September 30, 2018

- 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.

September 30, 2018

10/1/2018

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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