WEBSITE: www.anabailao.ca

EMAIL: Ana.Bailao@AnaBailao.ca

PHONE NUMBER: 647-344-0344

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1. What key issues define your campaign platform?
My campaign slogan is “Committed to Our Community.” I’ve heard from many residents that over the last 7 years they haven’t had a spot at the table.  I want to bring residents back into the decision-making process with more public consultations, better office hours and multi-lingual notices for community meetings. I’ve listened to residents and share their desire for better service from their councillor. Let’s work together to get things right for Davenport.
Another concern I’m hearing at the doors is about the city’s financial mess. Residents work hard to pay their taxes but they don’t know where their money is being spent. At a time of such economic hardship it is especially important that city council spend carefully to achieve the best value for tax dollars.  If elected my duty will be to bring transparency to the budget process and ensure residents receive reliable public services that are fiscally sustainable.

2. Why are you the best candidate for this position?
Davenport has been my community for a very long time. I was 15 when I moved to Canada and my family settled here. Since then, I have been working to make this community better.
I co-founded “DIG IN” and “Friends of Dovercourt Park” so families can enjoy more green spaces and parks. I worked on behalf of new Canadians to ensure they have access to the right tools; helping them succeed in their new country. Through my work in the community I’ve advocated on behalf of students, low-income families and seniors.
I also bring experience from the private sector. I bring deep roots and unwavering commitment to the people of Davenport. Above all, I believe in a collaborative approach. I know we can work together to get things right for Davenport. I will make sure the voices of Davenport are heard by city staff and the next Mayor and council.

3. What specifically do you plan to do for your ward, if elected?
If the residents of Davenport elect me as their city councillor, I will work with them to start tackling the issues facing our community immediately.
We need to achieve better fiscal accountability. Let’s review the budget, line-by-line, and find out where hard earned dollars are going. I will present a report of my findings to the residents of Davenport. They will see where their money is being spent and I will seek their feedback. Their feedback is what I will take to City Hall and fight for.
We need to make sure our residents are getting to the table. I will hold regular office hours to hear from Ward 18 residents face-to-face. This is their community and their participation is key to the success of Davenport.
The residents of Davenport are facing many issues but we can come together,  prioritize and start finding mutual ground to get things done.

4. Please provide details on your personal bio.
I was 15 years old when my family immigrated to Canada from Portugal. Moving to a new country was difficult but Davenport welcomed us with open arms. This community helped us settle, helped us find work, and helped us find friends. I owe Davenport a lot.
My parents taught me the importance of hard work, value for money and giving back to my community. I worked hard and saved enough money to go to University. I volunteered with many local organizations including “GREENHERE” and served as president of the “Working Women’s Community Centre.” I have also held senior positions in the private sector.
I offer the residents of Davenport experience, tenacity and commitment. I know we can work together to find solutions to the problems facing our community. That approach will bring positive change and make Davenport the best possible place in which to live and work.

5. Who do you plan to support for mayor?
With several weeks left in the campaign, I’m still getting to know the candidates and what they stand for. Like many Davenport residents, I’ll be looking for commitments from the candidates that best address the problems facing our community. Reliable public transit, a more open and accountable city hall, better fiscal management, support for small businesses and continued aid to the most vulnerable in our city are all issues that I will be judging the candidates by.