Hi, I'm Stephen and I'm running for Mayor.
Edit: I will be coming back this evening to read and respond to everyone, but I do have a day job that I have to get back to.
Good morning fellow Kingstonians.
My name is Stephen and as the title says, I'm running for Mayor this upcoming municipal election.
My platform is, in my opinion, rather straight forward. Housing affordability in Kingston is down from Bad to All-Time-Low. Conversely, return on investment on purpose built rentals in Kingston is at an all time high.
Therefore the city should invest in local housing in two ways.
One, greatly expand the Kingston and Frontenac Housing Corporation in order to provide a much needed affordable supply (over 5000 units required based on past studies).
Two, start a second for-profit housing corporation with the intention to rent at-or-below market rate units to provide an additional revenue source to fund city services. These units will still provide benefit to tenants since rental rates will be directly attributable to council, meaning profiteering comes with actual consequence.
Beyond this, Kingston has a plethora of issues. Many I know about, like our pothole filled roads, inefficiencies at the building department, or shortcomings in local healthcare. But it never hurts to be reminded of the problems we face. As the saying goes, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
For a few more details on my platform and priorities, please see my website at stephenformayor.ca
But I want to hear from you directly: What are the most pressing issues that plague you in your life here in Kingston that the municipal government can affect change on?
The powers of the municipal government only go so far, but I'm willing to lobby and criticize our provincial and federal governments for support where needed.
Thank you for your time,
Stephen.