2024 Mississauga Mayoral Candidate Profile - Sinisa Mandrapa
/With the upcoming 2024 Mayoral By-election happening on June 10th, Modern Mississauga Media has reached out to all candidates inviting them to answer the same questions so voters can become more familiar with them.
Invitations went out to all candidates on Friday, May 3rd.
Click here to read all of the Mississauga Mayoral candidate profiles and check back often as responses will be posted within 72 hours of receipt.
Candidate answers are unedited and their contact information is at the bottom if you’d like to connect with them.
Click here to learn how to vote in the Mayoral election.
1. Why are you running for Mayor?
Passion to serve as a public servant. Want to help in the housing affordability & availability crisis, help residents and businesses recover from the COVID-19 by lowering taxes, want to be a vital part of Mississauga’s progress toward a world class city that can participate in world events. Help lowering waiting times in emergency rooms and specialist appointments. Move the city into a more modern smart city that creates higher paying jobs, with better functionality to work for all economic spectrum of classes. To build bridges between different groups. I want Mississauga to be a prime city in world innovations that can be displayed at the level of top cities in the world.
2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
I’m a follower of local and international political events, scientific news, artificial intelligence, and world civics since I was a very young child. I’m very intuitive in the way local and world society’s function and I believe that we need someone that can institute new ideas whilst using world experience on basis of a success rate to implement the best options possible.
3. What are your campaign priorities and what's your approach to tackling them?
My top 3 priorities are:
Housing affordability & availability- Building more public housing, working with businesses, attracting higher quality businesses to create higher paying jobs so people can afford to purchase.
Reduce property taxes (residential and commercial)- Reduce residential property taxes so families can afford to live in the city. Reduce commercial property taxes so businesses can afford to hire more employees and invest in capital, so the economy expands. This will be compensated by supporting businesses so there is more capital, the quantity of housing will expand so there will be more units paying taxes and the overview of city expenditure and future financial reports will be overlooked to fix current issues.
Safety- a city security safety program that includes each council ward hosting a city security program in which where the main streets of Mississauga will have a car cruising by every 3-4 minutes at all times of day. Investing in training and resources that will suit a more efficient system in where we will lower crime while at the same time providing citizens with more freedoms.
As Mayor, my vision extends beyond the immediate needs of our city to encompass transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing quality of life and fostering economic growth. Improving transportation infrastructure, including the construction of a subway line connecting Mississauga to Toronto, is imperative to alleviate congestion and facilitate seamless connectivity between our communities. Recognizing the contributions of our senior citizens, I propose introducing incentives such as free public transportation, access to dental care, and expedited service at government institutions. Furthermore, I am committed to elevating Mississauga's cultural landscape by attracting major league sports teams and entertainment venues, thereby enriching our community life with world-class events and performances. Additionally, fostering a knowledge-based economy by inviting esteemed universities and colleges to establish a presence in our city will empower individuals of all ages, particularly our younger population, with access to educational opportunities and resources. Lastly, embracing technology to create a smart city infrastructure is paramount to streamlining administrative processes, enhancing efficiency, and reducing unnecessary costs associated with bureaucratic procedures such as business approvals and licensing. Through these strategic initiatives, I am dedicated to realizing a future for Mississauga that is prosperous, inclusive, and forward-thinking.
4. What budget item is the most important for Mississauga?
Investing in affordable housing and bolstering security measures are the most crucial budget items for Mississauga. Addressing the housing crisis, particularly for the younger generation, is paramount to preserving the city's fabric and fostering prosperity. Increased security ensures residents can enjoy life with peace of mind and freedom, contributing to a safer and more vibrant community.
5. What are your three favourite aspects of Mississauga?
Cultural Diversity: Mississauga’s global connection makes it one of Canada’s leading culturally diverse cities. From vibrant cultural festivals to diverse culinary experiences, the city celebrates its rich tapestry of backgrounds and traditions, fostering inclusivity and mutual understanding amount residents and visitors alike.
Beautiful Coastline: The picturesque coastline along Lakeshore and the tranquil flow of the Credit River, stretching from the northern reaches down to Lakeshore, are natural gems that enrich Mississauga’s landscape. These scenic waterways offer residents and visitors opportunities for leisure, recreation, and appreciation of the city’s natural beauty.
Human Potential: In every corner of the city, human potential thrives, fueled by diverse talents, creativity, and resilience. From innovative start-ups to established businesses, from cultural hubs to community initiatives, Mississauga’s residents embody the spirit of possibility, contributing to the city’s vibrancy and success.
6. How will you be actively supporting our local businesses if elected?
If elected, I'll actively support small businesses by reducing property taxes, creating tailored programs for their growth, establishing a city advertising/marketing firm accessible to all, incentivizing the adoption of new technology for higher-paying jobs, and advocating for forgiveness of COVID relief loans. As mayor, I will be a catalyst to drive positive change by connecting diverse people, ideas, and resources with the goal of creating a more vibrant and inclusive Mississauga.
WE MUST STAND WITH OUR BUSINESSES DURING THIS PERIOD OF TRANSITION!
7. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
Mississauga excels at being one of the premier immigration destinations globally, fostering a diverse community from all corners of the world. Building upon this strength, I aim to implement systems to support newcomers with housing, language instruction, legal education, and overall assimilation into our city, further enhancing our reputation as a welcoming and inclusive community.
8. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards can voters expect?
Residents can expect transparent and accessible communication standards under my leadership. I'll provide my cell phone number for direct contact and maintain an open-door policy, welcoming visits to my office daily. Dubbed the People's Mayoral Office, it'll offer same-day appointments for residents. Monthly town halls will connect all wards, allowing us to review accomplishments and areas for improvement collaboratively. Together, we'll foster a connected, engaged community, shaping a peaceful and inclusive city for all.
