Surveys and Opinions

I have been asked to fill out surveys by several organizations. As these questions mirror many that I have been asked while canvassing the neighbourhood. I will post these surveys up here over the next few days.

This one was filled out for the Retired Teachers of Ontario. I found myself chafing a bit at the 100 word limit per answer (as these are complex issues), but I think I managed to get my points across. If you would like more depth on one of these issues, please contact me.

-Jay.

Name: Jay Stapleton


How do your life experiences qualify you to be a leader on city council?
Efficacy of a city council requires a balance and breadth in the experience of its members. I offer perspectives from my life experience which are not otherwise available in this election.
I am (amoung other things) a 33 year old computer technician, organic vegetable farmer, community organizer, actor, political scientist, and scholar. Each of these aspects of my experience offers a useful perspective. The combination of these offers me a broad, unique, and informed view of public management.
I believe that there needs to be a balance on council. My skills fill an often overlooked gap in representation.


1. How will the proposed Norwester wind farm reduce the cost of electricity for Thunder Bay utility users?
The proposed wind farm will not directly or immediately reduce the cost of electricity for Thunder Bay utility users. As the cost of fossil fuel based energy increases, the technology for adapting a combined wind/hydro base load system will be developed, as these are naturally complimentary sources. Having established wind capacity will offer Northwestern Ontario a head start in this new opportunity.
The cost of progress should not be borne without the informed participation of those who will be affected by it. City council needs to have a more cooperative approach to major public works in the future.


2. Bus Transportation: Will you support the retaining of two bus terminals in Thunder Bay?
Will you work to reduce bus passes and fares for seniors?
For a distributed system such as transportation, there is no benefit to centralization. The geographic reality of our city is that we have more than one “core” area. Having a transit hub in both the North and South cores decreases trip times for riders, and will continue to build an increasing ridership.
Our seniors should be offered a complimentary pass. This would serve to increase their standard of living, and remove a barrier to community participation. The costs would be negligible, the benefits would be immediately apparent. Increased ridership will also justify increased investment and development, which benefits everyone.


3. What plans do you have to improve safety in the streets, not only for
seniors, but for all citizens, and for the workers in downtown businesses?
Safety has many facets. I plan on implementing push-to-cross crosswalk systems on the major pedestrian traffic areas within the ward, such as River St. at Pine, and High St. near La Verendrye HS. This will allow all pedestrians safe and easy crossings of busy routes, particularly those with mobility issues. Outside of the ward, I will work with other councillors to strategically plan the deployment of these systems.
Re-focusing our police efforts to foot patrols will offer a disincentive to crimes of opportunity in public spaces. Likewise, adequate lighting, and encouraging neighbourhood watch programs will help increase public safety.


4. How will you promote the quality of living and adequate staffing in the
city-run nursing homes: Pioneer Ridge, Dawson Court, and Grandview Lodge?
Having funding available to well-trained staff in any care facility is the minimum for acceptable standards of living. Subsidized cultural passes, as well as programs to bring arts and cultural events to nursing homes will not only offer new experiences, but also opportunities for local artists and artisans to re-engage with a class of people who are often marginalized.
It is vital to the health of the city that our seniors are respected and acknowledged as members of our society. If circumstances prevent them from participating as fully as they might like, then we must adapt to serve them.


5. What will you do to ensure sufficient and appropriate housing for
seniors?
With the increasing proportion of seniors in our city, we must provide for appropriate housing. Lobbying for increased Provincial investment in home care can help some people remain in their own homes. Assisted living programs, like cleaning, cooking, and maintenance have long been available to families of military veterans. Similar programs tied to OHIP and the CPP should be designed. Being the closest to the citizens, municipalities have a unique opportunity to provide leadership on this type of project.
Maintaining a dynamic balance in the available housing resources will require a vigilant and engaged administrative system. I would prioritize this.


6. What are your plans to improve physical accessibility to all public
buildings?
Cooperating with established organizations, such as CNIB, etc. will allow the city to efficiently identify facilities which offer barriers to people with mobility or vision issues. Removing any of these barriers in public buildings is absolutely necessary. Organizational and structural support should be offered to private business owners who wish to offer barrier free access to their existing facilities.
City administration once again has a role here to advocate and coordinate on behalf of their citizens for more provincial funding for removing barriers throughout our community.