The Platform

Transparency

As a Councillor, I recognize that transparency and open communication are essential to effective public service. Residents deserve timely access to information regarding council decisions, municipal initiatives, and community matters that may affect them. To support this, I will use my website to provide clear summaries of council meetings, share advance notice of important public hearings, and make relevant information readily accessible.

In addition, residents will be able to contact me directly by email or phone with questions, concerns, or feedback. I am also committed to maintaining regular, face-to-face engagement with the community. To facilitate meaningful dialogue, I will host monthly meetings at local businesses throughout the town. These meetings will be scheduled on rotating days and times to accommodate varying work schedules and personal commitments, ensuring that as many residents as possible have the opportunity to participate and have their voices heard.

Political & Community Engagement

Voter participation is a critical component of a healthy and representative democracy. In the 2022 Tecumseh municipal election, voter turnout was 28.72%, and historically Windsor-Essex has experienced some of the lowest voter turnout rates in Ontario. While the town has taken positive steps to improve accessibility through initiatives such as telephone voting and other convenient voting methods, additional efforts are needed to strengthen civic engagement and encourage greater participation in local government. To improve transparency, accessibility, and public involvement, I would advocate for the following initiatives:

• Ensure that recordings of Council meetings are posted promptly on the Town of Tecumseh’s website so residents can remain informed about municipal decisions and discussions.
• Add a direct link to the Town’s YouTube channel on the municipal website, making it easier for residents to access Council meeting recordings without having to search for them independently.
• Maintain the live streaming of Council meetings to maximize public accessibility. Additionally, provide opportunities for guest speakers and community advocates to address Council on matters affecting residents, including accessibility concerns and community priorities.
• Partner with local high schools to host educational assemblies and civic engagement events leading up to municipal elections. These initiatives would help young voters better understand the role of local government and encourage lifelong participation in the democratic process.
• Support the organization of municipal election debates and town hall meetings where candidates can present their platforms, answer questions, and engage directly with residents. This would help voters make informed decisions based on policies and priorities rather than name recognition alone.

Public Transit

I strongly support investing in public transit infrastructure because of the significant benefits it provides to residents, businesses, and the community as a whole. A well-designed public transit system helps reduce road congestion, shorten commute times, provide convenient transportation alternatives, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Developing an effective transit network requires long-term planning, modern design, and careful implementation. Given the time and investment required, there is no better opportunity than now to begin building the public transit infrastructure needed to support Tecumseh’s future growth and prosperity. To address current transit needs and encourage increased ridership, I would support the following initiatives:

• Prioritize the installation of shelters at the busiest bus stops, with a long-term goal of providing shelters throughout Tecumseh. Shelters should be low maintenance, damage-resistant, allows visibility for safety, and provides shade and shelter from the elements. Improving passenger comfort and accessibility will make transit a more attractive transportation option, helping to increase ridership and generate additional revenue over time.
• Bus shelters and benches can provide valuable advertising space for local businesses. Revenue generated through advertising partnerships can help offset installation and operational costs while promoting economic activity within the community.
• Work collaboratively with the City of Windsor to improve transit service between Tecumseh and Windsor. Enhanced route connectivity would provide residents with more efficient access to employment, education, shopping, and recreational opportunities, making public transit a more practical option for daily travel.
• Extend the current route south of the Lesperance Road and Renaud Street intersection to include a stop at Lesperance Road and Westlake Drive, near the Tecumseh Tower Centre. This targeted route expansion would improve access to local businesses, support economic development, and encourage increased transit ridership through greater convenience and service coverage.

Active Transportation

Creating a community that prioritizes walkable neighbourhoods and active transportation is an important goal that I would like to continue advancing. Active transportation, from walking, cycling, and other forms of non-motorized travel, offers numerous benefits for residents and the community. It helps reduce traffic congestion, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, promotes healthier lifestyles through increased physical activity, and provides an affordable and accessible transportation option for people of all ages. To support these objectives, I would advocate for the following initiatives:

• Invest in the expansion and improvement of Tecumseh’s cycling network to encourage active transportation and healthy living. Safe, connected, and accessible cycling routes will encourage more residents to choose cycling for recreation and daily commuting.
• Ensure that active transportation is a key consideration in all future municipal planning, growth strategies, and development projects. New neighbourhoods and commercial areas should be designed with safe walking and cycling connections, enhancing accessibility, improving quality of life, and reducing reliance on personal vehicles.

Climate Change

The impacts of climate change are becoming an increasingly significant challenge for communities around the world, from major urban centres to smaller municipalities like Tecumseh. More frequent extreme weather events, increased precipitation, and rising temperatures have highlighted the need for proactive planning and investment. Events such as the August 2017 storm demonstrated the importance of building resilient infrastructure that can withstand changing environmental conditions. As your Ward 3 Councillor, I would support initiatives that strengthen Tecumseh’s ability to adapt to climate change while promoting environmental sustainability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.

• Continue investing in municipal drainage and sewer systems to ensure they have the capacity to manage future severe rainfall events. Recent flooding has often been the result of large volumes of precipitation occurring in a short period of time. Proactive infrastructure improvements will help protect homes, businesses, and public assets while reducing the risk of future flood-related damage.
• Implement a phased program to install solar panels on suitable municipally owned buildings. While the initial investment may be significant, solar energy can provide long-term savings on electricity costs while reducing the town’s environmental footprint. Over time, these systems can generate clean, renewable energy and contribute to greater energy independence.
• Regularly review and update the Town’s Emergency Management Plan to ensure readiness for severe weather events and other natural emergencies. In addition, maintain strong partnerships with provincial and federal governments to secure the support and resources needed during emergencies and recovery efforts.
• Establish a program that allows residents to purchase trees at cost for planting on their properties. Increasing tree coverage throughout Tecumseh will enhance the community’s green spaces, improve air quality, provide shade, and help absorb excess stormwater during heavy rainfall events.
• Replace any remaining conventional streetlights with energy-efficient LED fixtures. LED technology reduces energy consumption, lowers municipal operating costs, requires less maintenance, and contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible community.

Traffic Calming & Public Roads

Traffic calming is an important concern for Tecumseh residents because it can be a community-building tool that improves safety, protects vulnerable residents, enhances neighbourhood livability, supports local businesses, and creates streets that better serve everyone, not just drivers. This is especially important in residential areas, near schools, parks and community centres. Traffic calming will reduce noise from accelerating vehicles, preserve neighbourhood character and encourage drivers to stay on arterial roads and not use local streets as shortcuts to avoid congestion. I would support the following initiatives:

• Return Tecumseh Road East into a two-lane road from Lesperance Road to Shawnee Road. Allow street parking on Tecumseh Road East in the westbound direction during non-peak hours (3 pm - 6 pm, Monday - Friday). This will ease congestion issues during peak traffic hours for drivers headed eastbound into the town while allowing nearby businesses to retain street parking in non-peak hours.
• Conduct a survey on the amount of tax dollars required to turn the Tecumseh Road East and Lesperance Road intersection into a roundabout. I believe the congestion issue at this location would be resolved with a roundabout as it would facilitate more cars per hour than a typical traffic light intersection.
• Install speed bumps at the stop signs located at Horwood Crescent south of A.V. Graham Public School. This would make the crossing safer for students going to school and make drivers come to a complete stop.

Financial Accountability

One of the main responsibilities for elected officials is to be fiscally accountable to taxpayers, ensuring taxes, fees, and municipal revenues are spent wisely and efficiently. Municipal infrastructure often requires significant investment and maintenance over decades. Fiscal responsibility ensures sufficient reserves and funding are available for future projects and unexpected expenses. Careful spending and effective financial management can help minimize pressure for frequent property tax increases. When resources are allocated effectively, municipalities can provide better services without unnecessary waste.

Fiscal responsibility requires evaluating priorities, making difficult decisions, and resisting unnecessary spending. Responsible financial decisions prevent future residents from bearing the cost of today’s overspending. To achieve these views, I would:

• Ensure the town’s budget stays within budget by being fiscally responsible and pursuing methods of revenue generation mentioned in the platform.
• Keep surplus funds in an investment vehicle to preserve capital and increase revenue generation.
• Use surplus funds to pay for one-time investments/projects as needed.
• Lower the tax rate for businesses located in Tecumseh with one location to boost organic growth and employment.

Affordable Housing & Zoning

As noted in my active transportation platform, fostering more walkable communities can also support the development of a broader range of affordable housing options. This can be done by modernizing zoning regulations to permit a greater mix of housing types, including multi-family residential developments, while encouraging the integration of commercial services within residential neighbourhoods, similar to the successful mixed-use model found in areas such as Walkerville. From a fiscal perspective, multi-family and mixed-use developments would increase municipal tax revenue efficiency by generating higher property tax returns per square metre of developed land. I would support the following initiatives:

• Maintain and preserve the character and identity of established neighbourhoods while accommodating responsible growth and redevelopment.
• Review and amend zoning regulations, where appropriate, to encourage the development of multi-family housing, apartment and condominium buildings, and mixed-use developments. All new development should prioritize effective stormwater management and comply with Environmental Assessment requirements, Event-Based Areas (EBA), Intake Protection Zones (IPZ), and the guidelines established by the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA).
• Prioritize the inclusion of multi-family and mixed-use developments in the planning and design of future municipal growth areas where such forms of development are appropriate and compatible with surrounding land uses.
• Explore taxation and policy tools that encourage housing availability and efficient land use, including measures that discourage the accumulation of underutilized residential properties and support a more diverse and accessible housing supply.

Outside Investment

Collaborate with neighbouring Windsor-Essex municipalities to attract and retain external investment in the Town of Tecumseh. The municipality offers several large, development-ready sites that are well-suited for commercial and industrial growth. Key advantages include convenient access to Highway 401 and competitively priced land, making Tecumseh an attractive destination for new investment. Potential opportunities include the development of distribution centres, manufacturing facilities, and other industrial operations that can capitalize on the town’s strategic location.

• In partnership with other Windsor-Essex municipalities, advocate to the provincial and federal governments for funding to address flooding and other environmental challenges. Provincial/Federal investment could support proactive infrastructure improvements, similar to the City of Windsor’s upgrades to the Grand Marais Drain, helping to enhance flood mitigation, strengthen climate resilience, and protect local communities and businesses.
• Vote against any proposed artificial intelligence data centers in the town or neighbourhood municipalities. Data centers are a drain to a town’s energy grid, they cause surging electricity bills, massive water depletion, and constant noise pollution. While construction creates temporary work, a fully operating data center typically employs only a handful of permanent staff. They do not attract foot traffic, retail shops, or new local businesses, contributing very little to wider civic life.