Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Election Platform
My Election Platform was delivered city-wide by the Juniper Centre earlier this week and I'm excited that the word is getting around. One particular pet peeve of mine is when candidates run on a negative campaign. I'll tell you one of the most fundamental lessons that I've learned in my ten months on Council is that it's easy to sit and criticize - it's tough making decisions! As such, my campaign is a positive and constructive approach to making Thompson a place we can all be proud to call home.
I've chosen to focus my campaign on three priority areas: Creating the Conditions for Opportunity, Building Sustainable Partnerships and Fostering Community Pride. I believe these priority areas outline a positive vision for the future, while at the same time address important issues of the day, such as community policing, infrastructure renewal and generating value from your tax dollars.
Please read further to learn more about the details of my campaign and remember to vote Erin Stewart for Thompson City Council this October 27th.
I've chosen to focus my campaign on three priority areas: Creating the Conditions for Opportunity, Building Sustainable Partnerships and Fostering Community Pride. I believe these priority areas outline a positive vision for the future, while at the same time address important issues of the day, such as community policing, infrastructure renewal and generating value from your tax dollars.
Please read further to learn more about the details of my campaign and remember to vote Erin Stewart for Thompson City Council this October 27th.
What Does Your Thompson Look Like Four Years from Now?
Here’s what Erin Stewart is committed to work toward:
1) Creating Conditions for Opportunity
- Continued commitment to the Final Phase of the Thompson Regional Community Centre and enhanced recreation programming from cooking classes and pottery to kid-friendly programming and state-of-the-art fitness facilities for our residents
- Promoting a safe and healthy community through safe routes to school, expanding brushing, provision of bike racks throughout the City, safe and reliable transit service, etc.
- Creating affordable housing options for seniors, families, students and young people to ensure they can afford to live, work and play in our community
- Commitment to University College of the North in Thompson, which includes educational facilities, student housing and child care facilities as integral components of the expanded campus
- Enable and encourage responsible development and investment in our community to add value, expand our choices, increase sources of municipal revenue and invest in our long term future
- Engage and invest in our youth by creating City Hall internship program for high school and/or university students to learn about municipal governance and build leaders for tomorrow
2) Building Sustainable Partnerships
- Build positive working relationship with Government – Federal, Provincial and Aboriginal – to access new sources of revenue, funding and programming to fulfill our municipal needs
- Work with corporations, businesses and community groups to provide quality services through partnerships – as in the Humane Society, Boys & Girls Club, and the Thompson Aboriginal Accord, etc.
- Work with the RCMP and Vale to arrive at the best possible options in 2012 when the RCMP Municipal Policing Contract is up for renewal and the City’s funding agreement with Vale is set to expire
- Continue to work with residents to enhance communications at City Hall – enhance community meetings, re-vamp website as more user friendly, support quarterly City Hall newsletter to inform residents on the value they are receiving for their tax dollars, and enhancing City Hall as a public space
- Engage the Association of Manitoba Municipalities and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to lobby on behalf of Thompson at the Provincial and Federal level, including the development of a funding plan to replace our aging municipal infrastructure
3) Fostering Community Pride
- Commitment to showcasing our strengths as a community and promoting Thompson as a progressive and innovative community, inside our City limits and beyond
- Enhanced professionalism and value for municipal service provision; encouraging environment of access, responsibility and respect
- Highlight community safety as a priority area in municipal budget, enhance property standards enforcement and commit to targeting behavioural and social issues in our downtown with respectful, but firm enforcement standards
- Commitment to our City’s investment in the Thompson Sustainable Community Plan, allowing our community to grow responsibly and sustainably into the future
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Weekend of Volunteering
As the weekend wraps up I find myself reflecting on the volunteer opportunities I've been able to participate in over the past few days.
First, on Saturday morning I joined a handful of other City Council candidates in a "Candidates Build" of Our Home Kikinaw. Our Home Kikinaw is a project of the Thompson Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation that assists low-income families in achieving home ownership. It is modeled after the Habitat for Humanity project and provides the opportunity to empower people and build community pride. The project collaborates with volunteers to help build.
The best part about it is that they accept all skill ranges - meaning I qualified to help out! I may not know how to swing a hammer, but I proved I could shovel gravel into a wheelbarrow pretty well! Another great spin off is the sense of pride this communal work can generate. This home will be available to a family in need and our volunteers, from many different walks of life, will share a sense of partnership and accomplishment by providing home ownership to a family as means to break the cycle of poverty in our community. That's an accomplishment worth applauding!
Second on my list of weekend activities, I participated in the Thompson Humane Society 3rd Annual Fall Fashion Show Fundraiser. The fundraiser is a fashion show of clothes from local retailers, with a silent auction and a dessert bar, with 100% of the proceeds going toward the Thompson Humane Society. I participated as a baker and, for the second year in a row, as a model. The Thompson Humane Society seeks to promote compassion and humane treatment for all animals. They provide a shelter for animals and have a number of dogs and cats available for adoption into loving homes. Definitely a great event, coordinated by great people, for a great cause.
This weekend I took a bit of a different approach to campaigning - to go volunteering rather than door knocking - but when you think about it, volunteers are the root behind most changes, causes or movements that try to make things better and without them, many services wouldn't exist! Volunteers are fighters, workers, leaders, front runners and visionaries. They are our community ambassadors and support everything that makes the City of Thompson a great place to be! Working with our City's volunteers is a great way to keep your finger to the pulse and learn what drives people to step up and give back to our community.
Thank you to all of our volunteers. Your work DOES make a difference!
First, on Saturday morning I joined a handful of other City Council candidates in a "Candidates Build" of Our Home Kikinaw. Our Home Kikinaw is a project of the Thompson Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation that assists low-income families in achieving home ownership. It is modeled after the Habitat for Humanity project and provides the opportunity to empower people and build community pride. The project collaborates with volunteers to help build.
The best part about it is that they accept all skill ranges - meaning I qualified to help out! I may not know how to swing a hammer, but I proved I could shovel gravel into a wheelbarrow pretty well! Another great spin off is the sense of pride this communal work can generate. This home will be available to a family in need and our volunteers, from many different walks of life, will share a sense of partnership and accomplishment by providing home ownership to a family as means to break the cycle of poverty in our community. That's an accomplishment worth applauding!
Second on my list of weekend activities, I participated in the Thompson Humane Society 3rd Annual Fall Fashion Show Fundraiser. The fundraiser is a fashion show of clothes from local retailers, with a silent auction and a dessert bar, with 100% of the proceeds going toward the Thompson Humane Society. I participated as a baker and, for the second year in a row, as a model. The Thompson Humane Society seeks to promote compassion and humane treatment for all animals. They provide a shelter for animals and have a number of dogs and cats available for adoption into loving homes. Definitely a great event, coordinated by great people, for a great cause.
This weekend I took a bit of a different approach to campaigning - to go volunteering rather than door knocking - but when you think about it, volunteers are the root behind most changes, causes or movements that try to make things better and without them, many services wouldn't exist! Volunteers are fighters, workers, leaders, front runners and visionaries. They are our community ambassadors and support everything that makes the City of Thompson a great place to be! Working with our City's volunteers is a great way to keep your finger to the pulse and learn what drives people to step up and give back to our community.
Thank you to all of our volunteers. Your work DOES make a difference!
Monday, October 11, 2010
The Campaign Trail
This Thanksgiving I am thankful that I have so many wonderful friends, and a fantastic family, that support me in my re-election campaign. I'm running my second City Council campaign in less than a year and you figured that I would be a pro by now! The truth is that running a campaign is still a busy, stressful, exciting time and it's time best shared with those that continue to build you up, as well as those that help brainstorm new ideas and renewed approaches to municipal governance.
This Thanksgiving weekend I've had many people volunteer to display lawn signs on their property. In fact, I managed to disperse all 50 of my signs throughout the City of Thompson in less than 48 hours! I've also had family and friends volunteer to distribute pamphlets in mailboxes throughout the City and I'll tell you, I am more than thankful for their hard work. Even the weather has decided to come on side, we've been blessed with absolutely beautiful weather this weekend - it sure helps with volunteer recruitment!
Door knocking is turning into one of my favourite campaign activities. Although it is slow-going, it is always insightful to talk to residents about the on goings of our City. It's a great venue for idea-generation, and I truly appreciate the residents that take a few minutes out of their day to chat with me at their doorstep.
This Thanksgiving weekend I've had many people volunteer to display lawn signs on their property. In fact, I managed to disperse all 50 of my signs throughout the City of Thompson in less than 48 hours! I've also had family and friends volunteer to distribute pamphlets in mailboxes throughout the City and I'll tell you, I am more than thankful for their hard work. Even the weather has decided to come on side, we've been blessed with absolutely beautiful weather this weekend - it sure helps with volunteer recruitment!
Door knocking is turning into one of my favourite campaign activities. Although it is slow-going, it is always insightful to talk to residents about the on goings of our City. It's a great venue for idea-generation, and I truly appreciate the residents that take a few minutes out of their day to chat with me at their doorstep.
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| Moving along the Campaign Trail |
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Campaign Kick-Off: Revved Up to Hit the Streets
I like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone that made it out to my "Candidate Meet and Greet" last night at Northern Flavours. It was great to see people come out and show their support, but it was particularly encouraging to see those who haven't quite made up their minds coming out to ask tough questions. It's great to see people getting out and getting informed so they can make a responsible decision on Election Day this October 27th.
Last night I was encouraged, challenged and revved up to head out on to the streets with my door to door campaign. So if you weren't able to join us last night - no worries, I'll be coming to you!
I'm looking forward to the upcoming doorstep conversations and hearing the concerns that are important to the residents of our great City.
And, of course, I'm always looking to recruit more volunteers and supporters. If you'd like a lawn sign, or are willing to drop off pamphlets in your area, please contact me and let me know!
Last night I was encouraged, challenged and revved up to head out on to the streets with my door to door campaign. So if you weren't able to join us last night - no worries, I'll be coming to you!
I'm looking forward to the upcoming doorstep conversations and hearing the concerns that are important to the residents of our great City.
And, of course, I'm always looking to recruit more volunteers and supporters. If you'd like a lawn sign, or are willing to drop off pamphlets in your area, please contact me and let me know!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Historic Day in Thompson - Council Passes Development Agreement with the Province
Tonight was electric! I have never seen Council Chambers so full that it was standing room only. It really goes to show that when there are tough decisions to be made, our community is ready to stand up for what they believe in.
Council called a special meeting for this Monday night to debate a Resolution to approve the Development Agreement with the Province of Manitoba for the development of the UCN Campus. The debates were passionate and the room attentive. Not like a regular Monday night...
Honestly, this wasn't a regular Monday night at all. Tonight marked a historic point in our City's development as a community and charts out an exciting and sustainable future. I mentioned at the Council meeting that I am incredibly humbled to have my name associated with supporting this Agreement. I have been on Council for nearly 10 months and am able to ride the coattails of a process that was envisioned many decades ago. The truth is that this Project has been hashed out over seven year by two different terms of Council, announced by two different Premiers and at a price tag of $82 million it represents one of the largest, if not the largest, single Provincial investment in our community!
I would like to thank the many residents that turned up to show their support. Not only for the campus, but for the housing and child care components that are integral to the entire Project. Speaking from experience, I've learned that Development Agreements are complicated, tedious arrangements and rest assured that I have spent the past few weeks in meeting after meeting with my council colleagues to ensure we hashed out the best deal for our residents.
Here are a few points of the Development Agreement that was approved tonight that I feel are important to highlight:
The other side of the debate is the concern about process. Residents noted that they feel left out of the process. I'll admit that now that I am sitting on the other side of the table, it is a constant struggle to be innovative in how you reach out to residents. Community meetings, delegations, advertisements, and chatting with everyone you see at Safeway on a Saturday morning still doesn't quite cut it. Unfortunately, the argument for proper consultation is an easy and convenient one to make now that campaign fever is in the air and municipal elections are taking place later this month.
To the issue of proper consultation, however, I believe residents must be given the opportunity to participate. It is then a matter of individual choice whether they wish to partake or not. I can comfortably say that most community groups and many residents that have been deeply concerned with the development of this Agreement have been paying attention to the process and engaging Council in addressing their concerns. The greatest thing about our democratic government is that you don't need to be an elected official to express an opinion and influence a decision - if you're willing to be vocal, you're able to participate.
I feel that the struggle will continue to be getting the facts out to people. People are reasonable and I believe that with all the information, people can make good choices and good decisions. But we need to talk about them first. Public debate provides opportunities to confront new ideas, new people and new conceptions of what's best for our community. It also allows short-sighted and otherwise indefensible assumptions to be found out.
I am proud of the residents of Thompson for coming together tonight to debate, and ultimately show support for the University College of the North in our City. I believe that we'll look back in twenty years and ask ourselves: "Why did it take so long?"
Council called a special meeting for this Monday night to debate a Resolution to approve the Development Agreement with the Province of Manitoba for the development of the UCN Campus. The debates were passionate and the room attentive. Not like a regular Monday night...
Honestly, this wasn't a regular Monday night at all. Tonight marked a historic point in our City's development as a community and charts out an exciting and sustainable future. I mentioned at the Council meeting that I am incredibly humbled to have my name associated with supporting this Agreement. I have been on Council for nearly 10 months and am able to ride the coattails of a process that was envisioned many decades ago. The truth is that this Project has been hashed out over seven year by two different terms of Council, announced by two different Premiers and at a price tag of $82 million it represents one of the largest, if not the largest, single Provincial investment in our community!
I would like to thank the many residents that turned up to show their support. Not only for the campus, but for the housing and child care components that are integral to the entire Project. Speaking from experience, I've learned that Development Agreements are complicated, tedious arrangements and rest assured that I have spent the past few weeks in meeting after meeting with my council colleagues to ensure we hashed out the best deal for our residents.
Here are a few points of the Development Agreement that was approved tonight that I feel are important to highlight:
- The outlined intent of the Project is to connect the campus and the Thompson Regional Community Centre in order to create a facility with complimentary uses that will allow for a greater use of space for both the University College of the North and the Thompson Regional Community Centre.
- The campus component of the Project is to be completed by June 2013
- Shared parking services agreement(s) with UCN and the City will address the parking needs of all stakeholders on the site
- The City will establish a financial assistance program that will reduce Manitoba's municipal taxes by 50% up to a yearly maximum of $250,000. The total value of the program is $6.675 million and the City will not be responsible for any interest on this program
- The construction of student housing and infrastructure related to the student housing is conditional upon the City passing a zoning by-law amendment.
The other side of the debate is the concern about process. Residents noted that they feel left out of the process. I'll admit that now that I am sitting on the other side of the table, it is a constant struggle to be innovative in how you reach out to residents. Community meetings, delegations, advertisements, and chatting with everyone you see at Safeway on a Saturday morning still doesn't quite cut it. Unfortunately, the argument for proper consultation is an easy and convenient one to make now that campaign fever is in the air and municipal elections are taking place later this month.
To the issue of proper consultation, however, I believe residents must be given the opportunity to participate. It is then a matter of individual choice whether they wish to partake or not. I can comfortably say that most community groups and many residents that have been deeply concerned with the development of this Agreement have been paying attention to the process and engaging Council in addressing their concerns. The greatest thing about our democratic government is that you don't need to be an elected official to express an opinion and influence a decision - if you're willing to be vocal, you're able to participate.
I feel that the struggle will continue to be getting the facts out to people. People are reasonable and I believe that with all the information, people can make good choices and good decisions. But we need to talk about them first. Public debate provides opportunities to confront new ideas, new people and new conceptions of what's best for our community. It also allows short-sighted and otherwise indefensible assumptions to be found out.
I am proud of the residents of Thompson for coming together tonight to debate, and ultimately show support for the University College of the North in our City. I believe that we'll look back in twenty years and ask ourselves: "Why did it take so long?"
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