Focus Burlington Ward 1 Candidate Survey Results

Name: Cheryl Hurst

Office Sought: Burlington Ward 1 Councillor

Campaign website: Cherylcommunityburlingtonward1.ca

Email: Cherylcommunity@gmail.com

1. Affordability and Taxes

It is important to understand the impacts of taxes within the community, having access to how budget is spent and where the money is projected for future services, infrastructure, capital projects and reviewing current spending and making calculated, thoughtful changes where required. Also Working together with staff to complete a review into all the developments that have already been approved but have not begun or completed building, why and how can this be resolved. Reexamine Burlington’s policy regarding ‘stalled housing’ and ensure municipal property assessment corporation (MPAC) accurately assess incomplete or halted construction, so the neighbourhood tax base remains stable. My decision will be made with community and sustainability for responsible spending.

2. Managing the City’s Finances

Forecasting for future spending, when done with knowledge of the needs, past spending, current impacts, future projections can assist with making informed decisions. Knowing the current fixed or essential variable costs will guide priorities. Also understanding our community is changing and along with the needs of the community some of the historical costs and spending need review. Also looking at streamlining processes to remove excess waste within our city’s assets. Partnerships and utilizing organizations that bring knowledge and expertise can assist with funding challenges.

3. Accountability and Transparency

Using language that people can easily understand when reading budget and financial documents. Sharing in clear, concise methods. Making them available as soon as possible so people have time to read and ask for clarification.

4. Improving Efficiency

I will be advocating for departments to streamline services where they can align and remove excess processes. Remove duplicate forms and steps to access programs and services. Encourage divisions to work together to utilize all their resources and share amongst the different teams. Continue to build multi-access opportunities for people to connect and share with city hall (digital, in person, variety of days and times, etc.)

5. Growth and Infrastructure

Growth and development must have thoughtful consideration for neighbourhood character, height, density, parking, traffic, accessibility, affordability, and the impacts on existing communities. All of this includes planning and processes that support the growth in responsible methods. Planning needs to look at past growth (positive and miscalculation), current needs and future outcomes. It needs to be wholesome and understand the community and pressures citizens are currently living and future forecasts of change and growth.

6. Housing

Affordability for housing needs to be true for all stages. It needs to be inclusive for single living dwelling, condo, townhouses, single unit homes, multi-generational, with options to grow in that space if one chooses. Affordable housing includes those that own, rent, non-market housing, leasing and ensuring safety is maintained in our community for all residents. Burlington should play a major role when new development what to design and build, to ensure all needs are being met. Does Burlington offer incentives to developers who build more accessible units, offer units for purchase and rental opportunities in the same development, or provide larger green space in their planning.

7. Public Safety

I support tour Halton regional police and all they do for our community. The complex needs for our community and creating safe communities is an ongoing process for Police and community partners to work together to find solutions. Safety is a community wide and everyone’s responsibility with the support of City Hall and our dedicated Police services.

8. Public Engagement

I would like to offer a variety of times when council meetings are held so there areevening opportunities for public to engage and participate in conversations. I would like to have open times for the public to come in to talk without needing appointments or waiting until the next meetings. Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone to share their experiences. Have monthly updates of the happenings in the community. Respond within a reasonable time so people know they were heard.

9. Strong Mayor Powers

If the community has voiced concern, I would follow the processes provided and challenge the decision with detailed and extensive documentation to support our community.

10. Respect and Civic Leadership

I think effective leadership requires respect and professionalism. Being open to different views or interpretations, allows learning and honest conversation to find solution. One can be frustrated or disagree but being rude, dismissive and disrespectful is never appropriate. Understanding I can only control myself and my own response/reactions and work to find balance and respect with those I am interacting and working with.

11. Looking Ahead

I would like to say we accomplished a increase in older adult programs, social and active in ward 1. I would like to say we were able to work with the budget and if tax increases are needed, they align with inflation and the consumer price index (CPI).

Create a more open and welcoming environment where people feel they can actively participate in the discussions in Burlington.

12. Optional Question

Burlington has many beautiful parks, green spaces, trails, water accesses and natural assets, and I think it is important that we protect these areas with appropriate bylaw and expectations. Understanding how noise carries and impacts the natural environment and neighbours sharing boundaries. Accepting our roles if we use these spaces and being respectful of the space (litter, waking off trails, picking plants, disturbing wildlife, being unsafe). Burlington is very fortunate for all the unique and natural experiences it offers and it is important that we use it responsibly for ourselves and future generations.

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