Lou 4 You Oshawa

at 205 - 333 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa , L1G 4T2 Canada

1. Political Organization

The challenges for the next council are unprecedented, as is the challenge for the next Mayor, a challenge that I am fully prepared to accept if elected.

Description

The challenges for the next council are unprecedented, as is the challenge for the next Mayor, a challenge that I am fully prepared to accept should the good people of Oshawa vote me into office. I Lou DeVuono, if elected to the Office of Mayor for the City of Oshawa hereby make this solemn pledge, to uphold this Office and lead this Council with respect and integrity, guided by Law and the People of Oshawa, for whom I serve. My platform is simple and straightforward, first and foremost, the rift within council will have to be resolved with a focus on getting members of council to return to simple politics, FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, instead of serving their own agenda's. The new council will have to work together for the benefit of the people they serve, the citizens of Oshawa. • Taxes - It would be foolhardy to suggest that I could, if elected, lower taxes as we must first get our financial house in order, now with that being said I do understand that we need to hold the line on further tax increases and we as your council must try and get more from what we already receive. Seniors and those on fixed incomes are the most vulnerable to tax increases and we must be cognizant of that whenever we undertake budget deliberations. Now for the Ugly Truth, members of the current council have deferred some of the 2014 Tax increase to the 2015 budget and regardless of who is elected, the new council will be forced to do something about that. Also the current council has added more than $17 million dollars to the city debt giving Oshawa the highest debt in Durham (approximately $130 million). I believe that we can eliminate the need for a tax increase in 2015 if we effectively reduce cost in departments by 10%, which would be my direction to staff should I be elected. • Seniors – I would endeavor to develop and / or expand senior services and programs that would encourage participation and improve access. These steps would have a positive impact on their quality of life. • User Fees – I would reduce and / or eliminate user fees at city owned facilities, as I want as part of my policy to encourage inclusiveness and participation because I am a strong believer that physical activity results in strong minds, team building and overall good health. • Economic Development - A comprehensive plan to draw new business to our city must be a priority for this new council, as we must encourage new business that Oshawa is a great place to do business, while retaining current businesses is essential to show stability and viability of business in our community. Added benefits of this approach are a broader tax base and better employment opportunities. • The Development of our Port Lands – The cornerstone of my vision for Oshawa, a beautiful themed market place mixed with restaurants, galleries, hotels, an amphitheater and a marina all in harmony in this pedestrian friendly area mixed with town homes and high end condo’s. The perimeter of the marina would include a wide walk with grassy areas so local artisans and buskers could come down to show off their wares. I believe this could develop our waterfront into a beautiful focal point for the city of Oshawa. This marina would become a gateway to Oshawa for boaters from across Ontario and from the U.S. This again would provide new opportunities for investment and employment in Oshawa. • Privatization of some city services - In an effort to reduce costs and limit further tax increases we must, as a responsible council looks to privatize some city services. This may also improve services to the city ratepayer. This was a real savings identified by the Auditor General prior to the termination of his post by members of the current council. • Our City Airport - While not popular with residents that live in the area adjacent to the Oshawa Airport, I am a supporter of our airport as a viable and important asset for the city of Oshawa. We as taxpayers are currently supporting the airport with our tax dollars but it could be self-sustaining if we made better utilization of it while addressing concerns of area residents. • A Return of the Auditor General - To bring back the friend of the taxpayer, an overseer of city spending and a valuable member of any council although his work is independent of council interference he does report to council and works to identify areas of possible savings to the city and ultimately the taxpayer. 8 members of the current council including the Mayor, voted to eliminate the position after the Auditor General prepared a report that the purchase of the Consolidated Works Depot may not be the best deal for Oshawa, which begs the question what are these members of council trying to hide. • A return of Ward Voting - I am a firm believer in accountable government and we must ensure this sacred trust by making sure that members of council can’t cherry pick their efforts for our city, that we as citizens have a truly accountable and responsive council. • Student Residents - With the continued development of Student Specific Residences along Simcoe St. and around the UOIT/ Durham College Campus the need for students sharing a residential home although economically reasonable is detrimental to home values in the area as well as it negatively impacts permanent residents quality of life, I will direct council and staff to actively end the practice of allowing student to use residential properties as rooming houses via licensing that is currently employed. • Student and Youth Employment- Is a major concern for me here in Oshawa as we welcome students from many jurisdictions and they find, like many of us the cost of living restrictive but we could help alleviate that with better job prospects. • Your Mayor and Council - Be directed and conduct themselves in and Open, Honest and Accountable way for the betterment of our city and the end of infighting that is currently representive of most council meetings. That council treats all citizens with respect, openness and that we listen all concerns and criticisms to understand and meet the needs of Oshawa. We are elected to work for you and if I am elected that will be the mantra of this new council.

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Summary

Lou 4 You Oshawa is Oshawa based place and this enity listed in Political Organization category. Located at 205 - 333 Simcoe St. N. ON L1G 4T2.