healthy, self-sustaining
community, with a mix of tourism, industry, high-tech
manufacturing, and recreational facilities.
We should strive for that day when everyone is working, is
healthy and is happy.
It all comes down to good-paying jobs.
Lobby all government sectors and continue to press all the
issues mentioned above.
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1.(a)Issues,and concerns (system broken and requires fixing).
(i)Whistleblower Dr. tying vaccines to autism because of poisons added, (read
inserts). This should be front page news. (Not an argument against vaccine
science).
(ii)Legislation without representation from over 800 unelected; commissions,
authorities, boards etc. operating in secret in Ontario, whose budgets are
unknowable, un-audited by elected officials.
(iii)U. N. Agenda 21 operating in Canada in a local region and city near you.
(iv)Concern: Elected officials signing non disclosure documents to sit on
committees not in best interest of public.
(v)Concern: Electronic or internet voting proposals are dangerous to a fair
elections.
1.(b)Have varied life experience including;
(i)Graduated B. Sc. applied, Royal Military College, (RMC), Kingston in 1978.
(ii) As an engineer in the petroleum industry in western Canada, in U.S. North
East, and offshore Maritimes.
(iii) In the military as a Military Engineer , Communications, and Artillery Officer
in local units.
(iv) Investment , and insurance industries.
(v) As volunteer non profit auditing team.
(vi)Kiwanis: Non-profit Housing Committee (ten years)

A: decreases
B: freezes
Why?
Choose B freezes. Do not believe depending on automatic increases is
responsible! Needs hand on the tiller decisions.
98
you pay for them?
Would expect as a Region Council team to review what is being provided
to prioritize needs versus wants. Cannot as an individual commit to
process, quotas or particular service.

(a) Probably are things can do without.
(b)Would first look for duplication, red tape, then would vote to apply
savings to debt.

Going along to get along, and political correctness are insidious dereliction
of duty, not in the best interest of the public. Would consider
recommendations, however would vote for what makes sense.

Can not really answer, the question implies all senior citizens are all in
danger? Do not believe this is the case. "Live and let live".

young people?
Work toward creating an environment for businesses to prosper for them to
create jobs. Niagara's blessing is as a natural tourist draw to have entry
level jobs for young people to acquire experience and skills for whatever
their eventual destiny. I started as a bus-boy.
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(a) Decrease bureaucratic red tape as much as practical.
(b) Am not geographically prejudiced. Would vote for what needs done as
prioritized by Council.

(a) Pay for use is preferable.
(b)This issue seems to keep on resurfacing after multiple consultant
studies. actually attended last go around at council. Would review these,
and would encourage other councilors to vote to make most responsible
decision.

agencies
Do not believe in grants. Believe government does not do things very
well, especially choosing most worthy. Believe it is best to provide
needed infrastructure for volunteer organizations to thrive. Leaves less
room for misuse, and reduces cost of oversight of public funds. The less
it, government does, at all levels, the better. Less government red tape
the better as to how agencies need to operate themselves in their best
know how.
.

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times? What sectors of the economy hold the key to future
jobs? As a municipal council member, how would you tap into
them?
Always minimize cost of governance and look for lower or
illumination (red tape) fees, taxes, etc. to a minimum. Am not sector
preferenced. What makes sense in specific situation is what should
be done.

Niagara Falls is my home town. Was raised here. No one individual
can accomplish very much individually. There are issues that need
fixing. Would suggest:
Going forward, do not vote, ever, for any candidate that does
not understand the dangers that exist in transferring power from
elected bodies, here, to un-elected bodies elsewhere.
These candidates should also work towards getting these
powers back. The public needs to insist on this
101
1:To try to improve the environment of the Niagara Region to make it a better
place for my grandchildren to live.
2:I have seen first hand the many flaws in the Regions appearance to
business that costs jobs.
My business experience, common sense, credibility. The fact that I have
been on many Boards in the Region and mostly that I care about the Niagara
Region.

for
A: decreases
B: freezes
C:consistent with inflation
Why?
Definitely not D but I cannot answer A, B or C as well since I will fight for
decreases but I have to have the opportunity to look at the budget line by line
first in order to make an informed decision.

pay for them?

This is not a Regional Issue.

Same as above.

Why or why not?
As a taxpayer I feel they should listen to advice and then make their own
informed decision. It is important to also weigh the input of the constituents.

102
1: Ensure a viable supply of affordable housing.
2: We have to work with health authorities to ensure that every person is cared
for in the proper setting.
3: We have to maintain an appropriate level of care in Regional Homes.
4: We have to make places accessible for the elder and challenged.
young people?
1: As a Regional Councillor I would advocate for Senior Governments to
provide education at a cost anyone can live with and we should try to locate in
our area more college/university campuses that provide courses that relate to
the workplace. We also need more apprenticeship programs available.
1: Simple Answer-cut the red tape which will also reduce application fees.
2: All the areas in the Region need economic revitalization because we need
jobs.
Is the billing services like water and electricity fair? What would you do
as a municipal councillor to control the water, sewer and electricity
If elected I will check if the water charges the Region pass on to us are fair. As
for electricity, all the people in Ontario are burdened by the debt of Ontario
Hydro and waste that Provincial Governments have allowed them to pass on to
us. I would like to find out how much we are paying for this waste. We must
advocate for change from the Provincial Government.
much, money should the city spend on these grants? Which agencies
I feel that the Niagara Region should not provide any grants or donations to
outside organizations unless we can prove that the return on this is greater
then the grant. It certainly takes some investment to help our Region prosper
but I am offended that we as Municipal taxpayers pay the Region
approximately 35-40% of our property tax and the money may be donated.
This should be the right of the individual.
103
1: As a Region we should continue to administrate Welfare.
2: Every sector from Tourism to Automotive business etc holds the key.
3: We must work with the various Chambers, ethnic business groups
and everyone employed or running a business to advocate our goals.

happen when you're just one voice on a municipal council?
I am running for Regional Council and although my heart is in Niagara
Falls we must all work together to achieve a better Region and use
common sense.

104
As a Regional Councillor, which I have come to know to be a full time job,
the obligations are twofold. The health of Niagara Falls residents is
definitely connected to the health of the Region. Large sweeping issues
that affect the Niagara Region affect all of us. The Regional Councillor
has to be knowledgeable, be present for votes and be accountable to the
constituents for those votes. I am honest and have integrity and have
demonstrated that over my tenure.
The Regional Councillor has to be in touch with the people of Niagara
Falls. I make a point to both attend public events, not just at election time
but always, and be at the end of my home phone to help residents
navigate through the various levels of government to have their issues
addressed. According to the feedback from residents, this has been my
strength and it has also been very rewarding.

for
A: decreases
B: freezes
Why?
I will vote for property taxes consistent with inflation unless presented
with compelling evidence to do otherwise.

you pay for them?
Inter municipal transit to connect with GO TRANSIT. to be achieved
through shared contributions from all levels of government.
Additional services for housing and Long term care.
105
It not about reducing services its really about reducing the cost of the
services, amalgamating some of the service delivery systems, sharing
services and finding economies of scale.
It is important for councillors to receive the information from staff and get
more if necessary to make an informed decision. If you make a wrong
decision based on the information you have at the time it is important to go
and reconsider it. I personally and successfully convinced my fellow
councillors to overturn previous votes based on more information that came
from staff and or from the public because it was the right thing to do.

The Niagara population of seniors has and will continue to grow. Taxes
consistent with inflation, affordable housing and utilities, and continued
outreach programs are needed to keep seniors where they want to be -in
their homes for as long as possible. But when more care is needed Niagara
is short of long term care beds. Closure of hospital beds has put more
pressure on the already strained long term care facilities. We will have to
keep pressure on the Province to ensure provincial funding and health care
activities focus on supporting seniors in long term care now and in the
future.

young people?
Keep supporting our youth serving agencies and foster a positive business
climate in order to attract high quality jobs and support programs that
encourage Niagara youth to train for those jobs. Young people are talking
about better transit. They need faster and more dependable ways to get to
the college and university as well as to work.
106
Niagara Falls was very successful at securing substantial infrastructure
funding in recent years. We need to continue taking advantage of these
grant opportunities with the support of local leadership at all levels of
government.

Water and sewer costs in other municipalities are also on the rise.
Neglected infrastructure has been part of this cost and must continue to
be addressed. Amalgamation of the various service providers must be
considered to identify any economies of scale.

agencies
The model to partner with not for profit agencies is popular throughout
Ontario as it can draw down the costs of services considerably. The
Region supports purchase of service agreements and grants to childcare,
housing and prosperity initiatives. It is disappointing to refer to the service
providers as outside agencies as they are an essential part of our social
fabric.

Growth strategies have centred on tourism and transportation in recent
years but education and health will be on the rise especially with the new
hospital ...efforts to attract manufacturing agri-business are needed as
well.

107
What is your vision for Niagara Falls? How do you
make it happen when youre just one voice on a
municipal council?
Connect Niagara by GO TRANSIT to the broader
golden horseshoe
Foster a positive business climate in order to attract
high quality jobs.
All the Municipalities need to work together to achieve
economies of scale by sharing services.
Additional services for Housing and long term care.
108
I BELIEVE THAT CANDIDATES SHOULD RUN FOR OFFICE BECAUSE
THEY HAVE NEW IDEAS THAT THEY WANT TO PRESENT TO THE
PUBLIC. CANDIDATES SHOULD TRULY BELIEVE THAT THEY CAN
CHANGE GOVERNMENT FOR THE BETTER AND BY DOING SO IMPROVE
THE LIVES OF THEIR CONSTITUENTS. I BELLIEVE THAT MY FIRST AND
FOREMOST RESPONSIBILITY AS A COUNCILLOR IS TO PROTECT
TAXPAYERS. CANADIANS DONT MIND PAYING TAXES, BUT THEY WANT
TO KNOW THAT THEY ARE ONLY PAYING THE TAXES THAT
GOVERNMENTS ABSOLUTELY REQUIRE TO PROVIDE ONLY THE MOST
NECESSARY SERIVCES. I also believe that we need to improve our
business climate so that we can retain the businesses and jobs we currently
have and help them to grown and prosper. Only then can we expect to attract
new business and jobs to the region.
As an MPP for Niagara Falls from 1995 to 2003 I helped to pass 9 provincial
budgets. I also sat on Management Board of Cabinet which approved every
governmental expenditure. In that time our government reduced taxes on
Ontarians and Ontario businesses substantially. I also have been a Regional
Councilor since 2010. Twice I have lead the charge to actually reduce taxes.
Over the last 4 years I have been a member of Corporate Services and the
Audit Committee at the Region and have put forth, sometimes successfullly
accepted by my colleagues - sometimes not, expenditure reduction ideas.
Finally, I have successfully run my own business since 2007 making all
budgetary decisions.
A: decreases
B: freezes
Why?
I always strive for decreases. I don't believe in the current process of setting
an 'affordability' rate increase and then having all departments meet that -
however, the current majority of Councilors have continually set the process
and outvoted those of us who look to decrease taxes.
109
pay for them?
Government at all levels is involved too much in our daily lives. We need to
reduce government not increase services. We also need to get out of doing
certain functions directly, in doing so, competing with the private sector who
also provide the same services (ex: snowplowing; landscaping; basic road
repair,).
Yes of course, please see above. There are many others too - for instance,
throughout Ontario the private sector operates most nursing and retirement
homes. In Niagara, we own and operate 8 nursing homes. Our studies have
shown clearly that we do so substantially less efficiently than does the private
sector. Only Toronto owns and operates as many homes as we do (10). We
need to contract out in this area. All savings should be returned to the taxpayer
in the form of lower taxes.
Why or why not?
Staff offer their knowledge, expertise and provide history on subject matter as
well as legal parameters of decisions (many decisions are dictated by provincial
legislation like the Municipal Act, the Police Services Act etc...) but I believe
people are elected to govern and make decisions not to simply follow what
permanent staff suggest. I have always been and will always be independent
minded and contrary to staff when I think they are wrong. I am the voice of
taxpayers, not the voice for staff!!
Make sure we provide services to them as efficiently as possible. Tax them as
little as possible as they are on fixed incomes. Nothing irritates me more when
someone proposes a tax hike or expenditure increase and then says "It will only
cost each person 12 more dollars per year". They all forget that the Region
increased taxes the previous year by 12 dollars, and 24 dollars the year before
that. Then pile on what the province and federal government and lower tier
municipal government increased their taxes by and it all adds up to something
that is simply unaffordable for people.
110
for young people?
We need to create a better business climate in Niagara. We have to roll
out the red carpet for businesses to stay and prosper here. If we can
keep existing businesses and convince them to grow here, it will be easier
for us to attract outside investment to Niagara. This will help to increase
jobs. This is critical to providing opportunity for our own kids to stay in
Niagara and work and live here.
Most of Niagara Falls needs revitalization - downtown, silvertown, the
Stanley Avenue industrial park etc... We can only do this by being
aggressive at being more open for business. Most municipal and regional
politicians say the same thing but when it comes to decisions about
regulation, taxes, development charges etc... they forget .... they need to
be reminded and actually act in a way that supports economic
development. In addition, the culture of our governments need to change
throughout - so that every time staff are making a decision or a
recommendation - they think through the impact that their policy or actions
will have on business. We have made strides with this but have a long
way to go.
In addition, I believe that our QEW corridor between Fort Erie and
Niagara Falls is a dramatically underutilized asset and that we need to
open it up or economic development. The province asked the region to
come up with a 'Gateway Plan' which would help us to economically
develop Niagara - we've done that and now it is time to work with the
private sector and province to move forward.
Niagara's proximity to the border and the existence of 4 border crossings,
linking it with and giving it the strategic location in the middle of a major
trade route between Ontario and some major American industrial states,
make it an attractive location. Being North America's most famous
address doesn't hurt it either.
.
111
Located along one of Ontario's major highways, the QEW should be the final
lynchpin that leads it to be a bustling centre of commerce and trade between
the two countries. It is a missed opportunity that it is not.
The QEW should be bustling with activity from Fort Erie to Niagara Falls filled
with warehousing; commercial rest stops; logistics businesses; trucking
companies; border pre-clearance centres; joint international health care
facillities, research centres, post-secondary institutions etc... seem to all be
naturals. The people here all like America and talk about the free movement
back and forth that they enjoy. This isn't common throughout North America,
so you'd think that the location and friendliness of the societies would have
led to more shared enterprises over the years.

No. I believe that these services are inefficient and the rates reflect these
inefficiencies. We are making progress but have a ways to go here. In
addition, I believe governments at both levels are applying administration
costs to rate supported services in order to hide them and keep them from
the levy supported services. Largely because people and the media pay
more attention to levy (tax) increases than they do rate increases. This
needs to stop.

agencies
Very rarely and mostly in areas where the province and/or federal levels of
government are providing the dollars to the municipalities for redistribution to
the outside organziations.
112
See number 8 above. Businesses create jobs by being successful and
then reinvesting that profit into their businesses to create more jobs.
We can only create the conditions to help them do this. Low taxes,
less regulation, streamlined processes are the way to lift all boats. In
addition, it is dangerous for politicians and civil servants to plan the
economy - entrepreneurs know best - free them to do what they do
best.

We need to be a vibrant community that has a strong business climate
and gains a reputation in Niagara, Ontario, New York state and other
surrounding jurisdictions - that we are open to business. One voice
makes this happen by being consistent and trying to demand the same
consistency out of other elected officials who claim to believe the same
things.
113
I have watched the system being used against good hard working people
and turn them into criminals. The system is being abused by those who run
it and all it does is burden the masses. There are too many unnecessary
laws and they must be abolished.
The only job I ever had beside self-employment was as a Financial Advisor
for a large firm. I was able to prove that I could successfully manage other
peoples money. Several years later when the recession of 2008 hit me
hard, I found myself in poverty and my budgeting skills became crucial.
Through poverty, I experienced the services that the municipality requires.
Therefore my experience as a professional in finances as well as actually
surviving from self-employment the last 20 years completely on my own
combined with my experience with poverty is what qualifies me.

for
A: decreases
B: freezes
Why?
Property taxes need to decrease because it has a huge impact on the real
estate market. There are some very affordable properties in Niagara Falls,
except the property taxes, combined with ridiculously high utility cost do not
make purchasing a home desirable. The whole region needs to explore
other options to generate money using the resources and local manpower
instead of just taxing the blood out of its citizens.
114
What municipal services are missing in Niagara Falls? How would you pay for
them?
The Niagara Region needs a service which could be used as an alternative
resolution instead of placing criminal charges in domestic violence situations. Right
now a high volume of police calls are for domestic violence issues and the tax payers
have to pay for police responding and any arrests, incarcerations and court costs. To
pay for the new service, start up a fundraising foundation that fundraises from the
local community. Niagara could lead and start a co-op in a fundraising initiative
across Canada with other municipalities taking up the program. Since I have made
many contacts nationally and globally who are involved in criminal justice reform, I
would like to take up this cause whether I get elected or not.
We are also missing proper dental care for people with lower incomes. Right now, at
the tax payers expense, a person could get a rotting tooth pulled. Later when all
their teeth are pulled out, they could apply to get dentures. It would save money and
teeth just to fill cavities right away.
I believe there is too much money put into policing and criminalizing the people of
Niagara Falls and the Niagara Region. Instead of more money to the Niagara
Regional Police for more equipment and larger paycheques, I would rather see those
funds transferred into crime prevention and rehabilitation programs and services for
the marginalized people in our community who find themselves in conflict with the
law.
Also, the region spends way too much money enforcing illegal dumping laws. Since
they changed to a one garbage bag per household rule, there has been an increase
in illegal dumping. The region is now paying for neighbours to criminalize each other
by being paid informants which allows people with bad intentions to harass and set-
up their neighbours. We need to be friends with our neighbours and help them out.
The region is encouraging neighbours to burden each others lives with fines and
punishment and yet, people still dump so thats obviously not the solution, just
another problem. There are so many laws around garbage that many people find it
too much of a bother to study the garbage laws and procedures, they just dump
anywhere because its just garbage to them and they couldnt imagine it to be a
crime like murder. The money that is being used to fine and punish citizens would be
better put to use to eliminate the one bag rule and hire extra workers to collect
anything left on the side of curbs.
115
That would matter what the advice is. Working together and coming up with
a solution together is important. We need each other.
Not only do people in other cities move to Niagara to retire, but our own
population is aging. Retired citizens need services that are home delivered
or close by. The region needs to focus on little retirement hubs throughout
the region where activities and services to retired folks are easily
accessible. Home service are important to those who do not want leave the
homes that they are attached to and ensure that seniors are getting the
health care and socialization they need.

young people?
Young people leave Niagara. Why do they leave? They leave because
there is no opportunity, particularly to those with post-secondary education.
In order to make a living, the youth know that the only choices in Niagara
after high school are the minimum wage tourism jobs which are only
seasonal, or to work in the adult entertainment business or illegal drug
trade, so they leave to pursue their higher ambitions. Even if a youth wants
to apprentice, they find themselves having to leave Niagara as most of the
contractors that work in Niagara are from companies outside the region. It is
well known that cities with a vibrant arts and culture district attract people
and businesses with a higher education. Right now, most of the local public
culture funds are going to administrators to set up temporary events in
which the artists rarely get paid and its the event that gets promoted and
the organizers that get credit, not the artists. Both the artists and the public
get ripped off from truly engaging into culture. We need a proper arts
director that will ensure public art projects are permanent and noticeable
and that the artists get paid what they are worth. (artist meaning all
disciplines of the arts)
116
Every area outside of Clifton Hill needs economic revitalization. Besides
lowering property taxes and utility costs, the biggest change that needs to
happen is the monopoly. Businesses do come to Niagara and they do start up,
but the reason why they close so fast is that the local business community
actually works to make them fail. The amount of funds that go into Niagara and
the little progress we see is clear sign that someones benefiting and it sure isnt
the average citizen or small business owner. We need to stop tearing each
other down and start building each other up.
Definitely not fair! More and more people are finding ways to live off the grid. As
people get their utility services cut due to not paying them, people will find ways
to live without them. The way things are going now, soon only the wealthy will
be able to afford utilities. There is no need to keep raising the rates, the people
of Niagara do not have the extra income. They must freeze immediately.
agencies
Yes, definitely when needed. Council should assist in the fundraising to ensure
that these groups could cover more of their own costs. In these times of poor
economy, services that help those who are need the most should never be cut
from funds, but instead given extra. It is important to have funds set aside in
better economic times in order to maintain these services when they are
desperately needed. However, since the economy has been bad for a while, I
believe its a good thing to explore other options of taking care of those who are
losing in the system and start looking at alternative ways outside of the system
that might suit those who struggling now better. Like low income communities
that incorporate gardening and basic farming skills or mechanics or other
specialties that is deemed fit. It is important to teach people to survive on their
own.
117
The citizens we see on social assistance and living in motels are people who
went to school and tried to get jobs just like everyone else. However, people go
through circumstances in their lives that the system is not able to help them
through and they are left with a figurative reject stamp on their heads. Many of
these unfortunate people who cannot fit into the system tend to have to hustle
just to keep a roof over their heads and food in their stomach as everyone
knows its impossible to completely live off of social assistance, and people
want to live. The characteristic of hustling is that of small business owners. Its
entrepreneurship that holds the key to the future economy. However, what is
getting in peoples way to be gainfully self-employed is that the leaders of this
area tend to be quick to presume that those who are poor and struggling could
never possibly be anything but someone who is labelled mentally ill and
incompetent. This labelling is simply a lack of understanding by one part of the
community that sets back people from another part of the community. We need
local role models who have crossed over from poverty to leadership. We need
to hire people who are currently in poverty to work in the agencies that help
those who are poverty. That way someone who is skilled and able will get a
chance to get out of poverty and meanwhile would be able to serve their
community better, connecting to those who need help and identifying whats
holding them back and how they could get ahead.

I see Niagara Falls as a bustling, vibrant community with tons of activity. I see it
built up in some areas and green and peaceful in others. I envision a drastic
reduction in poverty which would lead to a reduction in mental and physical
health problems.
I have a history of being only one voice and making things happen. If I want to
get something done, I will find a way which often involves taking a different
direction than the norm plus plenty of patience and tenacity.

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