Raj Sandhu, incumbent
What do you see as the key issue(s) facing BWG at this time? Do you have a solution in mind?
“We’ve had a lot of accomplishments over the last term, but there is further work ahead. Traffic comes up at almost every other door. We have traffic-related issues within town, which we have been working on through our newly-established Traffic Committee, council, police and the town’s bylaw department. We have increased enforcement by police and the bylaw department, reduced speed limits, extended community safety zones around schools, put in new stop signs, relocated parking at Aishford Road from the south to north side, and introduced a pilot project with bollards. We have opened Marshview Boulevard., and the 5th Line interchange is on schedule to open in October. I will continue to work on making our streets safe for our residents… The second priority is the need for the province to build the Highway 400-404 (Connecting) Link to help with the situation of gridlock coming into town. If we can’t get the link built fast enough, then we as a municipality need to work on our own solutions, working with our neighbouring municipalities in East Gwillimbury and King.”
Are there any other issues or concerns you want to highlight?
“Enhanced waste pickup by the county – including summer-long yard waste pickup, bringing more companies to our town for better jobs for our residents, continuing the work this council did with downtown revitalization through (Community Improvement Programs), more industrial growth so we can offset the tax burden on residents.”
What inspired you to run in this election?
“I have always believed in giving back to the community, and have been involved in the community, regardless of where I have lived in Ontario. Since moving to Bradford in 1989, I’ve volunteered for many community organizations, and really gotten to know and appreciate this community… I am honoured and humbled to represent the residents of Ward 1 since 2010. I strongly believe we are living in a beautiful town and want to be part of the team that will see that we continue to keep it a safe and desired place for all residents to live and raise our families.”
Dave Lontini, candidate
What do you see as the key issue(s) facing BWG at this time?
“Public safety. Speeding. Residents have contacted me directly to voice their concerns about speeding on our neighbourhood streets and in school zones. This is a big concern, and the lack of representation from our current councillor and the lack of urgency from council as a whole is putting our children at risk. I have three young children myself, aged 10, seven and one, and even I am constantly concerned that they can’t even cross the road to get to the park safely without seeing a car speed through the intersection or whip around the corner.”
Do you have a solution in mind?
“Simple things, like getting a stop sign installed not just in newly developed areas but high-traffic areas as well, are being overlooked or pushed to the back burner. Implementing real traffic calming measures such as speed bumps and/or a higher police presence in our streets is something that the residents are asking for, time and again. These are not new ideas. These are proven methods used and implemented in other municipalities that work to ensure safety for all. Why not in Bradford, why not in Ward 1? The solutions are right in front of our faces. People are telling council what they want.”
Are there any other issues or concerns you want to highlight?
“Taxes are too high in this town. What we pay in taxes doesn't match the services we should be getting. BWG has a population of approximately 33,000 people and the tax rate of a city with over one million people. We need to really look at the books and evaluate what we are getting for our tax dollars, communicate that with the residents, and either match the services to the dollars or lower the tax rate so people can keep their money.”
What inspired you to run in this election?
“I see this role as a natural progression from my past volunteer and professional work. Community involvement is something I value deeply, and it is important to me that I continue to play a positive role in strengthening our town. I have three young children and I want to have a active role in shaping the future of their town while showing them the importance of being actively involved in their community. As councillor, I would be in a position where I would have the most direct impact on people’s everyday lives. I would be able to connect people, organizations, businesses and community groups to each other so they can share their strengths and their knowledge. It isn’t about the title or the wage… It’s about what I see as taking the next step in community building, leveraging the professional and volunteer experience I have, and bringing a new perspective to the table.”
Dave Wood, candidate
What do you see as the key issue(s) facing BWG at this time? Do you have a solution in mind?
“I believe the biggest issue in our town right now is garbage and waste management. The problems we have with garbage right now are threefold: No yard waste pickup in the summer, excessive litter on the streets – including flyers dumped at the mailbox, (and) dumping in fields, ditches and behind the schools. Simcoe County provides our waste management services and so far they’ve refused Mayor Keffer’s requests for yard waste service during the summer months… We must continue to request these services, but in the meantime we can solve the problem ourselves. I will build a mobile app (iOS and Android) that will let us crowdsource our yard waste and bulk item disposal. Residents will be able to log that they have yard waste or scrap metal ready for pickup. This will alert scrappers or others with a truck or trailer looking to earn some extra cash… Depending on funding and approval, the costs to run the program will either be covered by the town, or there may be a per bag user fee.”
Are there any other issues or concerns you want to highlight?
“Traffic and parking are big issues… I will continue the work in progress on the (Highway) 400-404 (Connecting) Link, and I will start some new initiatives to help with our parking problems. One major parking concern happens around two of the elementary schools in Ward 1. Chris Hadfield (Public School) and St. Angela Merici (Catholic School) see a massive number of cars parked on the nearby streets around the end of each school day. I plan to ask for a report on the possible widening of West Park between the two schools to allow for a parking lane. That should allow parents to wait safely, without interfering with the rest of traffic and will serve as parking for the park splash pad and soccer field during the summer.”
What inspired you to run in this election?
“I’ve been disappointed with our current politicians, at all levels of government, lately… I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’m not a career politician, and I’ve never aspired to get into politics. I’m just annoyed that the people we’ve been electing up to this point haven’t been honest or faithful to their constituents. You know the saying, ‘If you want a job done right, do it yourself’ – and, thus, here I am. I also believe in working hard and learning how to do something properly. This is why I’m entering politics at the municipal level.”
Candidate Aftab Hussain did not respond.
