Ken WOOD
Vote Ken WOOD for Stratford City Councillor
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Affordability
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Transparency
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Accountability
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Vote Ken WOOD for Stratford City Councillor | Affordability | Transparency | Accountability |
In the next four years, we need a Council who really listens to all citizens, keeps us aware of what may happen well in advance, and gives the public a fair opportunity to have a voice on where taxpayer money is spent and what Stratford’s future will be.
About Me
I settled in Stratford 12 years ago as my chosen city for retirement because of its natural beauty, small town feel and vibrant community.
Since coming here, I have helped fostering cats for Feline Friends Network and have advocated for animal welfare changes. I was on our City advisory committee for a comprehensive animal bylaw review. From the moment I arrived I took a keen interest in City Council and attended numerous meetings, made many deputations on a host of issues and engaged incumbent councillors to learn about how council operates. I like to suggest ideas and improvements, and to engage in conversations citizens from all sectors of Stratford.
Originally born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, I was raised in a working class family (2 brothers, 2 sisters ). My father worked shift work in maintenance for Air Canada for several decades and my mother was a homemaker who taught me to bake and to have a sense of humour about life. As a youth I enjoyed being in Air Cadets and was in a leadership role.
I attended university in Winnipeg and Montreal, and graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Political Science and Psychology. I also completed about 2 years additionally in Social Work at York University.
My work career includes 30 years in computers (I.T.), both in operations and mid level management. Employed by both small and large companies, I also spent about 8 years in Human Resources, and independent employment consultant.
As a mobility challenged person, I volunteered on the Board of Directors for several non profit organizations like Daily Bread Food Bank, Toronto Humane Society, and Mainstay Supportive Housing. I also volunteered with Free Geek as their Executive Director.
Living in both large and small cities: Winnipeg, Montreal, Toronto, London, Guelph and Hockley Village, I have always taken an interest in my local community.
I hope to help keep all that is good about Stratford while helping to resolve the issues brought up by our citizens. I promise to be accessible, listen to your concerns, and be honest with you.
Thank you for your time and generous consideration.
My Platform
Affordability
Gas, Groceries, Housing, Taxes, Security, Child Care, City Programs, Transit
All of these things are challenging for everyone in our city, especially with an uncertain future locally, nationally and internationally. While I alone can not promise (as one vote out of 11) to fix them, rest assured I will advocate strongly at all times to do precisely that. You will always know where I stand on every council vote and why. I take my role as a public servant seriously.
Providing adequate services at sustainable cost to residents is integral to local government. As such, I won’t forget about roads, snow clearing, garbage, recycling. Elected council needs to ensure that staff, through the CAO (Chief Administrative Officer) meets the needs of our city and follows high level strategy set by those whom YOU choose for City Council.
Transparency
This means that local government decision-making processes, policies, finances, and day-to-day operations are open, clear, and accessible to the public.
Some items like labour negotiations, things involving identified persons requiring privacy, legal issues involving the Corporation of the City of Stratford and initial real estate opportunities are appropriately discussed in closed meetings. Final council decisions must be communicated to everyone and voted upon in public meetings.
As your Councillor, I will advocate for fair and open debate at public meetings, and will always say why I vote for every motion. You will always know where I stand. I think the time for casual hand waving votes with no discussion or communication to our constituents should be over.
Elected representatives must always face the public and be prepared to defend their views and votes.
Accountability
Per the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, it is the role of council,
(a) to represent the public and to consider the well-being and interests of the municipality;
(b) to develop and evaluate the policies and programs of the municipality;
(c) to determine which services the municipality provides;
(d) to ensure that administrative policies, practices and procedures and controllership policies, practices and procedures are in place to implement the decisions of council;
(d.1) to ensure the accountability and transparency of the operations of the municipality, including the activities of the senior management of the municipality;
(e) to maintain the financial integrity of the municipality; and
(f) to carry out the duties of council under this or any other Act.
My Roles
As your Councillor, I have three main roles:
a representative, a policy-maker, and a steward to ensure that our municipality’s financial and administrative resources are being used as efficiently and effectively as possible. I need to follow the Code of Conduct and work as a team with the rest of Council. That does not mean I have to be agreeable to please everyone, but I can state and hold differing views.
Housing
I believe that housing and the unhoused (some say “homeless”) are critical and growing issues in our community, and that elected representatives are expected to represent all of our citizens. I have many innovative ideas and suggestions to remedy this and will advocate strongly for them.
Get Involved
Join the campaign. Volunteer your time, request a lawn sign, or make a financial contribution – every bit of support matters. Fill out the form and we'll be in touch.
Donate
Make a financial contribution to my campaign.
Contributions may only be accepted from individuals who are residents of Ontario. Maximum contribution: $1,200 per candidate
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Ken’s Quick Takes
1. Quick Introduction
9. Who Am I?
8. How Can I Help Council?
11. Change Has Got To Come
10. What I Bring to the Table
5. On Homelessness, Addiction, Mental Health
3. The Status Quo is Not Good Enough
2. Why Do I Speak Out?
13. Your Voice Matters
4. Why Am I Running?
7. Welcome Criticism
12. Voting Means YOUR Future
6. Who Is My Councillor?