2022 Mississauga Election Profiles - Ward 4 Candidate Joan Pace Jakobsen

Leading up to the 2022 Mississauga elections, Modern Mississauga Media reached out to all incumbents and candidates via email with the same set of questions to help our community learn more about them leading up to the Monday, October 24, 2022 election.
For full information on how and when to vote, click here.

1.What ward are you running in and why are you running for Mississauga City Council?
I’m running for Ward 4 Councillor because we need strong leadership to advocate for all Ward 4 residents and ensure resident concerns are responded to in a timely manner.

2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
I’m raising a family and taking care of aging parents so I understand seniors’ needs. I have worked at the City of Mississauga so I can hit the ground running once elected

3. What are your top 3 campaign priorities?
Resident & community engagement. Affordability of property taxes and housing. Community Safety.

4. If you could change one thing about Mississauga's zoning laws, what would it be?
Improve inclusionary zoning laws to meet the affordable housing needs in Mississauga while ensuring community safety. Review legacy zoning processes to ensure it's not encumbered unnecessarily.

5. How do you plan to actively involve and include residents in decisions?
Host local face to face events to share ideas and collaborate. Use communication mediums such as social media, newsletters with infographics, and in different languages. Support the creation of community groups such as a Ratepayers Association.

6. What budget item is the most important to your ward?
We are seeing lots of hard earned tax payers dollars being spent on pilot projects that started without public consultation. Need to review initiatives such as ineffective road calming projects.

7. What are three of your favourite aspects of Mississauga?
1. Recreation and Arts Community Programs. 2. Free diverse cultural events throughout the city to ensure inclusivity for all. 3. Green spaces and waterfront.

8. How will you be supporting our local businesses if elected?
Collaborate with businesses and community groups to understand their needs and build an action plan to best support them at local events. Partner with business to support the creation of a Business Improvement Association (BIA) in Ward 4 which, in turn, improves community engagement.

9. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
We have great recreational and cultural programs throughout Mississauga. Active Mississauga programs are diverse to accommodate the needs of the community.

10. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards can voters expect?
Being approachable through face to face engagement and being present in the community. Hosting “coffee with the councillor” . Responding to inquiries or complaints -many have been waiting months for answers on inquiries sent which is unacceptable.

11. Please provide your campaign website.
www.electjoan.ca

2022 Mississauga Election Profiles - Ward 11 Candidate Imran Hasan

Leading up to the 2022 Mississauga elections, Modern Mississauga Media reached out to all incumbents and candidates via email with the same set of questions to help our community learn more about them leading up to the Monday, October 24, 2022 election.
For full information on how and when to vote, click here.

1. What ward are you running in and why are you running for Mississauga City Council?
Ward 11. With George Carlson's retirement, this community needs a bridge builder with a track record of working with different groups to help our community become safer, more vibrant, and livable.

2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
I plan to be a voice for many in our community who don’t feel represented. People tell me they want a leader who gives them hope; They don't want the same old politicians. Representation Matters.

3. What are your top 3 campaign priorities?
Community and road safety are key issues. We need to curb things like speeding and the rash of car thefts. We also need to help those struggling with rising costs especially the most marginalized.

4. If you could change one thing about Mississauga's zoning laws, what would it be?
We need to ensure we have more affordable housing in Ward 11 so our long-time residents and youth will be able to continue living and thriving here and not be forced to move someplace else.

5. How do you plan to actively involve and include residents in decisions?
Connecting with residents is in my DNA. During the campaign, I have actively reached out to residents who currently feel they don't have a voice. I have given them my postcard which has my cell phone number on it. My number hasn't changed in 20 years and will remain the same after October 24.

6. What budget item is the most important to your ward?
Community safety and policing are key for residents. My experience as Chair of Peel Crime Stoppers gives me great insights on how we can build safer communities without impacting our taxes.

7. What are three of your favourite aspects of Mississauga?
There are over 500 parks and 400km of mix use trails. We are home to more than 1,200 restaurants representing over 150 ethnic cuisines. I love the diverse nature of Mississauga that makes us so unique and appreciated by people around the world.

8. How will you be supporting our local businesses if elected?
I volunteered as a chair at the Board of Trade to be a champion for our entrepreneurs and small businesses who are the economic engines of our communities. During the campaign, I have visited many small businesses because I truly understand how important they are as a small business owner myself.

9. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
In surveys, Mississauga residents have called it is a welcoming and open community. With an incredible 50 per cent of residents born outside Canada, that needs to be better reflected on council.

10. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards can voters expect?
When I say something, I don't just say it. I get it done. I have pledged to give people a voice and plan to begin that work as a bridge builder immediately. I plan to bring people from different backgrounds together to listen and to find the most appropriate solutions for Ward 11.

11. Please provide your campaign website.
www.imranhasan.ca

2022 Mississauga Election Profiles - Ward 5 Candidate Domenica Laura Simone

Leading up to the 2022 Mississauga elections, Modern Mississauga Media reached out to all incumbents and candidates via email with the same set of questions to help our community learn more about them leading up to the Monday, October 24, 2022 election.
For full information on how and when to vote, click here.

1. What ward are you running in and why are you running for Mississauga City Council?
I'm running in Ward 5 Mississauga-Malton. I've lived in the ward for a few years now and see the potential for the ward to be so much better.

2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
I live in ward. I shop, live, work and play here. I don't just drive in & out, I actually see the issues and have lived the issues. I'm determined to make a difference and bring a fresh perspective.

3. What are your top 3 campaign priorities?
Residential Street Safety - it's time we do more Affordable Housing strategies throughout the city and especially in Ward 5 Everything Malton. People feel ignored and forgotten.

4. If you could change one thing about Mississauga's zoning laws, what would it be?
Inclusionary zoning- I support these changes and would definitely be willing to change anything related to red tape. If it doesn't make sense for this day and age, it needs to be updated.

5. How do you plan to actively involve and include residents in decisions?
I would start by having quarterly town halls so that the constituents know what's happening etc. Would also have an office at the community centers for people to come see me directly. For those that are tech savvy, I would send surveys, emails etc to gage the feedback and suggestions.

6. What budget item is the most important to your ward?
The ward currently contributes a significant amount of taxes to the entire city yet we seem to be the least invested in. Parks should be invested in & I would bring a full police station into Malton.

7. What are three of your favourite aspects of Mississauga?
The diversity within Mississauga The cultures we celebrate The potential for continued growth

8. How will you be supporting our local businesses if elected?
As a small business owner myself this topic is dear to my heart. I would start by creating a small business committee and listen to the local business concerns. Next, I would find ways to promote local businesses and continue to work with them to be successful. Small business is key to any city.

9. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
Celebrating the diversity and recently their social media platforms have improved tremendously.

10. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards can voters expect?
Excellent question and so important. I'm literally a phone call away. People want to know you care so I would ensure to follow up personally. I would also host quarterly townhalls & issue a monthly newsletter. Lastly, social media ...I would definalty have an active social media presence.

11. Please provide your campaign website.
www.domenicalaurasimone.com

2022 Mississauga Election Profiles - Ward 9 Candidate Len Little

Leading up to the 2022 Mississauga elections, Modern Mississauga Media reached out to all incumbents and candidates via email with the same set of questions to help our community learn more about them leading up to the Monday, October 24, 2022 election.
For full information on how and when to vote, click here.

1. What ward are you running in and why are you running for Mississauga City Council?
I am running in Ward 9. I have run twice before in 2010 and 2014. I am running because in matters. It matters that we have elected representatives that live in and understand the community.

2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
I have the Business, Political, and Community Experience. I can read a balance sheet and have lead major organizations. We need common sense at City Hall. I will bring that fresh perspective.

3. What are your top 3 campaign priorities?
I would freeze Councillor's salaries for 4 years and get a handle on our finances. Crime. We need to stand up and take concrete action to curb crime. Respectable Representation. Respect residents.

4. If you could change one thing about Mississauga's zoning laws, what would it be?
Good Question. We need to look at graduated zoning to permit more medium to high density options.

5. How do you plan to actively involve and include residents in decisions?
Simple. I believe in Direct Democracy. What Matters to you Matters to me. I will call you back!

6. What budget item is the most important to your ward?
The Budget needs to be looked at in it's entire context, but we need more resources to fight crime.

7. What are three of your favourite aspects of Mississauga?
It is a family friendly city, diverse and has so much potential. The Parks and Recreation Facilities are fantastic. The pathways and green spaces are truly fantastic.

8. How will you be supporting our local businesses if elected?
Great Question. My wife and I operated Lucy's Seafood Kitchen for 20 years. I understand small business and would set up a Small Business Task Force to tackle numerous issues.

9. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
Spending Money. Yes I am being sarcastic. Why are we the Second Most Expensive City in North America to live in? We must get a handle on our finances and quickly! I have no experience wasting money!

10. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards can voters expect?
Being in the Hospitality Industry for 35 years taught me how to treat people and treat customers. I will treat residents like customers. Return their call and truly listen.

11. Please provide your campaign website
electlenlittleward9.ca

2022 Mississauga Election Profiles - Ward 2 Candidate Syed Jaffery

Leading up to the 2022 Mississauga elections, Modern Mississauga Media reached out to all incumbents and candidates via email with the same set of questions to help our community learn more about them leading up to the Monday, October 24, 2022 election.
For full information on how and when to vote, click here.

1.. What ward are you running in and why are you running for Mississauga City Council?
I am running from ward 2, Mississauga. I have a passion for community service. I am involved with Mississauga food bank, local park maintenance services adopting Lakeside park, & safety teams.

2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
I was a student leader 20 years ago. Since then I have been involved in many community activities including local campaigns and legislative issues. I am highly educated with doctoral degrees.

3. What are your top 3 campaign priorities?
Safety of my constituents especially kids crossing streets, affordable housing and parks to decrease carbon pollution.

4. If you could change one thing about Mississauga's zoning laws, what would it be?
I would increase residential density horizontally instead of increasing it vertically.

5. How do you plan to actively involve and include residents in decisions?
By holding town hall general public meetings.

6. What budget item is the most important to your ward?
Transit is currently the most important budget item due to delays in bus and train timings.

7. What are three of your favourite aspects of Mississauga?
The beaches, the parks and the historic landmarks.

8. How will you be supporting our local businesses if elected?
Local business are our life line. We would highlight every business once a year and promote it on social and local media.

9. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
Mississauga currently has excelled in biotechnology firms and other major industries. That brought all kinds of diverse professionals.

10. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards can voters expect?
I would communicate through social media, conventional meetings, town hall meetings and any way communication is possible.

11. Please provide your campaign website.
www.syedjaffery.com

2022 Mississauga Election Profiles - Ward 10 Incumbent Sue McFadden

Leading up to the 2022 Mississauga elections, Modern Mississauga Media reached out to all incumbents and candidates via email with the same set of questions to help our community learn more about them leading up to the Monday, October 24, 2022 election.
For full information on how and when to vote, click here.

1. What ward are you running in and why are you running for Mississauga City Council?
Ward 10 I am running on my proven track record of strong, trustworthy leadership serving our community. We've done some great things over the past 16 years, and there's still more work to do.

2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
My extensive experience delivering proven results is something no one else can claim to offer. People know me and trust me to work hard for them.

3. What are your top 3 campaign priorities?
I am focused on public safety (crime prevention and road safety), appropriate mixed-use development, and ensuring good value for the programs and services our residents want and need.

4. If you could change one thing about Mississauga's zoning laws, what would it be?
Our Council has made significant progress on inclusionary zoning to require affordable housing in new development. Still some work to do, but we're getting there.

5. How do you plan to actively involve and include residents in decisions?
Throughout my years as Councillor, I have consistently invited input, feedback, questions and comments from the public on topics that matter to them. Through town hall meetings, charrettes, online surveys and more, I am always willing to hear from and advocate for my community.

6. What budget item is the most important to your ward?
Parks (phase 2 of Mattamy Sports Park); T&W (traffic calming); Police

7. What are three of your favourite aspects of Mississauga?
We have a beautifully diverse population where we can live together and learn from one another. Our parks and trails throughout the city are first class. Our size and location - we have big city amenities and space to breathe and grow.

8. How will you be supporting our local businesses if reelected?
Encouraging all residents to buy local. In the past term, Council supported business through the Made In Mississauga initiative and changing bylaws to enlarge patios, for example. I will support similar opportunities in the future.

9. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
Attracting major business and high paying jobs.

10. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards can voters expect?
Generally, I will continue to use my monthly eNewsletter, social media and website to provide valuable information and invite public feedback on ward and city initiatives. For specific ward projects, I will supplement with road signage and mail outs. I typically respond to inquiries within 24 hours.

11. Please provide your campaign website.
reelectsue.ca

2022 Mississauga Election Profiles - Ward 11 Candidate Brad Butt

Leading up to the 2022 Mississauga elections, Modern Mississauga Media reached out to all incumbents and candidates via email with the same set of questions to help our community learn more about them leading up to the Monday, October 24, 2022 election.
For full information on how and when to vote, click here.

1. What ward are you running in and why are you running for Mississauga City Council?
Ward 11. With the retirement of Councillor George Carlson I am running because I believe I have the experience, knowledge and dedication to effectively represent the community.

2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
My background in community and public service for close to 40 years in Mississauga and knowledge of how City Hall works makes me the best candidate.

3. What are your top 3 campaign priorities?
Keeping property taxes down, protecting and enhancing core municipal services and ensuring full consultation on development projects in the community.

4. If you could change one thing about Mississauga's zoning laws, what would it be?
I would toughen up the noise by-law and ensure it is enforced.

5. How do you plan to actively involve and include residents in decisions?
I will always have public meetings on development applications and plan for regular Zoom-call type meetings with residents to seek input and feedback.

6. What budget item is the most important to your ward?
Community safety through policing and by-law enforcement.

7. What are three of your favourite aspects of Mississauga?
Mississauga is a welcoming, caring and compassionate community where diversity is our strength. Mississauga offers a great life for seniors, families and children and is a great place to live, work and play.

8. How will you be supporting our local businesses if elected?
I have a long history of work with the Streetsville BIA and the Mississauga Board of Trade. I will continue to support and advocate for business and protect employment lands in the city.

9. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
Value for money. Mississauga is a well run city and we need to continue that balance of providing services and keeping taxes down.

10. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards can voters expect?
I will continue with a regular mailed newsletter as well as e-newsletters and active social media. Regular Zoom-call meetings will also be held throughout the year.

11. Please provide your campaign website.
www.bradbutt.ca

2022 Mississauga Election Profiles - Ward 7 Candidate Mark Freeland

Leading up to the 2022 Mississauga elections, Modern Mississauga Media reached out to all incumbents and candidates via email with the same set of questions to help our community learn more about them leading up to the Monday, October 24, 2022 election.
For full information on how and when to vote, click here.

1. What ward are you running in and why are you running for Mississauga City Council?
I am running in Mississauga Ward 7 - Cooksville. I am running to challenge the establishment politicians to represent their constituents and address issues like housing and affordability.

2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
I am a genuine working class candidate. I am a labourer and activist.

3. What are your top 3 campaign priorities?
Free public transit for all. Freeze property taxes on families. Increase and enforce requirements for new development to include affordable housing. Redirect the police budget.

4. If you could change one thing about Mississauga's zoning laws, what would it be?
Affordable housing requirements.

5. How do you plan to actively involve and include residents in decisions?
By being involved in community activism and keeping an open door policy to learn from experts and residents about the challenges they face and the best solutions. I believe in community governance and mutual aid. Constituents should help form policy.

6. What budget item is the most important to your ward?
Redirecting police budgets to hospitals, schools and other first responders.

7. What are three of your favourite aspects of Mississauga?
It's cultural and ethnic diversity and it's green spaces.

8. How will you be supporting our local businesses if elected?
I plan to freeze property taxes on small businesses as well as primary residences while raising them on vacant units.

9. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
Integration and respect for newcomers.

10. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards can voters expect?
By any and all means. I hope for my office to be a community hub providing meaningful aid to Ward 7.

11. Please provide your campaign website
municipal.socialistalliance.ca

2022 Mississauga Election Profiles - Ward 4 Candidate Michelle Bilek

Leading up to the 2022 Mississauga elections, Modern Mississauga Media reached out to all incumbents and candidates via email with the same set of questions to help our community learn more about them leading up to the Monday, October 24, 2022 election.
For full information on how and when to vote, click here.

1. What ward are you running in and why are you running for Mississauga City Council?
Ward 4, to represent the community members as Councillor

2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
I am providing a new vision on community building, and means for centring citizens in policy making, funding decisions, and listening and generating ideas from a broad base of community action.  We need strong voices on council that are willing to take bold and innovative steps to address some of the systemic and historical issues affecting so many, especially our most vulnerable and marginalized community members: affordable housing, poverty, homelessness, sustainable development and planning, safety and person centred decision making. Using data and evidence, City officials have to work with City staff to find solutions that have proven as best practices in other jurisdictions and how they may implemented in Mississauga. If we are unresponsive, governing without transparency and avoiding democratic process and citizen engagement – the result will be citizenry that disengaged, lacking trust and faith in our elected officials and processes.

3. What are your top 3 campaign priorities? 
Ensuring that I implement a person centred frameworks for community engagement and community building, embracing our assets and meaningfully working towards a shared vision for our communities future.  Building social interaction opportunities, engaging community groups and organizations, hosting community conversations and events and re-establishing trust and support for each other and our community assets.
Fully committing to the end of chronic homelessness in 5 years, and work with the Regional Staff and people experiencing homelessness and housing precarity and community partners to establish a housing rights framework within the Housing and Homelessness Plan. Establish an implementation strategy, outcomes and timeline to ensure functional zero chronic homelessness. This means that the Municipality and Regional partners will have to prioritize people experiencing homelessness – in funding and housing allocations.  Not only is it socially responsible to ensuring no one in our community experiences homelessness, but it is also fiscally prudent to do so.
Addressing the safety and security of citizens – on our streets and beyond.  Speeding in residential and school areas has been an ongoing concern. It seems that costly investments in cameras, and removable pilons has not been as affective as adding paved speed bumps on most frequently violated streets. The Peel Police have provided a brief to candidates that reflect a large rise in vehicle theft and my discussions with community reflect an overall sense of insecurity and fear. With the increasing cozts allocated to Regional Police to address these issues and beyond, it is time that Municipal officials address the allocation of specialized services to community partners and the involvement and funding that is going to specialized services and responses to people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance user and domestic violence incidents.

4. If you could change one thing about Mississauga's zoning laws, what would it be?
Inclusionary Zoning by law should be improved: Include purpose built rentals, exponentially increase set aside rates, and ensure perpetuity is the lifetime of the unit.
In addition to many other zoning laws that constrict the development of affordable rentals/ownership properties, we need densification that brings a variety of housing options and affordability options in response to the evidence, data and current housing conditions in our community.

5. How do you plan to actively involve and include residents in decisions?
As mentioned, community-building is that is defined and designed “by and for” community, not the status quo “done for us without us”.  This means person centred community building and, a governance model where people feel empowered, knowledgeable and contributing. It is very important that community residents have the opportunity to be listened to, have their initiatives supported and in some circumstances, where they lead community and build. To co-designing and supporting objectives for community resilience is where a council member should locate themselves.  As for consulting the public on policy, laws and funding, there should be opportunity for meaningful involvement from the outset of policy objectives, having community organizations and partners involved and ensuring that data, research and evidence also guide decision making.  I do feel that authentic engagement means allowing diverse voices and perspectives to be imbedded in the decision making processes from the onset and ensuring low barrier, democratic opportunities for citizen participation and advocacy: Increasing time allocated to delegating, having some city meetings and committee meetings in evenings and on weekends.  Hold public roundtables led by community partners and agencies, offer written an oral submissions, and ensure that council members involve meaningful engagement practices with their own citizens.

6. What budget item is the most important to your ward?
I'm most concerned about the lack of investment allocated to public transportation, community parks and community initiatives. If we desire a livable and sustainable environment then we need to ensure that these are funded appropriately.  With respect to planning and development, we need to ensure community benefits agreements are enforced and that funding incentives for development is allocated to development that is needed (purpose built rentals, affordable housing options such as low rises, multiplexes) and not to development that is providing investment opportunities and luxury unaffordable spaces. If over 70% of the population is in deep core housing need, then legislation and funding should address the need for increased deeply affordable options. Partnership with not for profits and increases in cooperative housing  should be priorities. 

7. What are three of your favourite aspects of Mississauga?
The people. Also the culture,the events and opportunities for diverse communities, artists and businesses to be showcased. 

8. How will you be supporting our local businesses if elected?
Local businesses are at the centre of community building, relationships and belonging. We need to do more to support their success through showcasing,  community event opportunities,  promotional events, and partners in addressing socio economic issues within our city. Business leaders are not only concerned about their financial outcomes but certainly share the same needs and concerns that local residents do. Community building should and must also be inclusive of local businesses and owners. 

9. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
Excellent at providing opportunities for residents to participate in cultural activities, arts, events. But it's unfortunate that many people don't feel inclined to do so. Maybe we actually should address the barriers and why people feel excluded from community. 

10. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards can voters expect?
Communication with local residents, and residents to their elected officials should be considered easy and if all possible allow for multiple means of contact. Councillors need to dedicate time to being accountable and accessible to residents on an ongoing basis.  Setting up specific days and times for meetings with residents, holding public forums and coffee chats, supporting community led initiatives, walking down streets and spending time with people they serve and proactively determining how we can be better as a community.  I would not just attending local events for photo opportunities.

11. Please provide your campaign website

https://www.michellebilek.me/

2022 Mississauga Election Profiles - Ward 7 Candidate Amir Ali

Leading up to the 2022 Mississauga elections, Modern Mississauga Media reached out to all incumbents and candidates via email with the same set of questions to help our community learn more about them leading up to the Monday, October 24, 2022 election.
For full information on how and when to vote, click here.

Image provided by Amir Ali

1. What ward are you running in and why are you running for Mississauga City Council?
I am running in Ward 7. Rising property taxes has been a great concern. Property Taxes are value-based. Home Values decreased by 3.9% in August. If the taxes don't decrease, it should be freeze.

2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
I respect all the candidates. My International Experience and trainings give me an extra mark to apply productivity enhancement techniques to stop waste and utilize resources to create savings.

3. What are your top 3 campaign priorities?
Meeting constituents and listening to them is my first priority. Second is fund raising and third is arranging volunteers for different tasks. I've knocked 95% of the doors and would reach 100% soon.

4. If you could change one thing about Mississauga's zoning laws, what would it be?
ravel and Transport is expensive and is not environmentally friendly. I love buildings that has shops in the bottom, KG/daycare in the mezzanine, offices at 2nd and 3rd and condos on the top of them.

5. How do you plan to actively involve and include residents in decisions?
During door-knocking, I have listed 500+ citizens. From that list, I would select 15 to 20 people who would meet on bi-weekly basis. With their recommendations tracing on laws and by-laws we have we would be able to create Ward 7 what it deserves. What we have is a 3rd world projection.

6. What budget item is the most important to your ward?
No budget number gives detail how it is derived. Were sense-making techniques used? To me all the numbers should be revised based on the information I have about my ward. Citizens are unhappy.

7. What are three of your favourite aspects of Mississauga?
Preserving heritage buildings, preserving the conservation belt and balanced cultural activities are some aspects of Canada to be appreciated. We have some wildlife too, that has to be preserved as well. we have already disturbed them.

8. How will you be supporting our local businesses if elected?
That is the most interesting topic. My office is situated in Sussex Center which is half empty now and this is one of the best buildings in town. We need to keep small businesses in town. And small businesses must create attractions. Lakeshore is an example; everyone goes there to eat and enjoy.

9. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
Airport. But connectivity is a problem. I had hoped that LRT would connect to the airport instead Shopper's World. It would have turn on Derry and connect Malton then Airport.

10. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards can voters expect?
I don't want to disclose everything here. With me they are communicating through email and phone, still the best. However, if I am elected you would see a transformed Mississauga. I have an eye on a 16 acres land where I would be inviting investors to put a world class theatre with a 5 star hotel.

11. Please provide your campaign website.
www.ElectAmir.ca

2022 Mississauga Election Profiles - Mayoral Candidate George Tavares

Leading up to the 2022 Mississauga elections, Modern Mississauga Media reached out to all incumbents and candidates via email with the same set of questions to help our community learn more about them leading up to the Monday, October 24, 2022 election.
For full information on how and when to vote, click here.

Image provided by George Tavares

1. Why are you running for Mayor?
In 2014, the Legend ended her 36-year Mayorship, and for the past 8 years, we have been developing the city using an old playbook. A playbook that depended on money from construction and development fees. A playbook when gas was cheap, land was plentiful and housing affordable.
But these days are gone.
We must look ahead at new ways of generating revenue. I do not subscribe to punishing those that choose to stay in Mississauga, in raising property taxes. Nor do I believe in squeezing what little money left in the smaller business.
There are new, untapped financial potential. Using the current infrastructure, Mississauga will be the World Wide Example of financial success.
It will take a new kind of leadership to make this a success.

I thank Bonnie Crombie for getting Mississauga to this point, but I need the people of Mississauga to vote me in, take the ball, and run it the rest of the way.

2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
While an education to include a Mini MBA, a Diploma in Political Science and Canadian Indigenous Studies makes me a strong candidate, what people are impressed with is my 20 plus years of International Business travels. With a history of contract negotiations, project management and conflict resolution in other countries and other cultures, it should give the voters a lot of confidence that I will get things done.

3. What are your campaign priorities?
My priorities will be to ensure the Campaign Promises made by the candidates in each ward are managed and kept. Timelines and budgets will be assigned and a website to keep the people informed.

In addition, my focus will be on the following:

· Affordable Housing

· Property tax freeze

· A Safe City

4. If you could change one thing about Mississauga's zoning laws, what would it be?
Our zoning laws are either not managed well or are not followed at all. As an example, in some areas of Mississauga there are restrictions regarding the height of buildings. But when a new development is submitted, and it is well beyond the Zoning laws, council appears to consider it. People in the developments neighbourhoods are upset and the optics are bad.

However, the Zoning Bylaws need to be re-evaluated. They were written sometime ago, and with a different set of eyes. Change where it adds value and increases the quality of living, not just lining the pockets.
5. How do you plan to actively involve and include residents in decisions?
There is an “App for that” or there should be. There are YouTube streaming of council meetings and Twitter feeds but that is not enough. The City Of Mississauga needs a Streaming Service, dedicated to the Citizens of Mississauga, and available on their digital device. At one time we had “Rogers, Channel 10”, where many TV newscasters cut their teeth in the TV industries. You know who you are.

Rogers, Channel 10 helped form and develop the Culture of Mississauga. It kept the people informed and engaged. But we are in a new generation, and new ideas are needed. So for today, an App.

6. What budget item is the most important as Mayor?
Every line item in the budget is important, but the one that stands out is “Culture”. We spent a small fortune on Culture, but no one can identify what the Mississauga Culture is?
Are we Toronto’s suburbs, forever tethered to it by the LRT? Or are we an independent city, free to come and go, by the travel method of our choosing.
I know what my Mississauga will look like. Culture, is important.

7. What are your favourite aspects of Mississauga?
The Waterfront. There is so much potential, and so much fun.
Streetsville. If you’ve lived there, you know why, and if you haven’t been there, go!
YYZ, the Person Airport. We have one of the most advanced airports in the world, with non-stop flights to every major city in North America, and the Caribbean.

8. How will you be supporting our local businesses if elected?
In a word, Tourism. In this article, I used the term, “Untapped Potential”. We have the ability to host hundreds of events, bringing in Millions of dollars, but we are falling short. Tourists land in the busiest and largest airport in Canada, only to bypass the city that manages it. I intend on making Mississauga a destination not just a stop over.

9. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
I think the people of Mississauga excel at opportunities. If there is an opportunity to buy a house, car or start a new job, they are in. If there is an opportunity to try something new, it does not take much to convince them. And if there is an opportunity for change… we will see.

10. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards can voters expect?
We have a budget for printed materials and websites but we can do more. I think the Mayor should be more accessible, and not just for the high-ticket dinners and lunches. I still play hockey, and as a goalie, I always find a game to play. I hear some wonderful ideas in the change room. Bad ones too. But when you are in an element that people are comfortable in, people… speak from the heart. It is not always easy, but the job I am applying for isn’t easy either. There will be a lot of long days and sleepless nights, but the city, and the people it protects, are worth it.

11. Please provide your campaign website:

https://www.tavaresformayor.ca/