WEBSITE: www.caldwellforcouncil.ca

PHONE NUMBER: 416-508-5938

What key issues define your campaign platform?
Social welfare, improved local economic development, ecological integrity.
Community input on local planning and development to ensure democracy.
Transparency and accountability in budget matters, including community participation in budget allocations, and elimination of wasteful spending.
Improving quality of life by creating healthful, accessible safe communities – for example, transit, active transport, walkability and streetscape, green spaces. With increasing traffic congestion, transit must improve to the point where those aged 8 to 80 and beyond can travel anywhere safely and conveniently. Improving walkability by developing an effective urban design standard will introduce character, while developing safe bike lanes will complete a diverse, active transport system. The streets are a mess. Road repairs and streetscape enhancements will improve the look and appeal of many neighbourhoods, particularly the north business areas. We need to develop a succession plan for the urban canopy and expand green spaces.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?
I am the only urban planner candidate running in Ward 29, and I have a proven three-year record of being champion for residents’ issues at council. I have the most progressive platform that strikes a balance between economic development, social welfare and ecological integrity. I am an independent candidate, representing the community directly. Facilitating community-involved planning and budgeting will encourage residents to come out and vote, knowing they will have input into the most important issues in their community. My credentials position me uniquely to enhance the city’s ability to innovate and develop world-class solutions in transportation, waste management, social welfare, local economic development, and ecological integrity.
I will ensure that Toronto’s urban planning abilities meet the needs of Ward 29 and the entire city today, and that we take a long-term, sustainable view for the needs of the next generation.

What specifically do you plan to do for your ward, if elected?
I will be a champion at city hall, to create change. Specifically: reforming planning to give neighbourhoods more ability to determine the shape of their communities; community interests represented in budget matters, with full transparency and accountability; introduce powers to help communities save valued local facilities and services; local economic development for example in the north of the Ward; supporting the creation and expansion of mutuals, co-operatives, charities and social enterprises. Ensure active transport including bike lanes, eliminate wasteful spending, conserve and expand green spaces, help stop proliferation of bud bugs, improve renter/landlord relationships, plan for today and the future.

Personal bio.
Born (1969) and raised in Toronto. Ten years in IT as business analyst for major government ministries and corporations. Changed course to pursue passion for creating dynamic, healthy, forward-thinking communities. In 2006 earned a masters Urban Planning degree in Sustainable Development at York University, and a graduate diploma in Business and the Environment from Schulich Business School. Three years as director of prominent GTA ratepayers’ association providing strong community leadership and at council, expressing residents’ interests and ideas for planning and the environment. Accomplished musician, athlete, landscape architect, environmentalist, supporter of the arts, and activist.

Who do you plan to support for mayor?
Undecided.