Kitchener Election Issues

[isUsername]

Kitchener Election Issues

This will be the first municipal election that I'll have voted in, and I'm still trying to get a grasp on what the key issues are. Obviously for Kitchener residents, amalgamation, LRT, and (of course) taxes, are an issue, but if we are going to be asking candidates questions, what are all the questions we should be asking?

I wasn't sure if this should go into the Kitchener Election Talk (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/569-Kitchener-Election-Talk) thread or if it should have its own thread. Given the size that this thread could become, I decided to split it off from the Kitchener Election Talk thread. The other thread is more about the election from an overall perspective, whereas this thread can get a bit more into the details of the issues themselves.

[Shawn]

That's a very good question. There doesn't seem to be anything Kitchener-centric that would be a hot button issue (for me at least). Amalgamation and LRT are not Kitchener specific, but rather regional, and taxes affect everyone no matter where you are.

This is also the first municipal election I'll be voting in for this region and I'm also having trouble identifying anything uniquely Kitchener that I should be feeling passionate about. Perhaps this election I will have to settle for sharing key issues (amalgamation & LRT) and vote based on the betterment of the greater region rather than specifically my ward/city.

[Spokes]

Amalgamation won't be a regional issue since it don't concern Cambridge (now at least) so it'd definitely an issue in Kitchener, but Waterloo as well, so not necessarily Kitchener-centric.

But you're right Shawn, that and LRT are going to be two big issues, and then just general growth and visionary things for the city. If you're in Ward 9 specifically, but really the whole city, the Victoria Park clean up is going to be an issue to keep an eye on.

[Greg Moore]

The Market is a bit of an issue. We spent a lot of money on it and so far it isn't recouping the cost.

Even though LRT is a regional issue it is a good indicator of the mentality of a candidate, whether they be status-quo or for change. I asked my candidates that question to see what frame of mind they are. Quite enlightening.

I also think if a candidate doesn't have an online presence they aren't forward thinking enough for me to vote for.

[BuildingScout]

Here's an issue: zoning regulations.

Current zoning regulations create mono-culture neighbourhoods that are not very conducive to high quality of life. The nicest places in Toronto are mixed usage neigbourhoods, not suburbia. How come we don't seem to be able to absorb this lesson here?

[Spokes]

While both of those are ISSUES, I don't know if I'd go as far as to say that they're "ELECTION issues". Typically they're issues that could decide an election, those two will not.

And in Kitchener zoning is not that much of an issue, more so in Waterloo. Kitchener's doing a great job establishing mixed use neighbourhoods.

The Market could be an election issue, but it would take some large amount of spending right now to push it into the media. Right now it's able to float by fairly unnoticed. It'd be worth seeing what candidates think of the Market though.

[Sandy MacFarlane]

Some issues I know face resisdents of Kitchener is the clean up of Victoria Park lake. This is important to all residents of Kitchener but especially the resisdents of Ward 9. Also, Rockway Seniors center staying open is an issue that effects the seniors in Kitchener.

Just to comment on the Market, this is one of the best things downtown has to offer. I try to go every Saturday (if I can't make it I actually give a list and money to friends) we need to find away to have the Market open more then once a week.

Sandy MacFarlane
Candidate Ward 9

[Spokes]

Some issues I know face resisdents of Kitchener is the clean up of Victoria Park lake. This is important to all residents of Kitchener but especially the resisdents of Ward 9. Also, Rockway Seniors center staying open is an issue that effects the seniors in Kitchener.

Just to comment on the Market, this is one of the best things downtown has to offer. I try to go every Saturday (if I can't make it I actually give a list and money to friends) we need to find away to have the Market open more then once a week.

Sandy MacFarlane
Candidate Ward 9

Sandy, what would you do to fix the Market?

[Sandy MacFarlane]

Good question, I don't think the Market needs "fixing" but there are some oppportunities to improve the Market. I do believe that we need to have it open more then Saturdays( I know that the upstairs vendors are there more). I think one thing people might forget is that people and especially residents in that area actually use it as a "grocery store" there are no grocery stors in that area and the Market is better then most. The marketing of this great resource needs to get better as well. We need to promote the benefits of using the Market, such as healthy eating and buying local products and produce. Supporting our farmers and local vendors is important to people and this is one great way to do that.

Sandy MacFarlane
Candidate Ward 9 Kitchener

[Spokes]

I see it differently. It needs fixed. It's got the potential to be great, but it needs more. Like you said, first of all to be open more than once a week. And the upstairs HAS to have longer hours. And more places that people would want to eat at. I think the cafeteria style of eatting doesn't appeal to a lot of people (in reference to that upper level)

[Sandy MacFarlane]

I think we agree, there is major potential there. The word fix didn't seem right, but no matter how you say it something has to change. The "cafeteria style" you referred to I think has some major potential, it doesn't have to LOOK like a cafeteria , with cheap seats and tables, but I do like the open concept and the different vendors. It really gives people a chance to talk to the peopl that own, operate and work at those outlets. Plus being in the industry, there is no way you could turn it into a full service restaurant. The hours I totally agree that they are not giving the tools to succeed.

Sandy MacFarlane

[Terry Marr]

As a candidate for Kitchener's Ward 10 councillor, I am wondering what people think about the idea of expanding The Aud? Or, do you think Kitchener should build a new arena? I am out talking to people in the ward but I am also curious what others think. My comments can be viewed at terrymarr.ca

[UrbanWaterloo]

Hi Terry, welcome to WW! The arena should definitely be an election question, unfortunately though it's a bit too early to definitively say which way the city should go. In general I'm in favour of a new arena, financed not only by the Kitchener Rangers, but also the City of Kitchener, City of Waterloo (on a piece of land between Downtown & Uptown), Government of Ontario, Federal Government, the private sector and fundraising.

I'd like to see council direct staff to explore all those potential partnerships. If negotiations are successful then let's build a new arena ("Dare Centre" or "RIM Arena"). If not, then I'm fine with an expanded Aud.

The poll on the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/242-Kitchener-Memorial-Auditorium-Complex) thread is currently 60% in favour of a new building, 40% in favour of renovations.

[Susan Koswan]

Hi Wonderful Waterloo-ians!
Running for Ward 7 Kitchener. Ask me anything. Issues I'm getting at the door are LRT, taxes, stupid spending. We need to green up this town (read suburbs...) The Parks report will be an issue for new council as will the possibility of merging KW. I'm for the LRT (as long as it meets criteria we've laid out) and have strong concerns about merging because the cost of transitioning to one city is always underestimated (salary equalization, new city hall, redundancies and payouts, new letterhead/logos/marketing plans/business cards - the list goes on) FYI, the Grand River Environmental Network (I'm on the exec.) has invited all candidates to a meet and greet Wed. Sept. 29 at 7:30 at St. John's Kitchen, 2nd floor. GREN will present election "wish list" and LRT position paper (I co-authored) and candidates will get 1 minute to relate their eco-position. Then casual chat over potluck dessert and coffee/tea. I support everything on the wish list. Will make sure it gets up on website www.gren.ca New members welcome...

[panamaniac]

As a candidate for Kitchener's Ward 10 councillor, I am wondering what people think about the idea of expanding The Aud? Or, do you think Kitchener should build a new arena? I am out talking to people in the ward but I am also curious what others think. My comments can be viewed at terrymarr.ca

Definitely expand the Aud. With resistance to the costs of LRT (although costs of alternatives seem underestimated), I dont see how spending needed for a new arena could be justified. On the other hand, if somebody else wants to pay for it .......

[jay]

I doubt a new arena would be funded by (provincial/Fed) close to 100%..With the Region picking up the tab for LRT I doubt we will see a new arena anytime soon. Although I would want a new one in another location over expanding what they have now.

[Spokes]

I doubt a new arena would be funded by (provincial/Fed) close to 100%..With the Region picking up the tab for LRT I doubt we will see a new arena anytime soon. Although I would want a new one in another location over expanding what they have now.

You're right they won't cover 100% but if they pitched in some and the Rangers covered the rest, then it'd be worth it.

As much as I'd love to see a new arena I'd rather see money go to LRT. Then again LRT is Regional money and money for an arena would likely come from the city of Kitchener Im guessing.