| Frequently asked questions: |
| 1)I'm a Whitby resident with no specific questions for you at this moment. I would like to know from you as a cabdidate to represent ME and my family on the Ward #2 your proposals that would or would not help me to decide to vote for you? Answer:I wish the rest of Whitby voters will become as involved in the process as you have chosen to become. Visit my website at www.chudia.com for a clear perspective on my agenda, my background and my qualification for the job. The reasons l am the qualified to be your councillor may also emerge after you have read and analyzed my response to the Whitby This Week's questionnaire. Double click on media release for detailed answer to their question. 2) What is your community involvement? Answer: I became active in the volunteer community shortly after my relocation to Whitby from Scarborough in 1990. I joined the Durham Community Legal Clinic Board of Director and served two terms on the Board as Director and Treasurer. I served briefly on the Durham District School Board Ethno-cultural Advisory Council and joined the Durham Region Community Development Council shortly after I left Durham District School Board Ethno-cultural Advisory Council. I was with the now Durham Region Community Development Council through their transition from Ajax-Pickering Community Development to now Durham Region Community Development Council. I also served as the Treasurer during my second term with the agency. I received community services award from the agency for my contribution during my consecutive terms with the agency. I was one of the founding and charter member of the Whitby Millennium Lions Club and the founding Newsletter Editor. The motto: �we Serve� was the driving rationale for my interest in the Lions� Club. I have been honoured with two consecutive president awards for my contribution to the service club and for my efforts in developing the clubs� newsletter. I joined the Durham Local Training Board in 2003 as the Equity Director responsible for Racial Minority initiatives. The mandate of the board is to work collaboratively with other community partners in promoting and facilitating the development of skilled, relevant, inclusive and adaptive labour force. I currently work with a consortium and stakeholders in community to establish Information and Resource centre for new Immigrants to Durham Region. I am also the Co-founder of Obosi Community Development Association whose mandate is to raise funds to revitalize, rebuild and provide �head-start� to elementary schools in West Africa. I mentor to at risk children and youths in Durham Region at-large. 3) Have you run for elected office before? Answer: No! However, I have worked behind the scene as a Political/Policy Advisor in Local, Provincial and Federal elections. I have admired the process up-close and from behind the scene until now. I also served as an Apprentice with a Municipal Council in the United States while I completed my undergraduate degree in Political Science at Western Connecticut State University, Danbury, USA. 4) If you are elected, but later choose to run for other political Offices, be they at the provincial or federal levels, would you step down from your councillor�s job to run for those positions? Why or why not? Answer: If elected I will dedicate my entire term in office working with the respective stakeholders and other community partners towards the challenges and potentials of our growing community. I will serve at the pleasure of the people of Ward-2 West and the entire Whitby. I will remain accountable to the people that I serve for the term I promised them. If elected my focus will be to complete my term of office with integrity, honesty and passion that will translate into result. 5)Where (what part of town) do you live? Answer: My family and I reside and have resided at number 300 Brookwood Blvd, Whitby, Ontario for over 16 years. We also own rental property within the area. 6) Principal reason why you are running? Answer: I believe that municipal government has a direct impact on our community and family life. For the past 17 years, I have volunteered and participated in our community development in many capacities. These involvements and participations have provided me with the opportunities to understand the challenges and potentials of our growing community. Municipal government needs a representative with integrity, one that listens to the opinion and can partner with all stakeholders on future initiatives I believe that local representatives must be accessible to their constituents. I recognize the need to be morally and fiscally responsible to the municipality as such , I am socially progressive and fiscally responsible. Since the decisions made by Council affect the community at its core, I like to see the council with a balanced and city-wide interests. I like to see an inclusive municipality that reduces barriers to access and equity, that creates a healthy, safe and an investment-friendly economy. Whitby needs councillors who can deliver services effectively and efficiently. I like to see responsible development. I like to see the residents more engaged in the neighbourhood problem-solving initiatives so they feel connected to their community. It is also a way people feel that they are building a better community to be passed on to their children. I like to see the council reinvest in Whitby's neighbourhoods and communities through social investments like expanding opportunities and engaging young people in all aspects of community life. I like to see the elected official provide clearer explanation to the tax payers on how, where and when their tax dollars are allocated and ensure that the allocation(s) meets the current and future needs of the community. Finally, I like to see more guarded review of current and future municipal planning. Whitby is growing and continues to grow, as such; I like to see full fledged hospital and needed hospital personnel lobbied into the community. 7) How long have you lived in the community? Answer: My family and I have lived in Whitby for approximately 17 years. I know the issues, concerns, problems and the potentials of our town. My family and I have been tenant, homeowner and land�lord in Whitby and through these experiences I developed valuable perspectives and insights into the needs expectations of residents like me. Back in 1989, when my family and I relocated to Whitby, the population was barely 70,000. Today we are closing in on 140, 000 people. While everyone applauds growth, it is also imperative that the population growth correlates with adjustments on the infrastructures. Sadly this has not been the case. If elected, I am committed to addressing the issues of managed growth in our community. 8. What do you like now about the way Whitby does business and what do you want to change? Answer: It is an established fact that the residents of Whitby have been fortunate to have been represented by a calibre of council so civic minded that they have raised the bar for potential aspirants to the position. I have made it clear to my current Ward Councillor, Mark McKinnon and my well wishers that had Mark opted to remain on council, I will find some other ways to continue to serve the community . Mark certainly is a big shoe to fill. Nevertheless, he is not running and I have kept abreast of his work habits, his accessibility, his team oriented approach to delicate policy initiatives and his professionalism. Mark certainly left a blueprint for his successor and for change. Change is good for democracy. Our community is on the verge of such growth and progress that one can�t help but believe that there is no better time to get involved in municipal politics than when the community is in transition and be part of the transition. It will be an honour to be part of the privileged to shape the future of our town for the benefit of us all. The Council certainly has earned the respect of the people it represents. If I were the successful candidate to replace Mark, I will bring my history of efficient, passion, team and result driven nature to the Council. 9. What will you do for your ward/city if elected (re-elected)? Answer: I will bring accessibility, integrity, honesty and passion that will translate into result. I will bring simple courtesy and respect for colleagues that translates into teamwork and I will bring over 16 years of experience in regional government, community development to keep the Council balanced. I will certainly work with the Council to ensure that the town of Whitby continues to attract and retain quality staff, industries and aspiring residents. It is very imperative to remember that the Council develops policy, but the execution remains with the town staff as such, I will work in concert with the Council to continue to not only respect but recognize the �top-of the line� town employees. 10) What do you currently do for a living Occupation? Answer: I have worked with the Region of Durham for over 16 years. I currently work as an Employment Consultant and Co-facilitator for the Durham Region/Attorney General family violence prevention initiative (Partner Assault Response Program. I also privately consult on Human Rights related initiatives. I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Administration and a Master of Arts Degree in Social Sciences with emphasis on Social Policy Development. 11)What is your view on same-sex marriage? Answer: You asked my opinion on "same-sex marriage"; and my response is neither political nor religious. My response is simply my conscience. I believe that we are all equal in the eyes of the lord. I believe that when two people, man and man, woman and woman and or man and woman agreed to partnership and or sharing of their lives together, that they should have equal liberty to pursuit of lives like everyone else. I however, grew up with the mindset that "marriage" implies the union or partnership between a man and woman. 12)Do the companies in Whitby reflect the community? and if not what are you prepared to do about it? Answer:As a Director responsible for equity related initiative, specifically Racial Minorities at the Durham Region Local Training Board, my mission is the Board's mission and that is to continue to work collaboratively with our community partners in promoting and facilitating the development of skilled, relevant, inclusive and adaptive labour force. That's my value and those are my positions. I trust my responses to your questions are sufficient enough to satisfy your curiosity . I hope also that my answers are sufficient enough to encourage you to come out and vote for me on November 13. Please make time to visit my website at www.chudia.com for detailed information on why I am running and what I hope to accomplished if I were the successful candidate. 13)I am asking all municipal election participants (except for School Board) the following questions and will post your responses word for word (I will edit for spelling and grammer if needed). The questions are as follows. 1) Do you prefer an appointed or elected Regional Chair? why? 2) If elected/re-elected will you immediately move to have a vote within one year of November 13th 2006 on the issue of electing or appointing the Regional Chair? if not, why? 3) If such a vote came before your council at any time, how would you vote? and why? 4) If a referendum were proposed and required your vote, how would you vote on a referendum to decide the issue of an elected vs appointed Regional Chair? and why? Answers: My view is that rather than taking a position at this time, I would rather the public be educated on the pros and cons of elected vs appointed chair. For instance; 1. is an elected chair accountable to which constituent, the people who appointed him/her or the entire community at-large? 2. Who appoints the chair? if the chair is appointed by those we elect, do we hold those we elect to the position of trust high enough to make that decision on our behalf? Rather than political spin, it might be wise to engage in such public discussion with the hope of possibly tabling it as a voting proposal for the up coming election. I certainly would advocate that we seek the opinions and the wishes of informed voters. 14)DWAC will create a page on its popular website to carry the responses to the following questions. You are invited to forward your comments to [email protected] 1. If elected will you provide financial support in the 2007 budget to ensure the Durham West Arts Centre may continue to work towards the Vision of creating and managing a performing and visual arts centre in west Durham? regional and community benefits: A performing arts centre within 5-8 years will act as an economic attractor and will benefit the private and corporate taxpayers of this municipality. 2. Do you support the arts as a core value? Please explain why. core value definition: Core values are those that receive operational funding support from the municipality. Libraries, seniors� centres and sports facilities are examples of the core values of this municipality. 3. While Ajax/Pickering have places that display art, what are the plans to provide the important roles art museums play in most municipalities? to educate, inspire and preserve: Public art galleries and centres are described as art museums because they educate, inspire and preserve. Most are charitable organizations by virtue of the significant educational role they play in reaching and teaching very diverse populations. They play a significant role in promoting and preserving a municipality�s artistic heritage. We appreciate your participation in the important dialogue about the arts in municipal life. Answers: I will give a collective answer to your numbered questions 1 through 4. I certainly will support any effort to build a notable world class infrastructure for a permanent arts centre in Region of Durham. I am aware of how, and to what extent arts and cultural institutions contribute to any given economy. It provides jobs and contributes to the economic, intellectual, spiritual, health and diversity awareness. To borrow from you, arts educate, inspire and preserve. If elected, I will encourage enhanced support for various ongoing artistic initiatives as a form of economic development. I certainly will welcome an opportunity to support our local talents and their efforts to showcase their creative and artistic talents in our communities. The historical, cultural and intellectual benefits of Artistic initiatives are immeasurable. The impacts from indirect audience spending associated with attendance of arts events is currently fully benefited by the City of Toronto. Ask the average Durham resident who has to travel to Toronto to fully develop and or appreciate art in its uninhibited forms; he will refer to our communities as merely �bedroom communities� As such, I will welcome stronger government, corporate and private sector investments and support for the Arts. Cheers, WHITBY PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS� ASSOCIATION LOCAL 2036 International Association of Fire Fighters Survey of Whitby Municipal Candidates Election 2006 1. As a member of council would you be willing to consult with the W.P.F.F.A. on issues directly affecting us before voting on any such issues? Answer: Yes! In light of the fact that our firefighters risk their lives daily to provide the highest possible service to the community, it is a no-brainer that all necessary consideration be given to those who provide us with 24 hours a day, 365 days a year service. I will not only consult with W.P.F.F.A. but also will be supportive of any initiative that makes their job safe and conducive. 2. Will you place a high priority on firefighter Health and Safety issues and insist that Whitby Fire and Emergency Services Management do the same? Answer: My answer is without a doubt, a Yes! I will certainly work in concert with the council to place high priority on firefighter health and safety and most certainly advocate that Whitby Fire and Emergency Services Management do the same . 3. As a member of Council would you be willing to pass a resolution calling on the Ontario Government to amend the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act to expand the list of presumptions for firefighters with respect to cancers and occupational diseases? Answer: If it is within the boundary of Municipal Councillor Position to pass such resolution and if such resolution is binding, I will, without hesitation. I certainly will lobby within my reach to expend the list of presumption for firefighters with respect to cancer and other related occupational diseases in light of the exposures to the unknowns in their line of duty. 4. If elected, will you commit now to having an �open door policy� with the W.P.F.F.A. representatives so that we can discuss and consult on firefighter issues? Answer: One of my election pledge is �Open door policy�. If elected I will bring accessibility, integrity, honesty and passion that will translate into results to the council. I believe that local representatives must be accessible to their constituents. I will consult with the W.P.F.F. on issues such as public education on fire, health and safety, and relevant current and future municipal planning with particular emphasis on building codes and enforcements. 5. Please feel free to make additional comments that you feel are appropriate and would like us to consider. Answer: If elected, I will like to see the council work in concert with all community partners, including the W.P.F.F.A. in identifying, removing and/or preventing barriers and improving access to opportunities for all, with particular emphasis on seniors, divers groups and people with disabilities Questions from Canadian Labour council. 1. Of the Councillors currently serving in public office in your municipality, who are the Councilors you identify with and why? Answer: As I indicated earlier to the "Whitby this week" Mark McKinnon certainly is a big shoe to fill. Nevertheless, he is not running for re-election. I have kept abreast of his work habits, his accessibility, his team oriented approach to delicate policy initiatives and his professionalism. I believe he has left a blueprint for his successor; change and transition. Our community is on the verge of such growth and progress that one can't help but believe that there is no better time to get involved in municipal politics than when the community is in transition and be part of the transition. It will be an honour to be part of the privileged to shape the future of our town for the benefit of us all. I will bring my history of efficient, passion, team and result driven nature that generally translate into result to the Council. 2. What do you think will be the three major issues confronting our community after November 13th 2006 elections? Answer: I am predicting; 1) Public Private Partnerships (P3s) 2) Growth and development 3) Greenbelt initiatives 3.What is your position on public private partnerships (P3s)? Answer: I see P3 as government attempt at deregulation and privatization which in the past have proven to be serious failures. Higher cost of borrowing by the private partner and the need to generate profits make the projects more expensive and when this happens, the cost is passed down to the working families the result is loss of interest in whatever the project might be. I will support P3 initiatives as a last resort and only under the under listed conditions; A model in which focus stays with the public interest and in meeting community needs. A model in which quality of services stays within standard and companies do not cut costs by paying workers less, or offering them no benefits and, temporary rather than permanent jobs and no reduction in health and safety measures. I will support a model that recognizes employee protection 4. Are there any services in particular that you think would be better run as a P3? If so, which ones and why? Answer: In extreme cases, P3s has been argued to stimulate economic growth and employment as well as help offset the impact on residential taxes thereby freeing up public funds for other major services. This may be true, provided that the aim is to allow the community to cost share risk and responsibility with private-sector partners. However, the general consensus is that P3s result in increased public costs and do not provide value for the money. P3s also tend to cheapen the labour pool and compromise quality and access to services thereby leaving deplorable impacts on the community. Projects stops to make sense to the private partners once it stops making profits to them. 5. What is your position on taxes? Answer: I would like to see the elected officials provide clearer explanation to the tax payers on how, where and when their tax dollars are allocated and ensure that the allocation(s) meets the current and future needs of the community. Tax increase should be a last resort and the rationale for the increase clearly transparent to the tax payer 6. What else can we do about generating more revenue? Answer: All revenue generating schemes must take into consideration economic development and improvement of the quality of lives of the residents as its first priorities. The main commonality of all municipal government is that they must raise whatever revenue they need to meet their chosen level of service. Utilizing well-balanced streams of revenue is critical. Creating and maintaining a high-quality tax system and balancing it against the demands of its citizenry is a difficult task. A good example is the recent gambling scheme that the city of Ajax has just instituted as a source of revenue generating scheme. Depending on whom you asked the response to such scheme is never consistent. In the word of a famous singer, "everyone wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die" I will like to see an attractive incentive that makes it inviting for growths and developments provided that that such growth and developments are appropriately managed. All developments and growth must correlate with growth in the infrastructure to balance the growth. 7. Can you see yourself ever having to cross a picket line while serving in public office? Answer: Absolutely not! I will rather study the issues and hope to be participant to the resolution of whatever the conflict may be. 8. What would you do about getting more resources for affordable, accessible transit? Answer: One of my main agenda is to work with the council in making the Durham transit not just affordable but also accessible to the residents regardless of the remoteness of their dwelling. When the transit system is affordable, accessible and reliable, we will be solving all sorts of social and environmental problems. Affordable transportation puts the needed money back to the family and an accessible transportation means solving the problem of congestions associated with the cities. Transportation system that arrives on time and that are accessible at all time, means that the public can now rely on the public system rather than drive their own vehicles. The problem of smog and pollution can be managed with accessible and reliable transportation systems. 9. How would you deal with the issue of creating social housing in your community in the face of local opposition? Answer: There is always local opposition when an initiative that appears to offset a status quo is attempted. Because social housing are primarily geared towards people whose income, age, social needs or health needs prevent them from finding adequate housing in the private rental market, there are always the "not in my neighbourhood" resistance. Human nature is fickle. I will advocate for creation of more social housing by working with tenants associations, political groups and other grassroots organizations for continued support for social housing initiatives. With the help of the above groups I hope to demonstrate the impact of funding reductions on services and jobs, with the hope that a demonstrated impact result studies will help in creating, maintaining and improving services to those who need the service. Chudi Asidianya Candidate for Municipal Council Ward -2 West, Whitby My philosophy; when a person discovers why he/she is on earth, he/she will begin to make a difference in his/her life and the lives of others. |