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Calland Wells
- '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 believe dividing the municipality in such a way will lead to problems. If we did this how many districts will be needed and how many councilors will each have? I think we would end up with more councilors and a battle between the two groups for access to services and money for improvements. Instead of dividing the municipality I believe we should engage our citizens through voluntary community groups. By meeting with these groups regularly the council can be more aware of the needs of each group and be able to more effectively meet these needs.
- '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.
No. If we align taxes this wy i think we would be handcuffing our ability to improve our city. With a smaller margin money for unexpected needs will be limited and thus prevent our city from meeting these needs. This will also decrease our ability for investing in future economic opportunities. With this said however, I think we need to ensure our tax money is used effectively and a tax review may be what we need.
- '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. I am very proud of my culture and love leaving in this city and the Arts and Culture is the best way to keep our culture alive. It is also a way to project our lives to others which can translate into increased tourism revenue. Funding for this sector is necessary and should not be overlooked especially when federal funding is drying up. However, I could not commit to a guaranteed 1% but would definitely look at what is needed and ensure it is there. Whether it be 1% or more.
- '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. Before this position can be offered the city needs to have a long term plan to determine where it needs to be by 2020. It must identify the areas where sustainability is a must and then find a candidate that has the expertise in these areas. A most well rounded and experienced leader is needed for such a position. Once a person is found s/he will then have to review the goals set forth and meet with the necessary people to adjust the plan accordingly. With a final plan in place the S/O will need to have enough authority and budgetary ability to implement this plan. However, this authority should be managed with an oversight committee.
- '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. Such a strategy would be a definite asset to our city especially in this time of labour shortage. To implement such a strategy we must first identify the areas in which we have a need for workers. We must then attract immigrants with the necessary skill sets so as to be able to gain mutual benefits. This would be achieved if the right person is in the right job. If s/he is doing something they enjoy they will more likely stay and our city would benefit by meeting its need. In addition we need to identify the stumbling blocks that deter immigrants from wanting to stay in our city apart from employment. Racism, language, cultural differences may all be problems living in a new country so we need to ensure these problems are overcome. We need to educate our citizens to immigration and provide English training for those who need it. For those groups which are disadvantaged we must do much of the same as for immigrants. Identify problems areas through discussion with these groups and then provide the proper support to help these people meet their needs so they can become productive members of society.
- '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. This is a vital part of our future to grow economically and to be able to provide our citizens with a transit system that allows for maximum enjoyment of leisure time. With a growing economy more people will need to move about so the city must be ready for the increased traffic that will come with increased economic activity. Today travel within the city can be frustrating on a good day so we need to ensure that it does not get any worse. With increased traffic we will see more frustration, more accidents, longer commutes and increased pollution. If this were to happen HRM would not be a nice place to live and it would be a deterrent for anyone or any business thinking of relocating here. In order for a strategy to be put in place we would first need to find suitable people to make up the transportation authority. I would like to see people who have a very experienced past in larger cities make up this authority. Once created the council and the authority would meet to develop a long-term strategy that will incorporate our long-term economic and social needs. This strategy will take into consideration all modes of travel, autos, bicycles, buses, ferries, rail and pedestrian.
- '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 do support such a process as our citizens need to have a say and be able to see where their city is taking them. We would need to ensure the public has ample time to review any initiative the city takes on and be able to relay their concerns and ideas to this process. We, as a council, must also ensure our citizens are properly informed and public meetings would do both.
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