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Patrick Murphy
- '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.
No. I do support more control and decision making going to neighbourhoods at the community council level - we are a municipality the size of PEI. However, the ultimate decision of deamalgamation lies with the province.
- '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. If we can streamline our tax system so taxes can be aligned with the services residents receive this is a wonderful thing and has the potential to create a more fiscally sustainable system. This has to be balanced particularly with some reference to ability to pay and there have been concerns raised about the impact on certain income levels. I will work to see better communication of what the benefits of this system are to the taxpayer. The present trade show set up seems to have frustrated many members of the public when it comes to creating an understanding of the tax reform initiative.
- '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. This works out to upwards of $6M. This can positively affect our growth and tourism. Arts and culture support must encompass different initiatives and different forms of art including- visual arts, public art, music, dance, and more general cultural initiatives. It is one thing to commit this amount of money to the arts and culture sector, it is another to determine which facets of the sector get the money. Support will come in different ways, for example, through motions on budget proceedings, motions of Council, community grants, and through use our marketing levy.
- '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. We are currently working on our environmental initiatives at a very good rate. The Halifax Harbour solutions project is on time and on budget, the Halifax Waste Water treatment facility began operations in 2007-2008. Water quality in Halifax Harbour has already improved. The biosolids processing facility has commenced marketing beneficial soil. Without having a Chief Sustainability officer our municipality has received national recognition in the Corporate Knights Magazine, second annual ranking of Canada's most sustainable city, HRM ranked 2nd in the medium cities category and fifth overall in the country. This is an improvement over last year when HRM placed 17th out of 24. The Alderney 5 project is a $3M energy retrofit of 5 buildings on the Dartmouth waterfront owned by HRM. This projects will save an estimated 250,000 per year of energy costs. We have also built a community energy plan to help provide a holistic view of how we can meet our energy needs. We are also identifying cleaner energy sources including renewal and more efficient ways to use energy. Over 87 countries have visited our Otter Lake site. Have looked at our recycling and composting programs. This is very impressive that the rest of the world is looking to our leadership, something that your organization should be championing and commending us on. We already have people in HRM like Brad Anguish, Jim Bauld and many others, including our Harbour Solutions staff, that are qualified engineers and experts in these fields. That is why we have been winning awards.
- '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. If an integrated intercultural strategy were to align with and support the implementation of our existing immigration action plan and the work of the GHP I believe this is a wonderful thing. Such a strategy would have to be defined. Does it include full language training? Is it developing a newcomer's webpage? Is it using all the immigrant services provided by the federal government for support? Are we integrating community services, health and education as a support network for new immigrants? Does it mean we are going to develop a mentorship program for our new neighbours? I don't know if you are familiar with the 10 point Step Up To Leadership program that is provided by HRM community development. This program is free and builds on making people feel included in the community, building on their self esteem and educating them about our great community. There were 650 new Canadians sworn in at ceremonies held in HRM in 2007. If we can help support their integration into the community this is a valuable thing.
- '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. An authority could integrate and streamline our transportation decision making processes. This has been talked about by one of the Mayoralty candidates, David Boyd.
- '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. Thus far, I support the HRM by Design initiative. This engaged participants in a proposed vision for downtown Halifax. It will give a more detailed vision of how downtown Halifax will look and feel. Some of the areas consider include heritage protection and preservation, building form, massing, public spaces, increased capacity for residential and commercial development and a clear direction on building heights. These will all be benefits of streamlining the process. I have not yet fully considered the final HRM by Design recommendations. I am supportive of a more streamlined process.
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