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James Stuewe
- '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. Council currently lacks vision and is not operating as a team. This municipality must realize that we are one and what is positive for one area can be very positive for others. This is particularly true about the downtown as the heart of the municipality, its vibrancy affects all residents of HRM and they have vested interest in its well being. Amalgamation is a thing of the past and calls to consider full and complete de-amalgamation are an example of thinking more about the past than focusing on moving forward and our future. Many of us have organized groups with far more than 24 people and had tremendous success, this can happen at City Hall. Clear leadership and vision for HRM as a whole will help move our municipality forward.
- '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. The current Tax Reform Initiative clearly addresses inequalities in the municipal tax system. It shifts the system to a more just plan. If a household benefits from a municipal service then that household will help pay for its costs. The proposal provides for enhanced protection for those at lower income levels than the current system, and helps encourage sustainable dense development. Its weakness thus far has been that it has been overly complex and difficult to grasp. With my presence on Regional Council, I feel confident that we will see the plan become more clearly articulated and accessible proposal. A blanket statement regarding its failure so far, shows a lack of understanding and attention to its details. Commercially there has yet to be a clear answer to the taxation dilemma, though HRM staff continue to work hard on this issue and I feel that the foundation of the current Tax Reform Initiative will allow for a strong foundation to build a new commercial tax system upon.
- '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. The downtown hosts tremendous arts and culture talent and resources. It is a community that thrives in a moving, living downtown, and gives us another reason to live here in the heart of the city, more than just being close to work. The strong arts community must be supported so it can grow along with our growing city.
- '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.
Yes. HRM must move to a more sustainable framework and consider all decisions in terms of how they will affect the next generation of residents here. The above mentioned position is something that could be explored so to help achieve this goal.
- '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. The municipality’s immigration plan is woefully inadequate and does not propose a solution, choosing only to highlight the concerns that are apparent to us all. Our city is not able to attract, or more worryingly, retain immigrants. Though not mandated to do so, the municipality should provide dedicated support to newly arrived immigrants to help them navigate the challenges of integrating fully into our community as their new home. The creation of a recruitment position directed at newly graduated international students could be the voice they need to hear asking “how can we help you stay in our great city?”
- '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. I think there is value to the idea of an integrated transit system that is able to examine transit in our community holistically and help move us around our municipality in a more sustainable way. Does it make sense it is less expensive to drive across the bridge than it is to get on a bus or on the ferry? This is the type of question we need to ask.
- '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. I feel HRM by Design addresses these concerns though is not a perfect plan, but is a solid first step. It gives predictability where there has been none and thanks to its open and consultative process there is a clearer direction for our downtown. It is a living document with the ability to be revisited and strengthened. I am supportive of it and want to see it implemented and continue to develop with and through continued community engagement.
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