A Record That Speaks for Itself . . .
Policies that Worked, Commitment to Priorities As a municipal councillor in Bell-South Nepean over the course of the last three years, I have been able to build a strong record, founded on the Nepean principles of pay as you go and adopting best practices in our new City. This record, I am proud to say, speaks for itself in that it encompasses the four pillars of good government including accountability, transparency, best value and getting the basics right for overall quality of life.Some of those accomplishments that I am most proud of during my first term as an Ottawa City Councillor include: On Bell- South Nepean- Since 2001 over $250 Million was directly invested in Bell-South Nepean, including the widening of Woodroofe Avenue and Fallowfield Park and Ride.
On Nepeans Legacy- The Nepean Reserves stayed in Nepean and they have ensured Nepeans lasting legacy. Since 2001 investments into the John MacRae Secondary School, Westcliffe Park, the Nepean Museum, Stonebridge and the Queensway Carleton Hospital, among others, have helped improve the quality of life in Bell-South Nepean.
The principles of pay as you have been adopted and fiscal accountability has become the cornerstone of good government for the new City. I have been and always will be a strong voice for sound fiscal management of the taxpayers dollar.
On Municipal Accountability and Representation - I pushed for a review of the current Ward structure for better representation. I believe one vote should mean one vote EVERYWHERE in the City. The Citys Citizen Task Force agreed with me and recommended equality.
I have always been a strong voice for a responsible approach to City spending and was the Councillor who moved such instrumental motions in calling for an independent Auditor General for the City of Ottawa, and other safety measures like quarterly capital works in progress and quarterly budget reports. There should be checks and balances on how tax dollars are spent. In 2003 the promise of a tax freeze was followed through because of a teamwork approach lead by myself and Councillor Gord Hunter. NOONE should be afraid of opening their property tax bill!
On Overall Quality of Life- I have always believed that Ottawa could be a City of greater accessibility. While working with the Province of Ontario, I was successful in lobbying to have regulations amended that finally opened the door for the use of accessible taxicabs, including the multi-functional London Taxicabs.
When it looked like $60 Million in investments from the other two levels of government was going to be rejected by the City myself and Councillors Bloess and Hunter jumped in and coordinated the effort for a stronger Ottawa economy by encouraging business partners and all levels of government to get on board the Ottawa Congress Centre expansion- a project that will generate millions in the local economy and create thousands more jobs.I have always had a vision for a healthier community and was pleased City Council has answered my calls for the creation of the Ottawa Capital Games- a sports festival that will lead the way to 2006 Ontario Games while promoting youth sport in our City.
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