Tom Hiller
for Waterloo Regional Council
(Kitchener)
for Waterloo Regional Council
(Kitchener)
Core Beliefs
A simplification for societal basics - priority thinking - the ideals that I believe all levels of government should hold as public policy and focus fiscal efforts on outside of public health, security and facilitating infrastructure:
1. That everyone growing up has the most complete, and loving family possible; and a caring ("hand-up" / "got your back") relationship in adulthood.
2. That everyone has remunerative work available to them if they choose to pursue it, and again, if they choose to pursue it, that it represents, within a transparent marketplace, a reasonable match to their capabilities. Further, that work should not be overly reliant upon the taxpayer (public dependent jobs).
We handicap youth particularly when the above focus is much distracted by legitimate but divisive identity and activist issues that lack public consensus.
Simplified further, it comes down to family and work opportunities. Without them, spin-off issues arise, and objectives such as indigenous reconciliation or climate change get less commitment. Honouring basics, the core, sets periphery issues on a good course to being satisfied.
The societal focus of the above does not negate that on an individual basis people should 1st be tolerant, listen, learn, be dutiful and respectful.
This is my code.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
30 September, 2022
Truth & Reconciliation, and an Environmental Poisoning -
In 1971 I worked for the Ontario government mapping white pine in the area of Grassy Narrows First Nation (Anishinaabe / Ojibwe).
I've always followed current affairs, so by that time I was also well aware of Residential Schools.
As a result, I am very cognizant of the personal and environmental horrors that have been experienced.
It was formative for me. The responsibility for the indecisive lack of action must be carried by all.
This, and later accumulated knowledge, has entrenched my belief that fundamental to everyone are: children (families), mental health and work opportunities.
######################
Why am I running?
To help sustain an arc of progress and ensure that the work of Regional Council proceeds with a balanced perspective given the wide spectrum of passionate interests. The core objective always being strong families and robust work opportunities.
Priorities?
Of course, regardless of economic conditions, the first order of any government is to secure the people's ability to access basic health and shelter needs.
The well-being of children & youth is the guarantor of our future. Their success, and ours, relies upon workforce participation in a balanced economy that enables us to address environmental issues and social concerns. If either well-being or livelihoods are threatened, mental health suffers and other agendas falter.
If we are to honour and continue to build the community for the 21st century, the infrastructure around us must reflect adaptive ingenuity and our enablement.
----------------------------
Thank you for visiting this site. Your interest reflects positively on your concern for participatory government. Sadly, recent voting rates are discouraging yet our commitment to a democratic process and the values that underlie it remain undiminished.
Kindly pass along this site address.
I have not, nor will I be soliciting donations. My campaign is simply and frugally budgeted.
Best regards, Tom
################
Perspectives on municipal issues (September 2022)
1. Diversity-Equity-Inclusion (DEI), Reconciliation and Identity - values & abuse
2. Planning, Housing, Affordability and Community Services; also as related to Homelessness
3. The Environment, Health and associated Emergency Services
4. Mobility - Public & Active Transit, Roads & Highways, the Airport etc (and repurposing the former transit station land)
5. Policing & the Community / Social Service interface
6. Municipal structure, collaboration and Infrastructure deficits
1. DEI, Reconciliation and Identity - values & abuse:
These are issues that are & should be close to the soul of everyone ... and embedded into that of the community.
They're also issues that shouldn't need to dominate government per se, but do - the Charter and a substantial body of law is already in place.
They're topics that should be a dominant feature in family discussion and in schools, and need to be prominently in the minds of employers.
It's about values & attitudes - egregious transgressions, and patterned, subtle persistence against them, reflect in my mind the same lack of human dignity as assault or theft - they necessitate a response - a warning rising to prosecution or employment termination. And in the case of line management, dereliction of supervision requires similar action. This said, spurious accusations without substance need to be cautioned against as interpersonal relations poison.
As individuals, people need to be tolerant, listen, learn, be dutiful & respectful. These are basic human lessons and the government could focus its attention more on the universal needs of society - housing, education, health care, security, infrastructure, economic development and so on.
Workplaces have delineated authority, as do the police across the broad public realm. Parents and schools also have authority, but uniquely, also have a responsibility to nurture values - schools in a supplementary manner. Governments should avoid acting like perpetual parents though they make law.
Notably, the Regional Official Plan specifically references DEI and reconciliation as guiding principles, and rightly so, but the values themselves are established and taught elsewhere.
I lean on core values, the processes that build them, and the enforcement of laws / workplace policy.
2. Planning, Housing, Affordability and Community Services; also as related to Homelessness:
The Official Plan Review process has moved forward continuing our focus on sustainability, equity, inclusion & environmental respect. Anticipated growth is accommodated with minimal expansion of the urban lands, the countryside line is protected and we will focus on development of 15 minute neighbourhoods. It will be our guide going forward.
Affordability, and our shelter deficit is the challenge that most dominates the Region. Rising inflation and interest rates are a cause of increasing anxiety for those seeking housing of any type, and although the official unemployment rate is low, for many, existing security is tentative as a result of under-employment or insufficient hours. Wage rate growth has been suppressed in many categories and job creation has been uneven. People are vulnerable with economic uncertainty and CERB may have obscured risks even as covid, which still lurks, interrupted training or continuous learning efforts. On a positive note, as $10-a-day child care is implemented, assistance is being directed to young families. Overall, affordability is a broad, asymmetrical, economic issue. While a lack of opportunity denies a foothold, others in the community are overburdened and struggle to maintain their health and that of their families.
Our housing supply has not kept up with growth, particularly at entry level prices and an inflationary environment will undoubtedly impact building activity.
The province has acted to reduce red tape to spur development, and the municipalities will also promote and guide it, though cannot conjure its creation. Per the Official Plan, development will need to be monitored, including rental markets and gentrification trends so that what is done, is coordinated and addresses our most pressing housing market weaknesses; and also that neighbourhoods retain their vitality and are transitionally protected. Intensification efforts however need to be widespread to accommodate the growth. Eliminating exclusionary zoning and stimulating "missing middle" builds would help accomplish this. Created across the urban environment, not only in the core, as attainable, affordable housing, will help address DEI principles at cheaper cost. Combining the concept of 15 minute neighbourhoods with GRT (Grand River Transit) options would be my objective.
Property taxes, and or reduced development charges, should be considered as a tool to channel planning objectives - the creation of affordable "missing middle" or rental properties.
We should strive for greater adherence to the Official Plan, and greater transparency from planning departments with respect to development expectations and trends that arise unexpectedly over the course of a Plan and that may impact the established "vision". Neighbours do not appreciate surprise deviations.
-------------
Homelessness and the desperate health issues associated with it is THE emergency issue that necessitates immediate action and I applaud the community groups who have been on the front line and back rooms providing help. Council's recent approval for new subsidies, beds and "managed" encampments helps, however, much more funding is required from senior levels of government. With common 2-tier purpose we need to replicate the success found with A Better Tent City - in other locations, and on an urgent basis. I would like to see these shelters built locally, or even internally, and redouble efforts to find locations that can be quickly approved after reviewing for security, fire hazard and liability. Property owners could be incentivised by property tax concessions and outside builders of the shelters could be aided in a variety of ways. If excess were produced they could be sold off.
Despite great efforts from community and social services, homelessness has been intractable and we must pull out all stops to provide even the most basic shelter, as quickly as possible. "Managed" encampments will enable staff to at least intercede and redirect those suffering, to options more likely to lead to a more stable existence - better outcomes vis a vis housing, mental & physical health, addictions, legal or employability difficulties. With engagement comes hope then the process of life reclamation can begin. Housing, unfortunately, is only one aspect of need. We need to hear the back stories in the data being accumulated, much of it from service provider interactions, so that we can address root causes and begin to stem the tide of homelessness. For the present, we need a transparent policy for dealing with "tent evictions" - consistent practices that will be applied and coordinated services that are made available. Mental health and addictions are overwhelming but underlying these are weaknesses in individual support networks - usually family in foundational years, and the lack of employment opportunity.
3. The Environment, Health & associated Emergency Services:
The areas of healthcare and the environment are related on a number of levels, but also by neglect.
Both are key policy areas of senior governments, so the municipalities are involved in implementation and are heavily reliant upon funding.
The neglect has been long standing - both in funding and innovation but there are also personal considerations - taking responsibility for one's own health and footprint (acting local). Shoulda, coulda, woulda.
On environmental issues, it's been like the proverbial frog in a pot of water rising in temperature. Municipalities need to be in-step with federal-provincial policy (& we have adopted the 80 by 50 principle in our Official Plan), but we also need to focus on our infrastructure, specifically with adaptation upgrades in mind.
We can, and must further improve our waste management practices, and with significant population growth anticipated, we have to be particularly cautious of disturbing our ground water table. (Before we tapped into the Grand River to supplement it we briefly thought we might have to rely upon piped water from the Great Lakes - the implications are unsettling.)
With health care, our neglect was more obvious as we attempted to maintain structural practices as our demographic evolved and the medical field modernized with more complex but expensive capabilities. We've long tried to fund & staff operations with unfair efficiency expectations of 110%, but with covid we pushed way beyond this! It's no wonder we seem to have broken the system's back. The need for provincial action is urgent - stresses on the system must be lowered to manageability. Structural change must be forthcoming.
More locally, we anticipate a 4th hospital in the Region in recognition of growth in S. Ontario. Clearly a positive, but it entails local costs too and immediate attention to complimentary para-med / ambulance services. These services are in current deficit so must be made robust. We also need a continuing effort on recruitment for professional staff. Our further integration with the GTA will assist us but our attractiveness cannot be taken for granted. Improvement is a broad lifestyle community project. Our area schools are impressive partners in this.
------------
We can be justifiably proud of our community & social services network in this community. They, many volunteers and nonprofits have worked tirelessly to address numerous local challenges ranging from mental & physical health to family security to child care services. The pandemic was unexpected and exacerbated issues so while continuing to try to provide greater assistance and relief, we will be relentless in pressing for greater funding help to achieve this. Local budgetary support for life-critical programs must be enhanced at better than the inflation rate even as we seek efficiencies and focus on addressing root causes of problem areas.
Specifically in regard to drug addictions, coordinated resources must aggressively attack illicit traffic while we act on harm reduction. Should the issue of legalization of small quantities come before council, I would be amenable to it assuming it comes with increased rehabilitation resources.
4. Mobility - Public & Active Transit, Roads & Highways, the Airport etc (and repurposing the former transit station land):
I believe that our Transit Master Plan should elevate considerations for a future including autonomous vehicles. Advances in this area will be transformative for urban design, society and the environment. Regionally, we have public & corporate nodes of research & influence already here. We're well placed to be, and should be, at the forefront of this. It needs to be considered when we anticipate expensive infrastructure change.
----------
We need to continue building out the cycling & trail grid but the focus should be on eliminating grid gaps that confound navigation and discourage the activity. This requires greater coordination among the municipalities particularly as the infrastructure often crosses jurisdictions, Notably, the LRT corridor / ION line redevelopment is heavily condo/tower and cycle-centric. We also need to substantially elevate communication and awareness regarding infrastructure, particularly regarding cycle/pedestrian crossings and in school zones. A lack of clarity is both dangerous and frustrating for all parties and current signage is insufficient. This is also a pertinent need as we implement speed limit changes throughout the community.
Physical separation efforts for cycling safety must continue though staff reports on effectiveness, congestion and maintenance are needed.
I'd also welcome input on advantages, disadvantages and costs of Regionally licensing roadway approved bicycles, e-scooters etc, for those over 12, at a very modest, one-time cost - However, only if it will not dampen take up of active transportation. Added value might be found in communication possibilities, safety training and improved theft recovery.
----------
Growth has motivated several major upgrades including our international airport and the ION. Both further enhance the prominence of our Region globally and will pay dividends for us. Senior levels of government contribute funds for these but we still bear a significant load just as we will for stage 2 of the ION, a project I support. However, we must be aggressive in pressing the province & the feds for greater support similar to that which has been provided for other projects in Ontario. Regardless, to make our case we will have to recover ridership that suffered during covid, and then show we can build it. This effort must also apply to ridership throughout the Grand River Transit (GRT) system and could include boosting feeder routes to & from the ION line and using lower capacity buses where demand is lighter, new, or trial routes are being introduced. We need to ensure that as we promote affordable housing developments, particularly as I hope to do in non-core areas, that they are provided with GRT service.
As an aside, we should also insist upon regular monitoring of GRT stops during winter so that plow banks do not persist between intermittent snowfalls. This needs to be done in conjunction with maintaining cycling infrastructure.
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Lobbying must also continue for intercity travel. 2-way, all-day GO trains to and from Toronto, and more convincing action on the new highway 7 to Guelph. Both of these have been long promised and both would help integrate economies. The Toronto-Waterloo corridor is a key economic zone in the country and it deserves priority attention. We also need to push for better links with Hamilton, and connecting Cambridge to the GO train system as soon as possible.
-----------
If architecturally feasible, I'd have the former transit station lands in Kitchener's core redeveloped and vitalize the entire Region with a modern arena & convention centre* (replacing the aged, circa 1951, Memorial Auditorium - possibly converting its land to affordable housing). I would press for naming rights for the new arena/centre to be perpetually linked to the indiginous, original, inhabitants of this land; though also, for contractual periods, with a corporate sponsor.
*Historically the original (Berlin) Kitchener "Aud" was located nearby on Queen St (@ Charles) 1904-1948. It was home to the original Kitchener Hockey Club - World's Amateur Champions in 1918.
5. Policing & the Community / Social Services interface:
Because of our population growth and continuing integration with nearby centres we are also exposed to darker issues inextricably linked to heavy urbanization.
As a result, it is not possible to consider reductions in our police force. Proportional growth is expected but budgets will have to be maintained with modest increases despite heavier, more complex demands.
However, reviews for alternative approaches to policing are underway and will continue.
The need for change is recognized internally and is being demanded from outside. Better experience data is required and results from initiatives like body cameras will help in modernizing practices. Meanwhile, training will remain a priority. The safety of both the public and responding personnel is everyones' highest priority.
Whenever possible we will aim to dispatch resources with the appropriate capability to intercede, and resolve mental health and non-violent issues on scene without resorting to any perceived threat, but devising and staffing such a program is exceptionally complex.
I would not support any de-funding or reallocation of staffing resources until trials can be fully assessed. Though I appreciate budgetary efficiencies may be proved, safety concerns must take priority.
I do not expect imminent changes on this file and prefer that we, as a community and province, expend greater efforts to address root causes of life-critical social challenges, and intervene earlier to prevent serious family erosion or escalation to police matters. There, I am more amenable to budgetary increases. These are often related to poverty, affordability and opportunity.
Incidents of inappropriate police behavior, and particularly patterned behavior, need obligatory reporting and discipline, but this is important throughout all workplaces, not just in policing.
6. Municipal structure, collaboration and Infrastructure deficits:
I want to collaboratively explore with the municipalities opportunities to drive efficiencies in areas like fire services, harm reduction, planning, emergency housing, promotion/marketing, infrastructure & economic development.
Municipally, I believe there are many issues where even best efforts continue to confuse & create frustration among citizens because of the way 2 tier government interfaces with a perceived overlap - particularly when seamless coordination is expected. There is some legitimacy for the impression of a lack of efficiency. Perhaps the most recent example was the Official Plan Review which the cities also do.
Structural change remains a distinct possibility sometime down the road and it may be initiated by the province if it is not done internally. The issue has a convoluted local history and is not dead & buried. Myself, a 40+ year resident of midtown Kitchener, I am in favour but do not imagine either the Region fading away or a Super-city being created. Instead, I believe there is a case for realigned responsibilities to benefit efficiency and clarity. Without adding councillors overall, a number of city councillors, elected at large, could also sit at the Regional table and thereby help distinguish for the public the relationship among the 2 tiers. I also believe the long referenced "Twin Cities", Kitchener & Waterloo, with their inherent physical and cultural weave, would benefit by amalgamation (I can envision the smaller absorbing the larger). Regardless, the Region survives because as an integrated whole, the cities & townships benefit from the demographic heft they represent together.
-----------
While we enjoy a AAA credit rating, future expenditures could threaten this. Under-reported, but of critical concern are infrastructure deficits for the upgrading and maintenance of aging infrastructure - roads, bridges, buses, water etc. Much of this has been deferred, much like a homeowner might defer a new roof. Eventually the expenditures are necessary and significant, but should never be shocks. We need to review & release current status & trend reports on our deficits.
Our growth & size clearly impacted decisions to proceed with major projects - think our airport and the ION. Both will further elevate the prominence of our Region and will pay lifestyle dividends. While senior levels of government have contributed funds for these, we still bear a significant load just as we will for stage 2 of the ION. We will be lobbying hard for this as with other upgrades like supportive housing initiatives. We will do this while we concurrently pursue other funding streams like gas tax rebates because we are simply too heavily reliant upon property taxes.
######################
Some thoughts on climate action - published July 25, 2022 as a letter to the editor of the WR Record:
Climate change is an acknowledged fact. It's a very serious global issue - the majority by far, understand this, but the unanswered, legitimate question is how do we respond?
It is in the wide variance of options that exist and how they impact other public economic and social priorities that people voice very loudly about as well.
The best experts from all the various sectors have not, cannot, provide an "all considered" plan in which conflicting considerations are weighed.
This is clear within sovereign political entities, and global entities, who struggle similarly and have not been able to "corral" them into "selling" plans to their populations.
The conundrum is beyond municipalities as they are controlled by the provincial government.
We will certainly do what is obligated of us, and more, but are also limited by what can truly be done.
What absolutely must be done, however, is that we ensure legal compliance is undertaken and deliver the message: Individual responsibility needs to be understood and acknowledged.
We really must think globally, and act locally.
#################
The Waterloo Region Labour Council Survey of Candidates was returned Aug 1, 2022.
As in 2018, I chose to respond unconventionally.
Municipal governance is uniquely focused on addressing local issues and implementing policies from senior levels of government. To do this, municipalities are reliant, primarily, upon funding from provincial & federal sources, and their own limited property tax revenues. As a result of these restrictions it is imperative that those elected to responsibility be knowledgeable, prudent and balanced. For myself, these are operating principles and I believe that they are reflected in my background, my behaviors and my character. I am loath to over-promise.
When asked about prioritizing traditional & social infrastructure projects, and ensuring that they also address climate change, I can only say that I acknowledge all of them in balance, but that securing basic health and shelter is #1 for any government regardless of economic conditions. Beyond that, economic factors will guide and limit us. The resources that enable our livelihood need to be maintained so that over time an arc of progress may continue.
This website, my LinkedIn profile & activity, and my occasional letters to the editor of the WR Record may provide a useful overview of my background, thoughts and interests.
I am appealing for functional balance and collaborative councillors who will provide it.
This is not a sideline, a professional stepping stone or an effort to promote a cause above others.
I am here to help support the arc of progress and good government in this fast changing community.
I am presenting myself to provide a service that I am quite capable of.
We need to avoid a council of battling special interests and elect one that will act cohesively.
I am local - multigenerationally. My background is broad and provides an informed perspective. I'm pragmatic and politically centrist.
The well-being of children & youth is the guarantor of our future. Their success, and ours, relies upon workforce participation in an economy that enables us to address environmental issues and social concerns. If either well-being, or work is threatened, it is reflected in mental health and other agendas falter.
The foundations are families and work opportunities. Housing, economic infrastructure and social concerns are priorities but expenditures must be balanced and accountable or the foundations are risked.
#################################
A simplification for societal basics - priority thinking - the ideals that I believe all levels of government should hold as public policy and focus fiscal efforts on outside of public health, security and facilitating infrastructure:
1. That everyone growing up has the most complete, and loving family possible; and a caring ("hand-up" / "got your back") relationship in adulthood.
2. That everyone has remunerative work available to them if they choose to pursue it, and again, if they choose to pursue it, that it represents, within a transparent marketplace, a reasonable match to their capabilities. Further, that work should not be overly reliant upon the taxpayer (public dependent jobs).
We handicap youth particularly when the above focus is much distracted by legitimate but divisive identity and activist issues that lack public consensus.
Simplified further, it comes down to family and work opportunities. Without them, spin-off issues arise, and objectives such as indigenous reconciliation or climate change get less commitment. Honouring basics, the core, sets periphery issues on a good course to being satisfied.
The societal focus of the above does not negate that on an individual basis people should 1st be tolerant, listen, learn, be dutiful and respectful.
This is my code.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
30 September, 2022
Truth & Reconciliation, and an Environmental Poisoning -
In 1971 I worked for the Ontario government mapping white pine in the area of Grassy Narrows First Nation (Anishinaabe / Ojibwe).
I've always followed current affairs, so by that time I was also well aware of Residential Schools.
As a result, I am very cognizant of the personal and environmental horrors that have been experienced.
It was formative for me. The responsibility for the indecisive lack of action must be carried by all.
This, and later accumulated knowledge, has entrenched my belief that fundamental to everyone are: children (families), mental health and work opportunities.
######################
Why am I running?
To help sustain an arc of progress and ensure that the work of Regional Council proceeds with a balanced perspective given the wide spectrum of passionate interests. The core objective always being strong families and robust work opportunities.
Priorities?
Of course, regardless of economic conditions, the first order of any government is to secure the people's ability to access basic health and shelter needs.
The well-being of children & youth is the guarantor of our future. Their success, and ours, relies upon workforce participation in a balanced economy that enables us to address environmental issues and social concerns. If either well-being or livelihoods are threatened, mental health suffers and other agendas falter.
If we are to honour and continue to build the community for the 21st century, the infrastructure around us must reflect adaptive ingenuity and our enablement.
----------------------------
Thank you for visiting this site. Your interest reflects positively on your concern for participatory government. Sadly, recent voting rates are discouraging yet our commitment to a democratic process and the values that underlie it remain undiminished.
Kindly pass along this site address.
I have not, nor will I be soliciting donations. My campaign is simply and frugally budgeted.
Best regards, Tom
################
Perspectives on municipal issues (September 2022)
1. Diversity-Equity-Inclusion (DEI), Reconciliation and Identity - values & abuse
2. Planning, Housing, Affordability and Community Services; also as related to Homelessness
3. The Environment, Health and associated Emergency Services
4. Mobility - Public & Active Transit, Roads & Highways, the Airport etc (and repurposing the former transit station land)
5. Policing & the Community / Social Service interface
6. Municipal structure, collaboration and Infrastructure deficits
1. DEI, Reconciliation and Identity - values & abuse:
These are issues that are & should be close to the soul of everyone ... and embedded into that of the community.
They're also issues that shouldn't need to dominate government per se, but do - the Charter and a substantial body of law is already in place.
They're topics that should be a dominant feature in family discussion and in schools, and need to be prominently in the minds of employers.
It's about values & attitudes - egregious transgressions, and patterned, subtle persistence against them, reflect in my mind the same lack of human dignity as assault or theft - they necessitate a response - a warning rising to prosecution or employment termination. And in the case of line management, dereliction of supervision requires similar action. This said, spurious accusations without substance need to be cautioned against as interpersonal relations poison.
As individuals, people need to be tolerant, listen, learn, be dutiful & respectful. These are basic human lessons and the government could focus its attention more on the universal needs of society - housing, education, health care, security, infrastructure, economic development and so on.
Workplaces have delineated authority, as do the police across the broad public realm. Parents and schools also have authority, but uniquely, also have a responsibility to nurture values - schools in a supplementary manner. Governments should avoid acting like perpetual parents though they make law.
Notably, the Regional Official Plan specifically references DEI and reconciliation as guiding principles, and rightly so, but the values themselves are established and taught elsewhere.
I lean on core values, the processes that build them, and the enforcement of laws / workplace policy.
2. Planning, Housing, Affordability and Community Services; also as related to Homelessness:
The Official Plan Review process has moved forward continuing our focus on sustainability, equity, inclusion & environmental respect. Anticipated growth is accommodated with minimal expansion of the urban lands, the countryside line is protected and we will focus on development of 15 minute neighbourhoods. It will be our guide going forward.
Affordability, and our shelter deficit is the challenge that most dominates the Region. Rising inflation and interest rates are a cause of increasing anxiety for those seeking housing of any type, and although the official unemployment rate is low, for many, existing security is tentative as a result of under-employment or insufficient hours. Wage rate growth has been suppressed in many categories and job creation has been uneven. People are vulnerable with economic uncertainty and CERB may have obscured risks even as covid, which still lurks, interrupted training or continuous learning efforts. On a positive note, as $10-a-day child care is implemented, assistance is being directed to young families. Overall, affordability is a broad, asymmetrical, economic issue. While a lack of opportunity denies a foothold, others in the community are overburdened and struggle to maintain their health and that of their families.
Our housing supply has not kept up with growth, particularly at entry level prices and an inflationary environment will undoubtedly impact building activity.
The province has acted to reduce red tape to spur development, and the municipalities will also promote and guide it, though cannot conjure its creation. Per the Official Plan, development will need to be monitored, including rental markets and gentrification trends so that what is done, is coordinated and addresses our most pressing housing market weaknesses; and also that neighbourhoods retain their vitality and are transitionally protected. Intensification efforts however need to be widespread to accommodate the growth. Eliminating exclusionary zoning and stimulating "missing middle" builds would help accomplish this. Created across the urban environment, not only in the core, as attainable, affordable housing, will help address DEI principles at cheaper cost. Combining the concept of 15 minute neighbourhoods with GRT (Grand River Transit) options would be my objective.
Property taxes, and or reduced development charges, should be considered as a tool to channel planning objectives - the creation of affordable "missing middle" or rental properties.
We should strive for greater adherence to the Official Plan, and greater transparency from planning departments with respect to development expectations and trends that arise unexpectedly over the course of a Plan and that may impact the established "vision". Neighbours do not appreciate surprise deviations.
-------------
Homelessness and the desperate health issues associated with it is THE emergency issue that necessitates immediate action and I applaud the community groups who have been on the front line and back rooms providing help. Council's recent approval for new subsidies, beds and "managed" encampments helps, however, much more funding is required from senior levels of government. With common 2-tier purpose we need to replicate the success found with A Better Tent City - in other locations, and on an urgent basis. I would like to see these shelters built locally, or even internally, and redouble efforts to find locations that can be quickly approved after reviewing for security, fire hazard and liability. Property owners could be incentivised by property tax concessions and outside builders of the shelters could be aided in a variety of ways. If excess were produced they could be sold off.
Despite great efforts from community and social services, homelessness has been intractable and we must pull out all stops to provide even the most basic shelter, as quickly as possible. "Managed" encampments will enable staff to at least intercede and redirect those suffering, to options more likely to lead to a more stable existence - better outcomes vis a vis housing, mental & physical health, addictions, legal or employability difficulties. With engagement comes hope then the process of life reclamation can begin. Housing, unfortunately, is only one aspect of need. We need to hear the back stories in the data being accumulated, much of it from service provider interactions, so that we can address root causes and begin to stem the tide of homelessness. For the present, we need a transparent policy for dealing with "tent evictions" - consistent practices that will be applied and coordinated services that are made available. Mental health and addictions are overwhelming but underlying these are weaknesses in individual support networks - usually family in foundational years, and the lack of employment opportunity.
3. The Environment, Health & associated Emergency Services:
The areas of healthcare and the environment are related on a number of levels, but also by neglect.
Both are key policy areas of senior governments, so the municipalities are involved in implementation and are heavily reliant upon funding.
The neglect has been long standing - both in funding and innovation but there are also personal considerations - taking responsibility for one's own health and footprint (acting local). Shoulda, coulda, woulda.
On environmental issues, it's been like the proverbial frog in a pot of water rising in temperature. Municipalities need to be in-step with federal-provincial policy (& we have adopted the 80 by 50 principle in our Official Plan), but we also need to focus on our infrastructure, specifically with adaptation upgrades in mind.
We can, and must further improve our waste management practices, and with significant population growth anticipated, we have to be particularly cautious of disturbing our ground water table. (Before we tapped into the Grand River to supplement it we briefly thought we might have to rely upon piped water from the Great Lakes - the implications are unsettling.)
With health care, our neglect was more obvious as we attempted to maintain structural practices as our demographic evolved and the medical field modernized with more complex but expensive capabilities. We've long tried to fund & staff operations with unfair efficiency expectations of 110%, but with covid we pushed way beyond this! It's no wonder we seem to have broken the system's back. The need for provincial action is urgent - stresses on the system must be lowered to manageability. Structural change must be forthcoming.
More locally, we anticipate a 4th hospital in the Region in recognition of growth in S. Ontario. Clearly a positive, but it entails local costs too and immediate attention to complimentary para-med / ambulance services. These services are in current deficit so must be made robust. We also need a continuing effort on recruitment for professional staff. Our further integration with the GTA will assist us but our attractiveness cannot be taken for granted. Improvement is a broad lifestyle community project. Our area schools are impressive partners in this.
------------
We can be justifiably proud of our community & social services network in this community. They, many volunteers and nonprofits have worked tirelessly to address numerous local challenges ranging from mental & physical health to family security to child care services. The pandemic was unexpected and exacerbated issues so while continuing to try to provide greater assistance and relief, we will be relentless in pressing for greater funding help to achieve this. Local budgetary support for life-critical programs must be enhanced at better than the inflation rate even as we seek efficiencies and focus on addressing root causes of problem areas.
Specifically in regard to drug addictions, coordinated resources must aggressively attack illicit traffic while we act on harm reduction. Should the issue of legalization of small quantities come before council, I would be amenable to it assuming it comes with increased rehabilitation resources.
4. Mobility - Public & Active Transit, Roads & Highways, the Airport etc (and repurposing the former transit station land):
I believe that our Transit Master Plan should elevate considerations for a future including autonomous vehicles. Advances in this area will be transformative for urban design, society and the environment. Regionally, we have public & corporate nodes of research & influence already here. We're well placed to be, and should be, at the forefront of this. It needs to be considered when we anticipate expensive infrastructure change.
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We need to continue building out the cycling & trail grid but the focus should be on eliminating grid gaps that confound navigation and discourage the activity. This requires greater coordination among the municipalities particularly as the infrastructure often crosses jurisdictions, Notably, the LRT corridor / ION line redevelopment is heavily condo/tower and cycle-centric. We also need to substantially elevate communication and awareness regarding infrastructure, particularly regarding cycle/pedestrian crossings and in school zones. A lack of clarity is both dangerous and frustrating for all parties and current signage is insufficient. This is also a pertinent need as we implement speed limit changes throughout the community.
Physical separation efforts for cycling safety must continue though staff reports on effectiveness, congestion and maintenance are needed.
I'd also welcome input on advantages, disadvantages and costs of Regionally licensing roadway approved bicycles, e-scooters etc, for those over 12, at a very modest, one-time cost - However, only if it will not dampen take up of active transportation. Added value might be found in communication possibilities, safety training and improved theft recovery.
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Growth has motivated several major upgrades including our international airport and the ION. Both further enhance the prominence of our Region globally and will pay dividends for us. Senior levels of government contribute funds for these but we still bear a significant load just as we will for stage 2 of the ION, a project I support. However, we must be aggressive in pressing the province & the feds for greater support similar to that which has been provided for other projects in Ontario. Regardless, to make our case we will have to recover ridership that suffered during covid, and then show we can build it. This effort must also apply to ridership throughout the Grand River Transit (GRT) system and could include boosting feeder routes to & from the ION line and using lower capacity buses where demand is lighter, new, or trial routes are being introduced. We need to ensure that as we promote affordable housing developments, particularly as I hope to do in non-core areas, that they are provided with GRT service.
As an aside, we should also insist upon regular monitoring of GRT stops during winter so that plow banks do not persist between intermittent snowfalls. This needs to be done in conjunction with maintaining cycling infrastructure.
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Lobbying must also continue for intercity travel. 2-way, all-day GO trains to and from Toronto, and more convincing action on the new highway 7 to Guelph. Both of these have been long promised and both would help integrate economies. The Toronto-Waterloo corridor is a key economic zone in the country and it deserves priority attention. We also need to push for better links with Hamilton, and connecting Cambridge to the GO train system as soon as possible.
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If architecturally feasible, I'd have the former transit station lands in Kitchener's core redeveloped and vitalize the entire Region with a modern arena & convention centre* (replacing the aged, circa 1951, Memorial Auditorium - possibly converting its land to affordable housing). I would press for naming rights for the new arena/centre to be perpetually linked to the indiginous, original, inhabitants of this land; though also, for contractual periods, with a corporate sponsor.
*Historically the original (Berlin) Kitchener "Aud" was located nearby on Queen St (@ Charles) 1904-1948. It was home to the original Kitchener Hockey Club - World's Amateur Champions in 1918.
5. Policing & the Community / Social Services interface:
Because of our population growth and continuing integration with nearby centres we are also exposed to darker issues inextricably linked to heavy urbanization.
As a result, it is not possible to consider reductions in our police force. Proportional growth is expected but budgets will have to be maintained with modest increases despite heavier, more complex demands.
However, reviews for alternative approaches to policing are underway and will continue.
The need for change is recognized internally and is being demanded from outside. Better experience data is required and results from initiatives like body cameras will help in modernizing practices. Meanwhile, training will remain a priority. The safety of both the public and responding personnel is everyones' highest priority.
Whenever possible we will aim to dispatch resources with the appropriate capability to intercede, and resolve mental health and non-violent issues on scene without resorting to any perceived threat, but devising and staffing such a program is exceptionally complex.
I would not support any de-funding or reallocation of staffing resources until trials can be fully assessed. Though I appreciate budgetary efficiencies may be proved, safety concerns must take priority.
I do not expect imminent changes on this file and prefer that we, as a community and province, expend greater efforts to address root causes of life-critical social challenges, and intervene earlier to prevent serious family erosion or escalation to police matters. There, I am more amenable to budgetary increases. These are often related to poverty, affordability and opportunity.
Incidents of inappropriate police behavior, and particularly patterned behavior, need obligatory reporting and discipline, but this is important throughout all workplaces, not just in policing.
6. Municipal structure, collaboration and Infrastructure deficits:
I want to collaboratively explore with the municipalities opportunities to drive efficiencies in areas like fire services, harm reduction, planning, emergency housing, promotion/marketing, infrastructure & economic development.
Municipally, I believe there are many issues where even best efforts continue to confuse & create frustration among citizens because of the way 2 tier government interfaces with a perceived overlap - particularly when seamless coordination is expected. There is some legitimacy for the impression of a lack of efficiency. Perhaps the most recent example was the Official Plan Review which the cities also do.
Structural change remains a distinct possibility sometime down the road and it may be initiated by the province if it is not done internally. The issue has a convoluted local history and is not dead & buried. Myself, a 40+ year resident of midtown Kitchener, I am in favour but do not imagine either the Region fading away or a Super-city being created. Instead, I believe there is a case for realigned responsibilities to benefit efficiency and clarity. Without adding councillors overall, a number of city councillors, elected at large, could also sit at the Regional table and thereby help distinguish for the public the relationship among the 2 tiers. I also believe the long referenced "Twin Cities", Kitchener & Waterloo, with their inherent physical and cultural weave, would benefit by amalgamation (I can envision the smaller absorbing the larger). Regardless, the Region survives because as an integrated whole, the cities & townships benefit from the demographic heft they represent together.
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While we enjoy a AAA credit rating, future expenditures could threaten this. Under-reported, but of critical concern are infrastructure deficits for the upgrading and maintenance of aging infrastructure - roads, bridges, buses, water etc. Much of this has been deferred, much like a homeowner might defer a new roof. Eventually the expenditures are necessary and significant, but should never be shocks. We need to review & release current status & trend reports on our deficits.
Our growth & size clearly impacted decisions to proceed with major projects - think our airport and the ION. Both will further elevate the prominence of our Region and will pay lifestyle dividends. While senior levels of government have contributed funds for these, we still bear a significant load just as we will for stage 2 of the ION. We will be lobbying hard for this as with other upgrades like supportive housing initiatives. We will do this while we concurrently pursue other funding streams like gas tax rebates because we are simply too heavily reliant upon property taxes.
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Some thoughts on climate action - published July 25, 2022 as a letter to the editor of the WR Record:
Climate change is an acknowledged fact. It's a very serious global issue - the majority by far, understand this, but the unanswered, legitimate question is how do we respond?
It is in the wide variance of options that exist and how they impact other public economic and social priorities that people voice very loudly about as well.
The best experts from all the various sectors have not, cannot, provide an "all considered" plan in which conflicting considerations are weighed.
This is clear within sovereign political entities, and global entities, who struggle similarly and have not been able to "corral" them into "selling" plans to their populations.
The conundrum is beyond municipalities as they are controlled by the provincial government.
We will certainly do what is obligated of us, and more, but are also limited by what can truly be done.
What absolutely must be done, however, is that we ensure legal compliance is undertaken and deliver the message: Individual responsibility needs to be understood and acknowledged.
We really must think globally, and act locally.
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The Waterloo Region Labour Council Survey of Candidates was returned Aug 1, 2022.
As in 2018, I chose to respond unconventionally.
Municipal governance is uniquely focused on addressing local issues and implementing policies from senior levels of government. To do this, municipalities are reliant, primarily, upon funding from provincial & federal sources, and their own limited property tax revenues. As a result of these restrictions it is imperative that those elected to responsibility be knowledgeable, prudent and balanced. For myself, these are operating principles and I believe that they are reflected in my background, my behaviors and my character. I am loath to over-promise.
When asked about prioritizing traditional & social infrastructure projects, and ensuring that they also address climate change, I can only say that I acknowledge all of them in balance, but that securing basic health and shelter is #1 for any government regardless of economic conditions. Beyond that, economic factors will guide and limit us. The resources that enable our livelihood need to be maintained so that over time an arc of progress may continue.
This website, my LinkedIn profile & activity, and my occasional letters to the editor of the WR Record may provide a useful overview of my background, thoughts and interests.
I am appealing for functional balance and collaborative councillors who will provide it.
This is not a sideline, a professional stepping stone or an effort to promote a cause above others.
I am here to help support the arc of progress and good government in this fast changing community.
I am presenting myself to provide a service that I am quite capable of.
We need to avoid a council of battling special interests and elect one that will act cohesively.
I am local - multigenerationally. My background is broad and provides an informed perspective. I'm pragmatic and politically centrist.
The well-being of children & youth is the guarantor of our future. Their success, and ours, relies upon workforce participation in an economy that enables us to address environmental issues and social concerns. If either well-being, or work is threatened, it is reflected in mental health and other agendas falter.
The foundations are families and work opportunities. Housing, economic infrastructure and social concerns are priorities but expenditures must be balanced and accountable or the foundations are risked.
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The posts below date from 2018
though they remain relevant
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I’ve been a resident of Kitchener’s midtown for 40 years, of K-W, a lifetime. Regional, multi-generation roots, and a family that remains local, are sources of gratitude and pride.
I have an BSc from the University of Waterloo, experience at BlackBerry and in local financial services (including the Bank of Montreal, Merrill Lynch and Mutual Life).
Earlier formative experience was acquired in mining, the forestry, and in local factories.
I would be a full-time councillor with a centrist perspective. Current registration as a realtor would be maintained with an inactive status to eliminate potential conflicts of interest.
The posts below date from 2018
though they remain relevant
*************************************************
I’ve been a resident of Kitchener’s midtown for 40 years, of K-W, a lifetime. Regional, multi-generation roots, and a family that remains local, are sources of gratitude and pride.
I have an BSc from the University of Waterloo, experience at BlackBerry and in local financial services (including the Bank of Montreal, Merrill Lynch and Mutual Life).
Earlier formative experience was acquired in mining, the forestry, and in local factories.
I would be a full-time councillor with a centrist perspective. Current registration as a realtor would be maintained with an inactive status to eliminate potential conflicts of interest.
Tom Hiller for Waterloo Regional Council (Kitchener)
Our Region, like the rest of the country, will have to navigate significant shifts over the coming years - both socially and economically. Technological innovation, for which we've become known, continues to push globally, impressing us and inspiring us to imagine a better future, but not without reservations. In an era of accelerated change, it will be a challenge not only to keep ahead individually and as a community, but also to maintain a healthy balance. However, collaboratively, it can be done - it is expected to be done.
We are enviably a vibrant place on the edge of the GTA now, and as the entire Greater Golden Horseshoe becomes more integrated, my focus will be on a transition that leads economically and socially. Meanwhile, the Region's unique identity is prized by its residents and its character must remain inclusively determined. People in the cities and in the townships must have the ability and the opportunity to engage in, and continue to engage in, diverse and fulfilling life choices. I will work to facilitate this so that each of us, regardless of roots, proudly considers “home”, Waterloo Region, and that visitors, picking up on this, eagerly choose to pursue a future here - all recognizing that happiness, success, and dreams can be grasped for themselves, their families and their businesses. It can be done - it is expected to be done.
Region-wide, development, infrastructure and transportation issues are ongoing: the LRT corridor, roadways, Grand River Transit and rail.
Stimulating economic growth is a priority, though with mindful attention to balance - including affordable housing. While social well-being advances are expected, so too is accountability - in all efforts. It is deliverable.
I will always be attentive to three bell-weather societal concerns:
1. Children's well-being - the safety, health and prospects of our future.
2. Mental health status - a mirror to past and current stresses (physical and otherwise).
3. The pulse of an environmentally aware, participatory economy - responsible for our standard of living, now and into the future.
Excerpted profile from The Kitchener Citizen, October 2018 issue:
Tom Hiller - age 64
Occupation: Formerly, BlackBerry and diversified financial services in analysis, management and sales.
Contact Info - [email protected] / 519-578-0783 / tomhiller4waterlooregion.weebly.com
Organizational affiliations - Formerly, WRDSB (Continuing Education) - course design / lecturer
Why do you want to represent citizens of Kitchener on Regional Council?
What skills do you have that enable you to best do this job?
50 words total
Having essentially closed a private, diversified working career (though retaining realtor's licencing), and being single and without dependents, I've the opportunity to focus on contributing publicly, full-time, in a way decades contemplated, utilizing my background, analytical and collaborative skills, in the Region I and my family have generationally resided.
What 2 things can regional government do to ensure the region's prosperity in the future? 50 words each
1. Stimulate / catalyze diversified economic growth to maximize participation rates and alleviate social stresses. Enhance inclusive opportunities, vibrancy and fiscal accountability, via insightful planning, supports and lobbying with the Regional Economic Development Corporation - leading and communicating, clear, effective and coordinated efforts with all municipalities collaborating to provide fundamental benefits to all.
2. Accelerate progress on the Regional Transportation Master Plan and integration into the Golden Horseshoe. Meaning a greater lobbying push for 2-way, all day GO service and a Highway 7 redo; internally boosting GRT capabilities to ensure the LRT reaches potential, stage II initiates, and simultaneously expanding safe cycling networks.
Tom Hiller - age 64
Occupation: Formerly, BlackBerry and diversified financial services in analysis, management and sales.
Contact Info - [email protected] / 519-578-0783 / tomhiller4waterlooregion.weebly.com
Organizational affiliations - Formerly, WRDSB (Continuing Education) - course design / lecturer
Why do you want to represent citizens of Kitchener on Regional Council?
What skills do you have that enable you to best do this job?
50 words total
Having essentially closed a private, diversified working career (though retaining realtor's licencing), and being single and without dependents, I've the opportunity to focus on contributing publicly, full-time, in a way decades contemplated, utilizing my background, analytical and collaborative skills, in the Region I and my family have generationally resided.
What 2 things can regional government do to ensure the region's prosperity in the future? 50 words each
1. Stimulate / catalyze diversified economic growth to maximize participation rates and alleviate social stresses. Enhance inclusive opportunities, vibrancy and fiscal accountability, via insightful planning, supports and lobbying with the Regional Economic Development Corporation - leading and communicating, clear, effective and coordinated efforts with all municipalities collaborating to provide fundamental benefits to all.
2. Accelerate progress on the Regional Transportation Master Plan and integration into the Golden Horseshoe. Meaning a greater lobbying push for 2-way, all day GO service and a Highway 7 redo; internally boosting GRT capabilities to ensure the LRT reaches potential, stage II initiates, and simultaneously expanding safe cycling networks.
Reflecting on election campaigns, balance and frugality
Getting elected in a democracy requires candidates become "known". Realistically, this is often a subjective process rather than purely an objective one, hence the need to "campaign”, which means flooding awareness efforts. This is costly and often democratically messy (environmentally too!). Additionally, all too often the messages that are being communicated are platitudes to special interests - so broadly spread and without costing that differentiation is difficult. Character and true priorities are difficult to assess.
My campaign, as a challenger, has been entirely self- and family financed. My signs throughout Kitchener are few, this website is free, and my handout material is limited (much of which has been delivered door to door either personally or by my family). My audited financing statement will likely come in at less than $3,000. That may prove to be an optimistically insufficient investment, but it reflects frugality - the same hard as nuts frugality that is necessary to continue to advance municipal services and infrastructure without shocking tax increases due to indiscriminate spending.
My career background hopefully reflects to you characteristic analytical and collaborative capabilities - and integrity. Politically I occupy the broad centre and value balance highly, which means special interest groups further to the left or right will rarely find total satisfaction with me. I can promise, however, that I will listen and consider those perspectives. Better is always possible. My skills are transferable to elected office. Vote for change rather than having it thrust upon us by the Province. Vote for accountability - in all efforts. It is deliverable.
My experience going door to door since early May has been immensely rewarding. It has only reinforced my gratitude for, and belief in this remarkable community, its people, their capability and future. You've overwhelmingly expressed goodwill and optimism. Thank you for contributing to that gift.
Yours truly, Tom
Getting elected in a democracy requires candidates become "known". Realistically, this is often a subjective process rather than purely an objective one, hence the need to "campaign”, which means flooding awareness efforts. This is costly and often democratically messy (environmentally too!). Additionally, all too often the messages that are being communicated are platitudes to special interests - so broadly spread and without costing that differentiation is difficult. Character and true priorities are difficult to assess.
My campaign, as a challenger, has been entirely self- and family financed. My signs throughout Kitchener are few, this website is free, and my handout material is limited (much of which has been delivered door to door either personally or by my family). My audited financing statement will likely come in at less than $3,000. That may prove to be an optimistically insufficient investment, but it reflects frugality - the same hard as nuts frugality that is necessary to continue to advance municipal services and infrastructure without shocking tax increases due to indiscriminate spending.
My career background hopefully reflects to you characteristic analytical and collaborative capabilities - and integrity. Politically I occupy the broad centre and value balance highly, which means special interest groups further to the left or right will rarely find total satisfaction with me. I can promise, however, that I will listen and consider those perspectives. Better is always possible. My skills are transferable to elected office. Vote for change rather than having it thrust upon us by the Province. Vote for accountability - in all efforts. It is deliverable.
My experience going door to door since early May has been immensely rewarding. It has only reinforced my gratitude for, and belief in this remarkable community, its people, their capability and future. You've overwhelmingly expressed goodwill and optimism. Thank you for contributing to that gift.
Yours truly, Tom
Tom Hiller
for Waterloo Regional Council (Kitchener)
For the record: Public forum statements during the 2018 municipal election campaign (live &/or email)
Rogers TV - Kitchener Regional Council Candidates - Tues., Sept. 11, '18
1 Minute Opening
The regional tier of government has been in place for 45 years, since my days at UofW. Change has been remarkable and we've adapted well so far - arguably, we're best identified as a region.
That said, many constituents are still unclear how things mesh - going forward, the interface needs updating but representative change has been rare. The opportunity is now.
We're being challenged in areas of traditional and social infrastructure, development and the environment. We need to be smart and accountable.
The 2 tier conversation must be productive, inclusive and efficient. We need to be wary of 2 things:
A "stand your ground" attitude on the left, and the right, that's divisive, and "silo" thinking which impairs coordinating approaches.
I'm an analytical centrist, willing to collaborate to get things done.
1 Minute Closing
We need to be pragmatic, respectful and collaborative. We're doing well but we've serious challenges as a Regional Community - currently & ahead of us. I will simply emphasize economic cycles are a reality as are whip-sawing government policies from above. We need to be smart and accountable.
I will continue to keep in mind 3 bell weathers as guides: children (the future), mental health (a mirror on past and current stresses), and the pulse of an environmentally aware, participatory economy (the driver of our standard of living).
Interim, my immediate focus will be on the transit file - the GRT/LRT, rail, congestion and cycling, also affordable housing and drug issues, and underpinning all, nurturing a diversified participatory economy.
The Environmental Forum - WR Electoral Candidates - Thurs., Sept. 20 '18
2 Minutes
Modern, well publicized environmentalism dates to the 60's - 50 years - we dropped the ball - we let our focus roam. The issue is more serious now, but the issues that distracted us then still remain.
We must ensure that an environmental focus remains a core factor in all that we do - at every political level, and at the personal level.
Reduce, reuse & recycle are only words if not preceded by respect, and that is a value to be instilled ... though it is difficult to quantifiably demand of free people. Individuals will balance their priorities according to their own values. We should however ensure that environmental respect is one of them, and it stays one of them. Then they'll think globally and act locally.
At the political level, sovereign entities can establish policy and law, they particularly, must exhibit respect. At the municipal level the reality is that we're mostly involved in collaborative implementation rather than policy making.
At the Region, I believe we have it right. The policy we make is reflected in the Regional Plan - our focus is on urban intensification and protection of rural lands and water supplies; we state that we are committed to embracing environmental considerations in all decisions.
Distractions to an environmental focus, in the past, and still, mostly involve economics. Balancing real needs with values is always a challenge, but I believe we are well directed if we keep to our policy. I support it.
I am encouraged by the 21st century economy that we are locally developing. It reflects environmental respect. We've a responsibility to encourage it - to have it thrive for all of us. As I wrote in a June letter to the editor (Waterloo Region Record), family comes first, if challenged on that front, funds are not expended elsewhere, social causes or the environment - we cannot afford to go there.
Working Centre / Queen St. Commons - Wed., Sept. 26 '18
2 Min Opening
My family has been in the Region for about 150 years. It's always been home and we're close - that's a huge social benefit benefit - I'm lucky. I've a science degree and the analytical curiosity associated with it is characteristic. Not purely an analyst however, over a financial services career I also taught, managed and sold, I also worked at BlackBerry and I currently hold a real estate licence - much different than the explosives licence I once held. Change is continuous for all of us - I adapt.
The old adage is that social discussion and politics do not mix - I disagree, I've managed because I'm an analytical centrist willing to collaborate. As a former banker I value conservatism but also the progressive march of our times. The two can work together, they should and will if conversation is engaged in. However, if an attitude of "Stand your ground" is employed the only thing that becomes more progressive is divisiveness. We have to avoid that and we have to listen - use the expertise of others - we have to collaborate rather than operate in silos.
We're being challenged in areas of traditional and social infrastructure, development and the environment. And with a new government in Queens Park and economic change in the air, we need to be smart, productive and accountable across the Region. The province and the voters are looking for progressive and efficient change. My analytical and collaborative skills can help bring that about - we should talk.
1 Minute Closing
Our Region is growing. It is exciting and we've done well but serious concerns have plainly arisen - affordable housing and drug issues; others lurk such as economic and environmental sustainability, keeping up with transportation evolution, and ensuring accessibility to a vibrant life.
We can make progress in addressing all these but it will require collaboration and a commitment to balance.
I will continue to keep in mind 3 bell weathers as priority guides:
children (representing our only future)
mental health ( a mirror on past and current stresses), and
the pulse of an environmentally aware, participatory economy (the driver of our standard of living).
I hope that you will give me your support on October 22nd. I have a fresh, centrist perspective and the skills to progressively advance our Region.
Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Forum - Kitchener Mayor & Regional Council Candidates
1 Min
The regional tier has been in place for 45 years, yet many constituents are still unclear how things mesh.
The interface needs updating and representative change has been more than slow.
We're being challenged in areas of traditional and social infrastructure, development and the environment.
Planning and taxes are always an issue. Will Queen's Park support our efforts? What about the economy?
We have to do better - now. We need to be smart and accountable, productive, inclusive and efficient.
We are being scrutinized. The same ol' won't do. Change could be thrust upon us.
Regardless, I've the professional background to help full time. I'm an analytical centrist, willing to collaborate to get things done.
Across tiers, we need unity of purpose and coordination, less divisiveness and silo thinking. A refreshed perspective can catalyze positive results.
Response to Waterloo Regional Labour Council Candidate Questionnaire - Aug. 14, 2018
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your email and efforts to assess my alignment with your organization's values and objectives. Regrettably I am not able to do so in your preferred manner and this necessitates an explanation.
Firstly, I want to assure you that after having reviewed both the booklet (Stronger Communities Together) and the questionnaire document, I can comfortably say that while our values may not be precisely the same, their core nature is similar. Where we differ, is more in degree and process. Of the various themes you identify, only in regard to P3 (public, private partnership) initiatives would I philosophically disagree because I cannot support an absolute rejection of them. I believe that in a democratically led modern economy the scale of many needed projects means the usefulness of P3s cannot be dismissed although they do have inherent risks. The other themes upon which you focus as hopeful objectives of investment I believe are ongoing concerns and involve traditional underlying values, values I of course support*. That said, the objectives that you seem to lay out can only be described as aspirational. The ultimate adequacy of applied effort and achieved results are subjective and are heavily dependent upon available funding. Regardless, dereliction of core values in effort or process would be unacceptable.
Secondly, I am sure that you would agree that municipal governments, including regional ones, are subject to the policies of senior tiers of government and are charged with implementing them collaboratively alongside municipal responsibilities and agendas. These include the provision of hard & soft services and, among other things, the planning and maintenance functions impacting the municipal economy, traditional and social infrastructure as well as the environment - and all in a balanced, fair manner. Municipal governments clearly participate in policy making but it is largely patterned by legislators at a higher level and they are given restricted resources and leeway to deviate. For these reasons core values supplemented by astute analytical and collaborative skills are of utmost importance for municipally elected officials. The absence of a party structure there in fact exists so that collaborative decision making may be facilitated. Given this operating reality, I cannot provide you the detailed commitment you might wish for to your questions. It is beyond credibility that any one municipal candidate for council, however motivated, incumbent or not, could reasonably, and without pause, commit to, or promise actions that cannot be fulfilled with any certainty. I will not. Balanced, collaborative attention to diverse needs must be the focus of municipal governance and I commit to that.
I stand by my values and believe my life experience, particularly that in a diversified financial services career and with BlackBerry, attests to my analytical capability and collaborative skills. My vote will always be based on those attributes. I hold no political party affiliation. I am a centrist who sometimes leans left, and sometimes right. As might be suggested by my career, I am disinclined to socialize the economy or handcuff entreprenurialism which arguably benefits us all and is a proven motivator. I believe our system acknowledges the disadvantaged and endeavors to provide assistance but we should do more to address gross inequalities. Creating an environment marked by a stable outlook for satisfying employment would go a long way to resolving many social ills. I most certainly believe that we must be progressive socially & environmentally but also that economic strength and growth, coupled with conscientious and accountable support programs, are the best way to achieve balanced human political evolution (socially/economically/environmentally).
I have in the past participated in the union movement, notably as a Steelworker. I have worked as a hard-rock underground miner, and I have participated as a union steward in my time. I have seen parties on opposite sides take advantage of the other and I have become motivated to act. I am not unsympathetic to disadvantaged people or those who struggle. We are sincerely stronger together.
*Underlying values that are shared:
Specifically noted in the booklet -
A desire for strong, productive relationships between unions and local governments
Working to secure long-term, predictable federal funding for both traditional and social infrastructure needs
Support for ethical procurement practices including local sourcing
A focus on environmental sustainability and the development of a green economy
Recognition of 21st century urban and inter-city transportation needs
The ongoing development of good jobs, fair wages and safe working conditions
And those referenced in your questionnaire -
Support of representative diversity & inclusion
Enabling greater democratic participation in decision making, and transparency when decisions are made
Addressing social & traditional infrastructure deficits in affordable housing etc.
Yours truly, Tom
Thank you directed to CycleWR - Aug. 2018
Thank you both !
It was an informative ride and indeed a pleasure to meet. I hope that we will be able to follow up with similar rides going forward. Some messages came through very emphatically:
1. Signage is incomplete creating confusion. Unfortunately, we cannot rely on instinctive uniformity of behavior in complex urban environments.
2. Some initiatives have not been carried through sufficiently to resonate impactfully with either drivers or cyclists, leaving them orphaned and a source of confusion.
3. Communications among various municipal bodies seem disconnected too frequently when cycling infrastructure is involved
Because the objective for all of us is public mobility, efficient and safe, regardless of the mode chosen by people that are respectful of others and traffic regulations, confusion dissuades them from engaging as they should and as they are entitled to. Additionally, incomplete or disrupted initiatives represent tax dollars inefficiently spent and delaying the development of realizable goals benefiting everyone.
Infrastructure dollars for both traditional (hard) and social (soft) purposes are difficult to come by. Regardless, we know that cycling will increasingly be a preferred mode of transit in our urban centres. Cycling infrastructure must move forward and it behooves us to at least ensure that what we do, we do to encourage others to participate with the confidence of their safety. Continuing confusion impedes this and is reflected in public sniping instead of respect and working together to achieve what we need to, and what we can.
Resolving confusion is a bare minimum and its cost is only a small fraction of that needed to build more infrastructure. Politically we should start here but keep pressing for additional infrastructure to have a workable grid.
... Yours truly, Cheers, Tom
TriTAG survey responses – Oct. 2018
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?
The ION & iXpress are keystones to the Regional transportation strategy and also relevant to environmental sustainability. Stage I of the LRT is shortly to be operational after huge investment from all levels of government. However, the allocated municipal burden (portion) has been larger than other significant LRT projects across the province. For stage II we will have to put forth a particularly strong lobbying effort to gain even similar (higher tier) funding given additional economic strains looking forward in addition to a new government in Queens Park and a federal election on the horizon. If we are to be successful in acquiring better funding we must ensure that stage I's operation is an overwhelming success. This means that fares must be held down and accessibility to the ION/iXpress lines must be enhanced. Accessibility might be improved with additional GRT bus services to them - I suggest investigating smaller, frequent & direct run vehicles be introduced.
1(b). What will you do to advance light rail into Cambridge?
As noted above - concentrated, collaborative lobbying plus local outreach to ensure maximal public design support
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?
As noted above - fare rates must be held down to maximize ridership and effect the Transportation Strategy. It is particularly important to secure optimal funding from the Province and the Federal Government.
2. Have you signed the #CycleWR "I Bike I Vote" pledge?
No. I have not signed the pledge. Although I support the aspirational goal of a grid of connected cycling infrastructure (segregated as best as possible & within 4 years), I cannot pledge a funding commitment of the size requested at this time - it simply would not be prudent assuming an inflation rate tax increase were to be targeted. I anticipate budgetary demands will be restrictive even without a significant addition of committed funds. I can pledge progress to the grid system however.
3 (a). What will you do to ensure sidewalks are accessible and consistently cleared of snow in winter?
I prefer enhanced enforcement of snow clearing bylaws over the introduction of new services to accomplish timely clearing (equipment and operator costs are prohibitive). I believe the cities, with the assistance of the Region could be helpful in providing a centralized resource listing for property owners who are physically challenged or are otherwise unable to meet the bylaw on their own. Additional funds should however be prioritized for timely winter clearing of obstructive snowplow banks in areas of transit stops and crosswalks.
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?
Sidewalk infill rates and prioritizations will have to be reviewed by Municipal staff. I am aware of streets that lack sidewalks on either side in pedestrian vulnerable areas and these must take precedence over other infill efforts. Safety assessments will drive priorities.
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?
Zoning and planning efforts are already in place that impact consideration of new developments (and existing neighbourhoods) to encourage walking, cycling and transit use and that simultaneous apply suasion to reduce dependence upon private auto use. These efforts will continue but with greater consistency and the continued refinement and introduction of additional public infrastructure to accelerate positive movement. However, I do not anticipate the need to further restrict parking beyond established plans. Impacts will continue to be monitored.
4 (b). Will you reduce or eliminate parking minimums from zoning bylaws and Official Plans?
As noted above - I do not anticipate the need to do so at this time though progress toward achieving our strategic goals must be monitored.
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?
This is an ongoing monitoring effort and safety concerns will be addressed and changes will be undertaken upon advisability. New locally sourced technology such as that available through Miovision is encouraging for these purposes - a current study is underway at the intersection of Westmount & Glasgow Roads. I am particularly concerned about pedestrian crosswalks at roundabouts.
As noted earlier (3a), additional funds should be prioritized for more timely winter clearing of obstructive snowplow banks in areas of transit stops and crosswalks.
Response to holdthelinewr.org – Will you protect the countryside line? – July 30, 2018
It is rarely appropriate to answer with absolutes to such questions. However, I can say that I do support the Official Plan and I have the greatest of respect for the concerted efforts Ken Seiling made as Regional Chair in support of it, our agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine and the protection of our drinking water. Given the opportunity to serve as a Regional Councillor, I would be well guided by his record and beliefs. That said, development is integral to existence and how economic needs are met determines our standard of living - they must be addressed as they arise. Regardless, I believe the protections in place now for all of the above must remain strong and that the erosion of them must be guarded against. Intrusions and amendments would have to have very compelling arguments to allow them to occur. Our finely balanced urban / rural character is cherished and critical natural resources will not be risked. Those are promises, and they are principles.
Yours sincerely, Tom
Response to The Ontario Living Wage Network requesting a pledge of support regarding municipal employees – Oct. 9, 2018
It is difficult for me to pledge to something that is not well defined. I would like to but am concerned that municipalities may not be the appropriate (best) target for this initiative. My understanding is that most municipalities actually do not have too much difficulty rearranging their workforce such that a living wage (ill-defined though it be) can be met - at least for the great majority of their employees. This then suggests to me that the much bigger fish to target is private business. Not doing so, again in my opinion, tends to further isolate a larger, and more needy group. As a result, I prefer to focus on minimum wages, scheduling and benefits, and also "basic income" strategies (I believe it is a travesty that the Ontario pilot was cut short by our newly established provincial government).
Yours sincerely, Tom Hiller
Thoughts on 2 tier municipal government, council size and amalgamation post Ontario government action toward Toronto and other regional governments – family correspondence - Sept. 16, 2018
This is going to be an incomplete answer though I have just started putting thoughts together for a more formal response to the media who is sure to ask soon. My cursory thoughts (mostly thoughts I have for years held):
Toronto IS a special case - it is an enormous city (#6 in North America?!) and it was created by the province. Because of the forced mash up of the downtown and the suburbs, culture, business interests (the tax base), population densities, transit needs etc all clashing it was overly optimistic that a such huge council would be without serious issues - it is in fact very tribal and it is ridiculously difficult for them to come to any consensus on any vote or even the wording of/content of any question. So Doug Ford is right - the council is dysfunctional. The situation is exacerbated by a mayor who is politically weak (just as any councillor, only entitled to 1 vote) and they operate on the basis of their personality (eg The Ford Nation - cars or subways only for commuting vs hipster cyclists). Overall, a bad situation. Was he right in doing what he has? Absolutely not! He should have called for change effective the next election rather than during the early stages of an ongoing election! He compounded his arrogance by using the notwithstanding clause! Should Toronto (or any municipality) have less councillors? Quite possibly. One half? Perhaps not. The fact of the matter is that the number of councillors grew for a very good reason - the public demanded more representation and that was the flavour of the times. Efficiency however suffered (& obviously in Toronto - see earlier comment). The reality of optimal efficiency probably lies somewhere in between the pendulum swing but where I do not know for sure - to be exposed to rash populist (left or right) governments is not in any way appropriate in a functional democracy (Trump & Ford are giving democracy a bad name and are representative of a bad turn to our historic representation, but don't fool yourself, a far left government would be just as catastrophic and this is why I present myself as a centrist - looking for collaboration amongst the middle 60-70%)
So, what does this mean for Waterloo Region ?
The election is proceeding under the established format. An opportunity arose for me and I am pursuing it on that basis. I do not feel at all a leech to governance. I do believe that if we wish to continue as the status quo, we have to prove it works - and that means improves. Not only is the voting / taxpaying public watching, now, so too is the province. Perhaps there should be fewer councillors (the pendulum again) but that should be discussed not just thrust upon us. (One thing that should be pointed out is that because municipal politicians are the nearest, and most approachable politicians the nature of their job is substantially different than that of the more insulated MPPs or MPs and therefore their wards should not necessarily coincide with federal & provincial ridings. Another is the cost of municipal politicians ~ 42 K/yr for a Regional Councillor - this is why most have other jobs although I would be full-time. Reducing councillors would likely require additional support staff from the bureaucracy and they would be full-time and paid accordingly - this is the only way the public would not see a "reduction" in service to their need for transparency and response to their inquiries.)
Re: Two-tier government
Within the Region (formerly, the County). One super-city is a non-starter. For a couple reasons. First, Cambridge would not have it. There, they still have ramifications from their own amalgamation in the 70's (72?) and there is geographic support for them (the river & the 401). The 2nd is that the Region, with its surrounding mostly rural townships, give a valued identity to us and a super-city involving them would likely put our own "greenbelt" at risk. We would be at risk of becoming the outer ring of a large urban mass (the provincial government has mused about developing the GTAs own Greenbelt). So, ideally, I think it would be a good thing to retain a two tier system over a super-city - a revised two tier system perhaps - most certainly one that runs more efficiently and is accountable to the demands of the residents - perhaps with less councillors (and I would be OK with the Regional Councillors - the non-mayors, being appointed from the city councillor ranks and being paid accordingly for double / extra full-time duty).
As to other amalgamation possibilities, I still contend that Kitchener & Waterloo should amalgamate. In my mind and observation they are one in all but name and bureaucracy. This would entail governance (politician) reduction and I believe other operational efficiencies as well though I acknowledge there are conflicting studies on this. However, given this question was asked of the voters of Kitchener & Waterloo during the last go round, I do not see us voluntarily amalgamating for at least a couple election cycles - but the province may have something else to say. I certainly would not object in that instance. And just to get the silly question out of the way, such an amalgamated city should be called Waterloo. The seat of the Region. Cambridge could remain isolated as a city if, and as long as it wished to for the foreseeable future.
The above has been my long time thinking on this matter and it remains so. Please circulate as you wish.
Regards, Tom
Responses to individual voters regarding affordable housing, supervised consumption/injection sites and priorities - Sept. - Oct. 2018
... The most pressing issue? Probably deaths occurring from drug abuse, but the most involving priority remains in my opinion, economic. We need to diversify and expand our economy to ensure work opportunities for our residents. We have been promoting high tech for some time now. It is appropriate that we also promote other industry as well. My belief is that good secure work enables families to thrive and that the lack of opportunity results not only in increased poverty, but also a host of other social problems as well. When families are stressed, they do not invest, they cannot, in social causes or the environment. That is the route to adequate funding for these important, critical causes.
... I wish to revisit the metrics used to identify more suitable (consumption/injection) sites. If such sites cannot be located due to a lack of collaborative effort with the cities, I will propose:
1. In Kitchener, that Grand River Hospital be considered as it is on a direct transit line from the problem core areas, and failing that, that a mobile facility be investigated.
2, In Cambridge, that a mobile facility be investigated
If, the province decides not to provide funding, I will propose that regional efforts and funding for our Integrated Drug Strategy be tilted more toward prevention, enforcement and justice over the other components (without abandoning them) rather than attempt to fund everything on our own.
However, I do want to be clear, my preference is to have brick & mortar SCSs near the core problem areas - sites approved and significantly/fairly funded by the province.
... Affordable housing itself is complex and is reflective of the systemic economy. Municipally, we need to build a diversified economy that provides jobs for the broad cross-section of the population and tax and other incentives for building (affordable) housing / infrastructure must be redirected from simply the core and high profile service / high tech industries to employers that are outside that shining beam and often outside the core. We must build our economic base and strength. At the same time we must "Hold the Line" against urban sprawl. ie. I support building up.
... As for affordable housing, again the extent that we can provide relief is somewhat reliant upon long promised initiatives and funding from higher tiers of government. However, it is my intent to push for incentives and regional funding we do provide to be directed to a more geographically decentralized model, (less focused on the core) along with continued, and stepped up pressure on developers to build and operate more affordable units. This will be done in conjunction with enhanced transit services to areas in which affordable housing is built. In addition we should have financing staff look at revised property tax systems for property owners providing flow through affordability benefits to tenants.
Rogers TV - Kitchener Regional Council Candidates - Tues., Sept. 11, '18
1 Minute Opening
The regional tier of government has been in place for 45 years, since my days at UofW. Change has been remarkable and we've adapted well so far - arguably, we're best identified as a region.
That said, many constituents are still unclear how things mesh - going forward, the interface needs updating but representative change has been rare. The opportunity is now.
We're being challenged in areas of traditional and social infrastructure, development and the environment. We need to be smart and accountable.
The 2 tier conversation must be productive, inclusive and efficient. We need to be wary of 2 things:
A "stand your ground" attitude on the left, and the right, that's divisive, and "silo" thinking which impairs coordinating approaches.
I'm an analytical centrist, willing to collaborate to get things done.
1 Minute Closing
We need to be pragmatic, respectful and collaborative. We're doing well but we've serious challenges as a Regional Community - currently & ahead of us. I will simply emphasize economic cycles are a reality as are whip-sawing government policies from above. We need to be smart and accountable.
I will continue to keep in mind 3 bell weathers as guides: children (the future), mental health (a mirror on past and current stresses), and the pulse of an environmentally aware, participatory economy (the driver of our standard of living).
Interim, my immediate focus will be on the transit file - the GRT/LRT, rail, congestion and cycling, also affordable housing and drug issues, and underpinning all, nurturing a diversified participatory economy.
The Environmental Forum - WR Electoral Candidates - Thurs., Sept. 20 '18
2 Minutes
Modern, well publicized environmentalism dates to the 60's - 50 years - we dropped the ball - we let our focus roam. The issue is more serious now, but the issues that distracted us then still remain.
We must ensure that an environmental focus remains a core factor in all that we do - at every political level, and at the personal level.
Reduce, reuse & recycle are only words if not preceded by respect, and that is a value to be instilled ... though it is difficult to quantifiably demand of free people. Individuals will balance their priorities according to their own values. We should however ensure that environmental respect is one of them, and it stays one of them. Then they'll think globally and act locally.
At the political level, sovereign entities can establish policy and law, they particularly, must exhibit respect. At the municipal level the reality is that we're mostly involved in collaborative implementation rather than policy making.
At the Region, I believe we have it right. The policy we make is reflected in the Regional Plan - our focus is on urban intensification and protection of rural lands and water supplies; we state that we are committed to embracing environmental considerations in all decisions.
Distractions to an environmental focus, in the past, and still, mostly involve economics. Balancing real needs with values is always a challenge, but I believe we are well directed if we keep to our policy. I support it.
I am encouraged by the 21st century economy that we are locally developing. It reflects environmental respect. We've a responsibility to encourage it - to have it thrive for all of us. As I wrote in a June letter to the editor (Waterloo Region Record), family comes first, if challenged on that front, funds are not expended elsewhere, social causes or the environment - we cannot afford to go there.
Working Centre / Queen St. Commons - Wed., Sept. 26 '18
2 Min Opening
My family has been in the Region for about 150 years. It's always been home and we're close - that's a huge social benefit benefit - I'm lucky. I've a science degree and the analytical curiosity associated with it is characteristic. Not purely an analyst however, over a financial services career I also taught, managed and sold, I also worked at BlackBerry and I currently hold a real estate licence - much different than the explosives licence I once held. Change is continuous for all of us - I adapt.
The old adage is that social discussion and politics do not mix - I disagree, I've managed because I'm an analytical centrist willing to collaborate. As a former banker I value conservatism but also the progressive march of our times. The two can work together, they should and will if conversation is engaged in. However, if an attitude of "Stand your ground" is employed the only thing that becomes more progressive is divisiveness. We have to avoid that and we have to listen - use the expertise of others - we have to collaborate rather than operate in silos.
We're being challenged in areas of traditional and social infrastructure, development and the environment. And with a new government in Queens Park and economic change in the air, we need to be smart, productive and accountable across the Region. The province and the voters are looking for progressive and efficient change. My analytical and collaborative skills can help bring that about - we should talk.
1 Minute Closing
Our Region is growing. It is exciting and we've done well but serious concerns have plainly arisen - affordable housing and drug issues; others lurk such as economic and environmental sustainability, keeping up with transportation evolution, and ensuring accessibility to a vibrant life.
We can make progress in addressing all these but it will require collaboration and a commitment to balance.
I will continue to keep in mind 3 bell weathers as priority guides:
children (representing our only future)
mental health ( a mirror on past and current stresses), and
the pulse of an environmentally aware, participatory economy (the driver of our standard of living).
I hope that you will give me your support on October 22nd. I have a fresh, centrist perspective and the skills to progressively advance our Region.
Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Forum - Kitchener Mayor & Regional Council Candidates
1 Min
The regional tier has been in place for 45 years, yet many constituents are still unclear how things mesh.
The interface needs updating and representative change has been more than slow.
We're being challenged in areas of traditional and social infrastructure, development and the environment.
Planning and taxes are always an issue. Will Queen's Park support our efforts? What about the economy?
We have to do better - now. We need to be smart and accountable, productive, inclusive and efficient.
We are being scrutinized. The same ol' won't do. Change could be thrust upon us.
Regardless, I've the professional background to help full time. I'm an analytical centrist, willing to collaborate to get things done.
Across tiers, we need unity of purpose and coordination, less divisiveness and silo thinking. A refreshed perspective can catalyze positive results.
Response to Waterloo Regional Labour Council Candidate Questionnaire - Aug. 14, 2018
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your email and efforts to assess my alignment with your organization's values and objectives. Regrettably I am not able to do so in your preferred manner and this necessitates an explanation.
Firstly, I want to assure you that after having reviewed both the booklet (Stronger Communities Together) and the questionnaire document, I can comfortably say that while our values may not be precisely the same, their core nature is similar. Where we differ, is more in degree and process. Of the various themes you identify, only in regard to P3 (public, private partnership) initiatives would I philosophically disagree because I cannot support an absolute rejection of them. I believe that in a democratically led modern economy the scale of many needed projects means the usefulness of P3s cannot be dismissed although they do have inherent risks. The other themes upon which you focus as hopeful objectives of investment I believe are ongoing concerns and involve traditional underlying values, values I of course support*. That said, the objectives that you seem to lay out can only be described as aspirational. The ultimate adequacy of applied effort and achieved results are subjective and are heavily dependent upon available funding. Regardless, dereliction of core values in effort or process would be unacceptable.
Secondly, I am sure that you would agree that municipal governments, including regional ones, are subject to the policies of senior tiers of government and are charged with implementing them collaboratively alongside municipal responsibilities and agendas. These include the provision of hard & soft services and, among other things, the planning and maintenance functions impacting the municipal economy, traditional and social infrastructure as well as the environment - and all in a balanced, fair manner. Municipal governments clearly participate in policy making but it is largely patterned by legislators at a higher level and they are given restricted resources and leeway to deviate. For these reasons core values supplemented by astute analytical and collaborative skills are of utmost importance for municipally elected officials. The absence of a party structure there in fact exists so that collaborative decision making may be facilitated. Given this operating reality, I cannot provide you the detailed commitment you might wish for to your questions. It is beyond credibility that any one municipal candidate for council, however motivated, incumbent or not, could reasonably, and without pause, commit to, or promise actions that cannot be fulfilled with any certainty. I will not. Balanced, collaborative attention to diverse needs must be the focus of municipal governance and I commit to that.
I stand by my values and believe my life experience, particularly that in a diversified financial services career and with BlackBerry, attests to my analytical capability and collaborative skills. My vote will always be based on those attributes. I hold no political party affiliation. I am a centrist who sometimes leans left, and sometimes right. As might be suggested by my career, I am disinclined to socialize the economy or handcuff entreprenurialism which arguably benefits us all and is a proven motivator. I believe our system acknowledges the disadvantaged and endeavors to provide assistance but we should do more to address gross inequalities. Creating an environment marked by a stable outlook for satisfying employment would go a long way to resolving many social ills. I most certainly believe that we must be progressive socially & environmentally but also that economic strength and growth, coupled with conscientious and accountable support programs, are the best way to achieve balanced human political evolution (socially/economically/environmentally).
I have in the past participated in the union movement, notably as a Steelworker. I have worked as a hard-rock underground miner, and I have participated as a union steward in my time. I have seen parties on opposite sides take advantage of the other and I have become motivated to act. I am not unsympathetic to disadvantaged people or those who struggle. We are sincerely stronger together.
*Underlying values that are shared:
Specifically noted in the booklet -
A desire for strong, productive relationships between unions and local governments
Working to secure long-term, predictable federal funding for both traditional and social infrastructure needs
Support for ethical procurement practices including local sourcing
A focus on environmental sustainability and the development of a green economy
Recognition of 21st century urban and inter-city transportation needs
The ongoing development of good jobs, fair wages and safe working conditions
And those referenced in your questionnaire -
Support of representative diversity & inclusion
Enabling greater democratic participation in decision making, and transparency when decisions are made
Addressing social & traditional infrastructure deficits in affordable housing etc.
Yours truly, Tom
Thank you directed to CycleWR - Aug. 2018
Thank you both !
It was an informative ride and indeed a pleasure to meet. I hope that we will be able to follow up with similar rides going forward. Some messages came through very emphatically:
1. Signage is incomplete creating confusion. Unfortunately, we cannot rely on instinctive uniformity of behavior in complex urban environments.
2. Some initiatives have not been carried through sufficiently to resonate impactfully with either drivers or cyclists, leaving them orphaned and a source of confusion.
3. Communications among various municipal bodies seem disconnected too frequently when cycling infrastructure is involved
Because the objective for all of us is public mobility, efficient and safe, regardless of the mode chosen by people that are respectful of others and traffic regulations, confusion dissuades them from engaging as they should and as they are entitled to. Additionally, incomplete or disrupted initiatives represent tax dollars inefficiently spent and delaying the development of realizable goals benefiting everyone.
Infrastructure dollars for both traditional (hard) and social (soft) purposes are difficult to come by. Regardless, we know that cycling will increasingly be a preferred mode of transit in our urban centres. Cycling infrastructure must move forward and it behooves us to at least ensure that what we do, we do to encourage others to participate with the confidence of their safety. Continuing confusion impedes this and is reflected in public sniping instead of respect and working together to achieve what we need to, and what we can.
Resolving confusion is a bare minimum and its cost is only a small fraction of that needed to build more infrastructure. Politically we should start here but keep pressing for additional infrastructure to have a workable grid.
... Yours truly, Cheers, Tom
TriTAG survey responses – Oct. 2018
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?
The ION & iXpress are keystones to the Regional transportation strategy and also relevant to environmental sustainability. Stage I of the LRT is shortly to be operational after huge investment from all levels of government. However, the allocated municipal burden (portion) has been larger than other significant LRT projects across the province. For stage II we will have to put forth a particularly strong lobbying effort to gain even similar (higher tier) funding given additional economic strains looking forward in addition to a new government in Queens Park and a federal election on the horizon. If we are to be successful in acquiring better funding we must ensure that stage I's operation is an overwhelming success. This means that fares must be held down and accessibility to the ION/iXpress lines must be enhanced. Accessibility might be improved with additional GRT bus services to them - I suggest investigating smaller, frequent & direct run vehicles be introduced.
1(b). What will you do to advance light rail into Cambridge?
As noted above - concentrated, collaborative lobbying plus local outreach to ensure maximal public design support
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?
As noted above - fare rates must be held down to maximize ridership and effect the Transportation Strategy. It is particularly important to secure optimal funding from the Province and the Federal Government.
2. Have you signed the #CycleWR "I Bike I Vote" pledge?
No. I have not signed the pledge. Although I support the aspirational goal of a grid of connected cycling infrastructure (segregated as best as possible & within 4 years), I cannot pledge a funding commitment of the size requested at this time - it simply would not be prudent assuming an inflation rate tax increase were to be targeted. I anticipate budgetary demands will be restrictive even without a significant addition of committed funds. I can pledge progress to the grid system however.
3 (a). What will you do to ensure sidewalks are accessible and consistently cleared of snow in winter?
I prefer enhanced enforcement of snow clearing bylaws over the introduction of new services to accomplish timely clearing (equipment and operator costs are prohibitive). I believe the cities, with the assistance of the Region could be helpful in providing a centralized resource listing for property owners who are physically challenged or are otherwise unable to meet the bylaw on their own. Additional funds should however be prioritized for timely winter clearing of obstructive snowplow banks in areas of transit stops and crosswalks.
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?
Sidewalk infill rates and prioritizations will have to be reviewed by Municipal staff. I am aware of streets that lack sidewalks on either side in pedestrian vulnerable areas and these must take precedence over other infill efforts. Safety assessments will drive priorities.
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?
Zoning and planning efforts are already in place that impact consideration of new developments (and existing neighbourhoods) to encourage walking, cycling and transit use and that simultaneous apply suasion to reduce dependence upon private auto use. These efforts will continue but with greater consistency and the continued refinement and introduction of additional public infrastructure to accelerate positive movement. However, I do not anticipate the need to further restrict parking beyond established plans. Impacts will continue to be monitored.
4 (b). Will you reduce or eliminate parking minimums from zoning bylaws and Official Plans?
As noted above - I do not anticipate the need to do so at this time though progress toward achieving our strategic goals must be monitored.
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?
This is an ongoing monitoring effort and safety concerns will be addressed and changes will be undertaken upon advisability. New locally sourced technology such as that available through Miovision is encouraging for these purposes - a current study is underway at the intersection of Westmount & Glasgow Roads. I am particularly concerned about pedestrian crosswalks at roundabouts.
As noted earlier (3a), additional funds should be prioritized for more timely winter clearing of obstructive snowplow banks in areas of transit stops and crosswalks.
Response to holdthelinewr.org – Will you protect the countryside line? – July 30, 2018
It is rarely appropriate to answer with absolutes to such questions. However, I can say that I do support the Official Plan and I have the greatest of respect for the concerted efforts Ken Seiling made as Regional Chair in support of it, our agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine and the protection of our drinking water. Given the opportunity to serve as a Regional Councillor, I would be well guided by his record and beliefs. That said, development is integral to existence and how economic needs are met determines our standard of living - they must be addressed as they arise. Regardless, I believe the protections in place now for all of the above must remain strong and that the erosion of them must be guarded against. Intrusions and amendments would have to have very compelling arguments to allow them to occur. Our finely balanced urban / rural character is cherished and critical natural resources will not be risked. Those are promises, and they are principles.
Yours sincerely, Tom
Response to The Ontario Living Wage Network requesting a pledge of support regarding municipal employees – Oct. 9, 2018
It is difficult for me to pledge to something that is not well defined. I would like to but am concerned that municipalities may not be the appropriate (best) target for this initiative. My understanding is that most municipalities actually do not have too much difficulty rearranging their workforce such that a living wage (ill-defined though it be) can be met - at least for the great majority of their employees. This then suggests to me that the much bigger fish to target is private business. Not doing so, again in my opinion, tends to further isolate a larger, and more needy group. As a result, I prefer to focus on minimum wages, scheduling and benefits, and also "basic income" strategies (I believe it is a travesty that the Ontario pilot was cut short by our newly established provincial government).
Yours sincerely, Tom Hiller
Thoughts on 2 tier municipal government, council size and amalgamation post Ontario government action toward Toronto and other regional governments – family correspondence - Sept. 16, 2018
This is going to be an incomplete answer though I have just started putting thoughts together for a more formal response to the media who is sure to ask soon. My cursory thoughts (mostly thoughts I have for years held):
Toronto IS a special case - it is an enormous city (#6 in North America?!) and it was created by the province. Because of the forced mash up of the downtown and the suburbs, culture, business interests (the tax base), population densities, transit needs etc all clashing it was overly optimistic that a such huge council would be without serious issues - it is in fact very tribal and it is ridiculously difficult for them to come to any consensus on any vote or even the wording of/content of any question. So Doug Ford is right - the council is dysfunctional. The situation is exacerbated by a mayor who is politically weak (just as any councillor, only entitled to 1 vote) and they operate on the basis of their personality (eg The Ford Nation - cars or subways only for commuting vs hipster cyclists). Overall, a bad situation. Was he right in doing what he has? Absolutely not! He should have called for change effective the next election rather than during the early stages of an ongoing election! He compounded his arrogance by using the notwithstanding clause! Should Toronto (or any municipality) have less councillors? Quite possibly. One half? Perhaps not. The fact of the matter is that the number of councillors grew for a very good reason - the public demanded more representation and that was the flavour of the times. Efficiency however suffered (& obviously in Toronto - see earlier comment). The reality of optimal efficiency probably lies somewhere in between the pendulum swing but where I do not know for sure - to be exposed to rash populist (left or right) governments is not in any way appropriate in a functional democracy (Trump & Ford are giving democracy a bad name and are representative of a bad turn to our historic representation, but don't fool yourself, a far left government would be just as catastrophic and this is why I present myself as a centrist - looking for collaboration amongst the middle 60-70%)
So, what does this mean for Waterloo Region ?
The election is proceeding under the established format. An opportunity arose for me and I am pursuing it on that basis. I do not feel at all a leech to governance. I do believe that if we wish to continue as the status quo, we have to prove it works - and that means improves. Not only is the voting / taxpaying public watching, now, so too is the province. Perhaps there should be fewer councillors (the pendulum again) but that should be discussed not just thrust upon us. (One thing that should be pointed out is that because municipal politicians are the nearest, and most approachable politicians the nature of their job is substantially different than that of the more insulated MPPs or MPs and therefore their wards should not necessarily coincide with federal & provincial ridings. Another is the cost of municipal politicians ~ 42 K/yr for a Regional Councillor - this is why most have other jobs although I would be full-time. Reducing councillors would likely require additional support staff from the bureaucracy and they would be full-time and paid accordingly - this is the only way the public would not see a "reduction" in service to their need for transparency and response to their inquiries.)
Re: Two-tier government
Within the Region (formerly, the County). One super-city is a non-starter. For a couple reasons. First, Cambridge would not have it. There, they still have ramifications from their own amalgamation in the 70's (72?) and there is geographic support for them (the river & the 401). The 2nd is that the Region, with its surrounding mostly rural townships, give a valued identity to us and a super-city involving them would likely put our own "greenbelt" at risk. We would be at risk of becoming the outer ring of a large urban mass (the provincial government has mused about developing the GTAs own Greenbelt). So, ideally, I think it would be a good thing to retain a two tier system over a super-city - a revised two tier system perhaps - most certainly one that runs more efficiently and is accountable to the demands of the residents - perhaps with less councillors (and I would be OK with the Regional Councillors - the non-mayors, being appointed from the city councillor ranks and being paid accordingly for double / extra full-time duty).
As to other amalgamation possibilities, I still contend that Kitchener & Waterloo should amalgamate. In my mind and observation they are one in all but name and bureaucracy. This would entail governance (politician) reduction and I believe other operational efficiencies as well though I acknowledge there are conflicting studies on this. However, given this question was asked of the voters of Kitchener & Waterloo during the last go round, I do not see us voluntarily amalgamating for at least a couple election cycles - but the province may have something else to say. I certainly would not object in that instance. And just to get the silly question out of the way, such an amalgamated city should be called Waterloo. The seat of the Region. Cambridge could remain isolated as a city if, and as long as it wished to for the foreseeable future.
The above has been my long time thinking on this matter and it remains so. Please circulate as you wish.
Regards, Tom
Responses to individual voters regarding affordable housing, supervised consumption/injection sites and priorities - Sept. - Oct. 2018
... The most pressing issue? Probably deaths occurring from drug abuse, but the most involving priority remains in my opinion, economic. We need to diversify and expand our economy to ensure work opportunities for our residents. We have been promoting high tech for some time now. It is appropriate that we also promote other industry as well. My belief is that good secure work enables families to thrive and that the lack of opportunity results not only in increased poverty, but also a host of other social problems as well. When families are stressed, they do not invest, they cannot, in social causes or the environment. That is the route to adequate funding for these important, critical causes.
... I wish to revisit the metrics used to identify more suitable (consumption/injection) sites. If such sites cannot be located due to a lack of collaborative effort with the cities, I will propose:
1. In Kitchener, that Grand River Hospital be considered as it is on a direct transit line from the problem core areas, and failing that, that a mobile facility be investigated.
2, In Cambridge, that a mobile facility be investigated
If, the province decides not to provide funding, I will propose that regional efforts and funding for our Integrated Drug Strategy be tilted more toward prevention, enforcement and justice over the other components (without abandoning them) rather than attempt to fund everything on our own.
However, I do want to be clear, my preference is to have brick & mortar SCSs near the core problem areas - sites approved and significantly/fairly funded by the province.
... Affordable housing itself is complex and is reflective of the systemic economy. Municipally, we need to build a diversified economy that provides jobs for the broad cross-section of the population and tax and other incentives for building (affordable) housing / infrastructure must be redirected from simply the core and high profile service / high tech industries to employers that are outside that shining beam and often outside the core. We must build our economic base and strength. At the same time we must "Hold the Line" against urban sprawl. ie. I support building up.
... As for affordable housing, again the extent that we can provide relief is somewhat reliant upon long promised initiatives and funding from higher tiers of government. However, it is my intent to push for incentives and regional funding we do provide to be directed to a more geographically decentralized model, (less focused on the core) along with continued, and stepped up pressure on developers to build and operate more affordable units. This will be done in conjunction with enhanced transit services to areas in which affordable housing is built. In addition we should have financing staff look at revised property tax systems for property owners providing flow through affordability benefits to tenants.
