Before the Ballot- with Ward 2 Councillor Candidate Kelly Oucharek

Welcome to this instalment of Before the Ballot- with Ward 2 Councillor Candidate Kelly Oucharek.

What motivated you to run for council, and why do you believe now is the right time for new leadership in your ward? 

The residents in Ward 2 helped me decide it was the right time for new leadership. I have been encouraged to run by many friends, family, neighbours and people I respect in the political realm. This is not something I ever saw myself doing. I have a career and a job I value, so I hope the fact I am willing to put that aside for a time, will mean something to voters. Prior to deciding to run, I put out an anonymous survey by hanging 150 posters throughout Ward 2- at the Go Stations, bus stops, near schools and parks and other high traffic areas as a litmus test. I know a lot of people who see City happenings the same way I do. I needed to determine if those views were reflected throughout Ward 2. The vast majority of responses I received were not favourable towards current representation and the last 4 years of council. Had they been largely favourable, it perhaps would have been an easy decision not to run. Lastly, I have been pretty frustrated with many council decisions over the last 4 years and becoming part of the solution makes sense.

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? 

Not in any particular order.  1) Addiction is at the forefront of my mind- as I lost my sister and many others to addiction and have known many youth get tied up, even losing their lives, in the drug trade. More people die from drug use in Ward 2 than the rest of the city combined. Where there is presence of drugs or need for drugs, there is increased crime. From theft to fuel addictions, to violence and aggression that ensues from use of drugs, to the manipulation of vulnerable people who are addicted, to bigger picture organized crime- this has an impact on our city- particularly downtown. This is not only a homelessness issue: 64% of drug-related deaths occurred in private residences. The rate of drug-related deaths has not improved since the opening of supervised consumption sites and government funded “safe supply” narcotics programs in 2017. 

I have begun to address this by educating myself:
· attending seminars regarding the diversion of government funded “safe supply narcotics”
· I have met with addiction physicians,
· spoken to pharmacists, and most importantly,
· have listened to those who have substance use disorders.

I’d like to explore if this city is investing in the 4 pillars of addiction medicine. Are we spending equally on prevention and treatment as we are on harm reduction for example.

2) Cost of Living. Taking the bus round trip as an adult is $5.70. A large jar of peanut butter $11. Whether you are a single person, a young couple, a family with kids or a senior citizen, a homeowner or someone who rents, the cost of living is having an impact. We need to avoid raising taxes and introducing new ones if possible. I think we need to look closely at waste and examine how money is being spent to ensure we are getting good value-for-dollar. I remember listening to a council meeting where City staff discussed giving a large budget to a service provider with a list of deliverables, with seemingly no check and balance; no one auditing how that money is spent for cost savings. Hamiltonians work hard for their money. As a council we need to make sure their tax dollars are working hard for them. I recently totaled the list of the City’s fiscal scandals to the tune of 200+million. Imagine what could have been done with that sum of money. Every resident of Hamilton, regardless if they pay property tax or not, is losing out on services which could be provided with those lost millions.

3) Public Safety- The survey I mentioned above received 178 responses to date. I asked “Which best reflects your view on public safety in Ward 2?” 68% responded and they feel ”It has worsened” and only 9% felt “it has improved in recent years”. The City of Hamilton has a duty to address issues of concern as identified by residents. My hope is that Hamiltonians elect a new group of council willing to work together to acknowledge and address the issues. 

Municipal government often requires balancing competing interests and difficult budget decisions. How would you approach making tough decisions at City Hall? 

 

Community engagement is something that has been absent in Ward 2, especially when it comes to major projects that have significant impacts. So engaging residents (and listening to them) would be a priority for me. I do think I have an ability and more importantly, an interest, in considering things from multiple vantage points.

I also think it is important to consider long-term implications for decision making. Hamilton is at a point where we really need to start thinking about what we need as a city, versus what we want. These are the same decisions manyHamiltonians need to make every day in their own lives.

 What experience, skills, or perspective do you bring that distinguishes you from other candidates seeking the same council seat?  

 

I have worked 27 years in the nursing field- in acute care and community care, serving the health care sector across the spectrum of ages and socioeconomic strata. I have supported people from the beginning of life to the end of life, and all the spaces in between. 

I have known both poverty and relative comfortability, being raised in City Housing called “the survey”, now known as Jamesville. There was a time in high school where I was entering road races so I could win a new pair of running shoes. I worked hard to lift myself out of that poverty, having had a job for most of my life since the age of 9. From a paper route in Central Hamilton, to working at the Picton Library and Bennetto Rec Center in my teen years and to starting my nursing journey at 20 yrs of age.

I have a unique perspective as a life long Ward 2 resident. I often hear the comment that the current state of downtown is normal for an urban center. I hear this most from people who have been here for the last 5-8 years, but not prior. By and large, those of us who have been here longer remember it differently.

Lastly, I am a galvanizer at heart, bringing people together with different skill sets to work towards a common goal is one of my favourite things to do- and I think we need more of this to move Ward 2 and Hamilton forward.

What is the best way for voters to contact you and/or learn more about you?

I think the best way for voters to learn about me is from me. I really value being with people and 1:1 conversation. For now, voters can reach me here:

Email: kellyo4ward2@gmail.com
Donations: via e-transfer to kellyo4ward2@gmail.com
Website: kellyoucharek.ca (under construction)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568022688182
Instagram: @kellyo4ward2

 

Thank-you Kelly for engaging with Hamiltonians on The Hamiltonian!