Background Questions
1) Do you live in Ward 15?
I live in the adjacent ward. My brother lives in the ward and my nephew attends high school in the ward. In Toronto one must be a Toronto resident to run in any riding/ward.
2) Have you previously run and/or been elected for municipal office (school board trustee or city councillor). Please provide details.
In the 2010s I ran for city council. Ward 19.
3) Have you engaged in community and/or city building activities? Please provide examples.
In 1994 I was elected to serves as President of the McMaster Students Association. I served on the university’s Senate and an Executive Committee. After university I was elected several times to serve as the director of a 400,000 member NGO. I worked in Ottawa and served as a staff of the Council of Canadians. I was awarded McMasters highest award for an “outstanding contribution to the community.” I have served on the Canadian Club executive and in recent years I went to court to join a citizens group to cease the conversion of Ontario place into a spa.
4) Do you have any relationships with developers or labour unions who may have potential conflicts of interest with the City?
No.
Qualifications Questions
1) Why do you want to be the City Councillor for Don Valley West?
I want to help the residents of Ward 15. I believe Torontonians are the kindest people despite everyone going through one of the most difficult periods in history. I want to help and resolve problems for Ward 15. I believe I can.
2) What experience and accomplishments do you bring that you think will make you a good representative for Ward 15?
Having served in a few elected positions and recently going before the city’s budget committee in 2024 I believe my knowledge of local, provincial and federal politics, government officials and business will help me connect residents with problem solvers in a timely fashion.
3) What are the key 3-5 issues you see facing Ward 15 and the City?
Housing should be built with a plan so we don’t have a concentration of high rises in a small area (such as near Eglinton and Yonge on Redpath). Doing so we need to protect the small businesses that bring the flavour and character to our community. transit and public safety are also key responsibilities of a council member.
4) What is the first thing you will work on if elected?
Communication with residents. I want residents to immediately feel the city is not hostile, but rather welcoming to concerns being raised and that Jason Stevens as a councillor is working hard to keep a good paced rhythm in responding to the community.
