Citizens For Halifax Candidates Survey
Written By Downey Campaign Official Agent , for Citizens For Halifax
The following survey was completed October 2008 for Halifax Regional Municipal Election (HRM). The organization responsible for this survey is called Citizens For Halifax. It is an independent grassroots society that was built to promote change and progressive ideas within the HRM; they plan on doing this by encouraging and engaging the community to be active, within the democratic process. Citizens for Halifax encourages and supports candidates for civic office. They advocate intelligent, thoughtful, fiscally responsible civic government. Their core goal as an organization is to enhance the progress of the HRM with a bold vision for a more prosperous city of the future.
Jerome Downey Survey Response
'The division of the municipality into two units with smaller councils to better serve the rural and urban communities more effectively and efficiently.' Select 'Yes' if you support dividing the municipality in this manner, or 'No' if you oppose the division. Yes. Efficiency and responsive government is a must within municipal government. It's not about dividing more so then creating continuity and better government. Within are urban core the issues which we have must be addressed faster and resources must be allocated better. I will stand up and support cooperative measures to do what is in the best interest of the residence my constituency. Making sure that before any collective action is taken proper steps and action plans are provided that will make for a smooth transition.
'Tax reform that more closely aligns taxes with the actual cost of services delivered.'Select 'Yes' if you support reforming taxes in this manner, or select 'No' if you oppose. Yes. People deserve and want what they pay for. And as a municipality you could argue that many of our residence in Halifax-Downtown are being short changed. I simply will work to make sure more resources are allocated to improve the quality and quantity of services for the residence of District 12. I would do what the people of Halifax want us to do in city hall, and that get results and give them their monies worth. Some things just a thought would be. * A new pool and water park on the commons. * Public ice skating park. * A new all purpose field on wanders grounds. * Enhanced recreation facilities and service.
'More aggressive development of the Arts and Culture sector by committing a minimum of 1% of the annual municipal budget to this sector.' Select 'Yes' if you support committing a minimum of 1% of the annual municipal budget to the Arts and Culture sector, or 'No' if you oppose. Yes. I support investing in Arts and Culture. I would work to improve the quality of places where we can display our creative talents. For example I will encourage the creation of an amphitheater in Point Pleasant Park, so that people can enjoy plays such as Shakespeare by the sea or our great NS Symphony without sitting on the wet grass. Its hard to commit when their are so many variables. Government must be flexible and react, however it is a great first step.
'The creation of the position of Chief Sustainability Officer with the necessary authority and budget to ensure Halifax becomes the most sustainable city in Canada by 2020.' Select 'Yes' if you support creating the position of Chief Sustainability Officer as described in this statement, or 'No' if you oppose. No. I support anything that is going to make things more efficient and effective. I would suggest better vision and leadership within, making logical choices. More then more government. Maybe investing in our city planing department and direction would be something to look at. However making sure our city is sustainable is a must. I don't oppose this suggestion but I would review and need to look at the pros and cons much more before making a full decision.
'The development of an integrated intercultural strategy to attract and retain immigrants and to better support disadvantaged groups within our community.' Select 'Yes' if you support developing an integrated intercultural strategy to attract and retain immigrants, and to better support disadvantaged groups within our community, or select 'No' if you oppose. Yes. Lets not talk about it lets do it, district 12 is the most diverse in HRM. Lets break down the road blocks and invisible barriers and start coming together, working together to make this sad reality a thing of the pass. I will be a leader in bring this issue to the table and working towards improving the current situation.
'The creation of a transportation authority to develop and implement a long-term comprehensive transportation strategy that integrates all modes of transportation.' Select 'Yes' if you support creating a transportation authority as described in this statement, or 'No' if you oppose. Yes. This needs to happen, and I will support this by working with the transportation authority to encourage and improve the quality of our services. Park and Ride needs to be better utilized.
'The adoption of a more transparent and streamlined development process as proposed by the HRM by Design initiative.' Do you support or oppose adopting a more transparent and streamlined development process in this manner? Yes. We need a definitive document and concrete action plan to make this possible. Other wise it is one big dream.... I will work to make sure this happens, and everyone has a seat at the table so that it will reflect the diversity and vision of where we want to go as a city.