What motivated you to run for council, and why do you believe now is the right time for new leadership in your ward?
Aside from the fact that new leadership is inevitable in Ward 13, with the previous councilor deciding not to run for another term, I believe that Dundas is more than ready for a change. The last term of Council has been disastrous for Dundas. Ward 13 has sorely suffered from a lack of accessibility to the councilor and their staff. I believe that this lack of care and attention to constituents is unacceptable. Beyond being motivated as a resident of Dundas, I know that I have a lot of life experience, acquired through my unorthodox professional life, and hard-won through my storied personal life. At 56 years old, I have a lot of wisdom accrued and still a great deal to offer yet. I have contributions to make to my community. At the heart of all of this, as trite as it sounds, it really comes down to looking at my children, and my grandchildren. I want to accomplish something that in some small way will make their future better.
Every ward has its own unique challenges. What do you believe are the top three issues facing residents in your ward today, and how would you address them?
I believe that the top three issues facing residents of Dundas are 1-Cost of Living, 2-Public Safety, and 3-Accessibility to City Hall.
The cost of living is hitting everyone hard these days, particularly our Senior population. On a municipal level, I believe it is imperative that we keep taxes from increasing beyond the provincial rate of inflation in order to keep people in their homes. Many of my neighbours, both young families and seniors are finding it difficult to afford to remain in Dundas.
In terms of public safety, I believe our municipality has an obligation to address crime and its correlation to addiction, mental health and homelessness. These issues are no longer merely visible in the downtown core, they are alive and well in all of our communities.
It is my belief that the number one responsibility of any elected official is to the people who elected them. It would be my first priority to listen to the residents of Ward 13, and to respond with care.
Municipal government often requires balancing competing interests and difficult budget decisions. How would you approach making tough decisions at City Hall?
Any “competing interests” in municipal government are secondary. The first and only priority interest should be The Taxpayer.
I guarantee that I WILL NOT vote in favour of a tax increase of more than the provincial rate of inflation.
I guarantee that I WILL NOT vote in favour of any new jobs at City Hall. We have had enough Empire Building at the expense of the taxpayer. Our property taxes have increased close to 20% to accommodate over 1000 new jobs at City Hall in the last four years.
What experience, skills, or perspective do you bring that distinguishes you from other candidates seeking the same council seat?
I am a resident, a Home Owner and a Taxrayer in Ward 13. I was born and raised in Dundas. I grew up in Pleasant Valley and went to school there. I have lived in other communities, and I have seen what has worked, and what has not. I have held corporate jobs, I have worked in the Arts, I have worked in the Agricultural sector. My professional experience is vast and varied. I have dealt with City Hall as a home owner, as a business owner, as a concerned citizen, and as an Executive Director of a charitable Arts organization. I have sat on Government Boards and have made numerous delegations to Council over the years. I have worked well with all three levels of government. I know how to navigate Federal, Provincial and Municipal political fields. I believe I would be an asset working on behalf of the Constituents of Ward 13.
What is the best way for voters to contact you and/or learn more about you?
Voters can find me via my website at www.lorenlieberman.com
I’m on Facebook at Loren Lieberman for Ward 13 Dundas and Instagram @lorenlieberman13
My phone number is 905-628-1416
And I’ll be on the streets of Dundas talking with the voters.
Thank-you Loren for engaging with Hamiltonians on The Hamiltonian!
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