MYRON STEINMAN
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​- Candidate for: Mayor of Kitchener
1 (a). What will you do to ensure and improve a predictably frequent and reliable ION and iXpress network so that it becomes more convenient to use?
-There will need to be traffic studies at both tiers of municipal government. Without this there will be accidents with cars, pedestrians and people on bicycles with light rail. 
-How does light rail and the express buses connect to other transit buses; not everyone can bike or walk. You do not seem to be concerned about about people with a disability?
-What will happen to the Charles Street Station? It is staffed with people who can answer questions. It has washrooms and they can easily made accessible to people in need of wheel chars. It is one of the few places that still has pay phones. It has indoor facilities where a person can see buses come and go. What buses that come to this station will need to be studied/ or should it be housing. 
-Ambassadors will be needed to help people get around and navigate the new systems. Whether these people will be volunteers or staff I don't know. Even if they are volunteers there will need to be some paid staff to coordinate the volunteers.
1 (b). What will you do to advance light rail into Cambridge?
=
I don't know. Light rail perhaps should have extended into Cambridge from day one? Why do you not ask about Grand River Transit extensions to rural townships?
1 (c). Given the 50% increase in transit fares over the last decade, will you commit to ensure GRT fare increases do not exceed the rate of property tax increases over the next four years?
-For starters I would advocate an increase in length of time for each fare from 90 minutes to two hours.
-Why do shopping centres not pay for some of the cost of transit...it seems we service the shopping centres, but neglect other services like access to hospitals.
-You want money for bike paths etc in a later question; where do you propose this money come from? Increase in property taxes?
-I am committed to public dialogue between elections. 
-Some segments of society get treated differently. For example I believe students get a 50% reduction in transit costs. We need to think outside the box. 

2. Have you signed the #CycleWR "I Bike I Vote" pledge? If not, why? No -By the way not everyone can safely ride a ride a bicycle. Bikers and pedestrians can use the same trails and pathways, although there may need to be further education. Your pledge does not recognize other pathway users, or a space for comments like this does it?
-I am hesitating because of your proposed increase to property taxes. I need to study this more. I am getting tired. I have already spent a of of time of your survey and am getting fatigued... I certainly agree in principle with what you are saying.
-"Bike paths" for example can also be wildlife corridors..
3 (a). What will you do to ensure sidewalks are accessible and consistently cleared of snow in winter? -I believe we also need to have a discussion how pathways and trails will be cleared of snow. I would start there with the City taking on this responsibility for clearing snow.
-We need to be creative and think outside the box. There is a hierarchy with road clearing. If the City were to take on the responsibility for clearing sidewalks there may also be a hierarchy; this may not work. We need to think outside the box.
-I believe those without cars subsidize those people with cars. 
3 (b). Few gaps in the sidewalk network were closed between 2014-18. What will you do to expedite sidewalk infill on streets that lack sidewalks on both sides? It is fine with me where there is opposition from residents to sidewalks, to have sidewalks on only one side of the street. But then who will be responsible for cleaning the sidewalk has to be decided, if the City and Region do not take on this responsibility (If there is a sidewalk on only one side of the street) Who will take responsibility for clearing the sidewalk on only one side of the street? Do you have any suggestions? 
4 (a). What will you do to ensure new development helps to build walkable communities, encouraging walking, cycling, and taking transit to schools, jobs, and amenities?
-For starters lets have pathways to the essentials like schools, doctor and health clinics, hospitals, and plow them in wintertime.
4 (b). Will you reduce or eliminate parking minimums from zoning bylaws and Official Plans?
​I believe parking needs to be looked at a neighbourbood to neighbourhood level. City planners need to work with residents, and their local elected official and think outside the box. This does not need to dominate the time at City Council meetings. There needs to be a place to repeal and dialogue about decisions at a City level, within the City structure.
5. Will you change street and intersection design to prioritize a reduction in the number of traffic deaths? If so, how will you accomplish this? -For starters I would start to record traffic deaths like we track suicides for example.
-I was an early opponent to roundabouts because they were unsafe to pedestrians. Now with modifications they may be safer than many traffic lights. I have spoke to this elsewhere. 
-Studies need to be done. Some streets may be for only cyclists and emergency vehicles 
Whew! Surveys do not, or should not replace face to face interaction--but then I don't like the word should....I have not tried to be comprehensive in my answers...it is an ongoing process eh.

​

KCI Debate

10/7/2018

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Opening Remarks
I would like to thank the students of KCI for hosting this debate.
 
Hi.  My name is Myron Daniel Steinman. On the ballet, if you are able to vote, you will see my name as Myron Steinman. Candidate: Mayor of the City of Kitchener
 
I would like to start by acknowledging we are guests with this land.
 
I was born in Stratford, Ontario; the hometown of Justin Bieber. I have lived in the City of Kitchener for over 25 years, and the Region of Waterloo for close to 40 years.  I have lived experience with new Canadians and children of new Canadians.
 
I began my post-secondary studies at the University of Waterloo with the School of Urban and Regional Planning. Unable to concentrate on my studies I began an apprenticeship as a General Carpenter. Since the early 1990s I have worked with persons age 16 to 80 in the field of community mental health as a peer support worker.
 
Thank-you. I look forward to your questions with fear and trembling. For more information about me go to Google.ca and ask, “Who is Myron Steinman”.
 
 
Closing Remarks
 
The precipitating factor that radicalized me to become an engaged citizen in public dialogue was over 35 years ago. I still remember listening to the radio when the then President of the United States of America said he could win—could win a nuclear war—a nuclear war with the then Soviet Union.
 
Since then, the world has become much more complex, and just as dangerous.
 
It is you the young who will need to change the habits of middle age men and women like myself.
 
I encourage you to form relationships with people of all ages, especially the older adults.
 
For you, the young, it is your future to create.
If the older adults could embrace a new vision. The elderly have lived a long life, and will soon no longer be physically with us. If only the older adults could embrace a new vision.
 
In a political system where each person is entitled to one vote, an alliance between the young people of today and older adults could change the world in positive ways.
 
Thank you. My name is Myron Steinman.
I speak from our privileged position in Canada. I am running for Mayor of Kitchener
 

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Opening remarks

10/5/2018

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OPENING REMARKS
September 11, 2018
Mayoral debate: Rogers television
Greetings to all those who may be watching this debate on our community television station
Mayor Berry Vrbanovic
Narine (Na-Ryan) Dal Sockram
And Jiri Marek (who is also on the ballet.
My name is Myron Daniel Steinman.
You have the choice to vote for me
Myron Steinman
On October 22
Mayor City of Kitchener
As part of my opening remarks I would like to first like to acknowledge we are guests on this land the City of Kitchener. Kitchener is the largest Census Metropolitan Area in the Region of Waterloo and the Grand River Watershed.
 
What motivated me to include my name on the ballet for Mayor of Kitchener?
 
  1. Land use planning---that is zoning, by-laws, city plans---those are the traditional tools used by the lower tier of Municipal Government/ City of Kitchener
 
You may yawn, and think this is dry and boring…
 
If you are yawning, I hope…before this campaign ends in 6 weeks…you will have changed Your mind…Traditionally only 30 percent of eligible voters Vote.
 
If you are passionate about “politics” I hope you will vote for…you guessed it…
Myron Steinman Mayor of Kitchener
 
The Municipal Level of Government has the greatest potential for participatory democracy.
Participatory Democracy is where you have the choice to be more than a statistic or taxpayer… if you want, you have the choice to be a citizen.
 
Including persons, citizen groups, small and large business, service organizations, school boards and other levels of government… in the Decision-Making process and how it effects the Land … You and your Neighbour…This is the task of the lower tier of Municipal government. This may be the most difficult challenge facing the City of Kitchener during the next four years.
 
Someone once said, “Hope, Opportunity and Success for ALL”
From all income levels
From all ages
From all family compositions
And from all abilities
 
If you elect me as Mayor of Kitchener, I will also be a voting member with the Region of Waterloo Municipal Council.
 
Thank you. That concludes my opening remarks.
 
 
 
 
 
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Three tipping points/concerns why I let my name stand for Mayor of Kitchener and More

10/5/2018

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We asked all Kitchener council candidates the same question: Why should the public vote for you?
I would like to start by acknowledging we are guests with this land.
There are at least three tipping points/concerns that led me into entering the public dialogue by letting my name stand for mayor of Kitchener.
1. The future of the Charles Street transportation terminal in downtown Kitchener: I would ensure there is an open dialogue on the future of this site.
2. Accessibilities for Ontarians with Disabilities Act legislation (AODA) — especially how it affects the built environment. Note that I have long been an advocate with built-environment legislation. We need to act now, but there are also unintended consequences for small business.
3. The unintended consequences of intensification policies, especially how it affects those marginalized by lower incomes and/or disability. Please note that I have long been an advocate for urban intensification. In addition, traffic studies by both the city and region; especially as safety is a concern with ION or light rail.
Furthermore, I have concerns and several ideas about waste/ recycling management. A 10-cent refund on each 500-millilitre water bottle would be a start. This would add $2.40 to a case of 24. In addition, I would set up a pilot project as an alternative to the blue box recycling system. Centralized garbage collection may be part of the problem. I have many more ideas. For example, stopping at every third house would save gasoline and labour time.
Finally, the number of deaths from overdose and suicide in general in our communities is unacceptable. The City of Kitchener could go through the public participation process NOW, and zone areas in the city NOW, for what I prefer to call “harm reduction sites” so that we are prepared to act fast when the Honourable Doug Ford reverses his policies on “supervised injection sites.”
Thank you.

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September 30, 2018

10/1/2018

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Written text prepared for Kitchener Meet the Candidates (Regional Chair, Regional Council, and Mayoral Candidates) September 30, 2018 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church 54 Benton Street Kitchener

Fellow citizens, Citizen groups
Political candidates
and future elected officials for 2018 to 2022

I would first like to acknowledge we are guests with this land.

My name is Myron Daniel Steinman and I am running for Mayor of Kitchener. On the ballot you will see my name as Myron Steinman.

As I am sure you are aware Mayors of each City and Township are also a member of the lower tiers of municipal government-in my situation the City of Kitchener, along with 10 Ward Counselors from 10 geographical areas.
The Mayors are also a member of the second tier of municipal government- in my situation the Region of Waterloo.
You will also elect 4  Counselors to represent the City of Kitchener by popular vote...that is whoever gets the most votes from the 9 individuals you have heard this afternoon will be on the Region of Waterloo Council.
You will also elect the the Regional Chairperson with a first-past-the post system.

I believe Municipal Governments have the greatest opportunity of the four levels of government to build participatory government; Participatory government is where you have the choice to be more than a statistic, more than a consultant, more than a tax payer...if you want you have the opportunity to be an engaged citizen in the process of making decisions.
The Participatory Process  is important because traditionally only 30% of eligible residents take the time to vote for their elected officials during the Municipal Elections. Other individuals, who are under the age of 18 are not allowed to vote, but I feel also need opportunities to be involved in the political process.

As Mayor of Kitchener I would strive to be a leader, a facilitator and a manager. Ideally municipal governments act as a team and, along with staff and citizens there needs to be flexibility across these roles of leader, facilitator and manager when acting as a Team (Berrett-Koehler, 1997). 

I have most experience in my work as community mental health peer support worker in the role of facilitator. During this election campaign I have attempted to be both a facilitator and a leader. 

Thank you
. 


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How does the world view the City of Kitchener: Let's start by asking Wikipedia (September 1, 2018)

9/1/2018

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​https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchener,_Ontario#Early_settlement
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August 31st, 2018

8/31/2018

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My name is Myron Steinman. This October 22, 2018 if you are a resident in the City of Kitchener you will have the option of voting for me for the for the role of Mayor of Kitchener and Counselor with the Region of Waterloo.
Why vote for Myron Daniel Steinman, or for that matter why vote at all?  Traditionally only 30% of eligible voters vote at municipal elections.
Here is an outline of a responsibilities of different levels of government as published by the Social Planning Council of Kitchener Waterloo/ Community Information Centre of Waterloo Region (now re-branded as the Social Development Centre Waterloo Region 
City of Kitchener
Snow removal
Parks and recreation
Animal control
Zoning and neighbourhood plans
Building inspections and permits
Cemetaries
Parking
Fire Departments
Vital statistics
Local economic development 
Region of Waterloo
Public transit
Public health
Waste Management
Social services
Community Housing
Ambulance
International Airport
Provincial offences court
Shared Regional & Local
Waste collection and treatment
Roads
Land use planning
Library system
Licensing and by-law enforsement
Community services
Culture
Shared Provincial & Municipal
Education
Healthcare
Housing
Social Services
Infrastructure
Transportation
Provincial offences court
Economic development
Police services
Shared Federal, Provincial & Municipal
-
no information available from this source.

Source of this data is a chart prepared by the Social Planning Council of Kitchener-Waterloo/ Community Information Centre of Waterloo Region now re-branded as the Social Development Centre Waterloo Region. The Social Development Centre does NOT endorse the candidacy of Myron Damiel Steinman


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