Interview with Curtis Grant, Regional Council candidate for Wards 2 & 6 in Brampton, Canada

October 6, 2006 The upcoming 2006 Brampton municipal election, to be held November 13, features an array of candidates looking to represent their wards in city council or the council of the Peel Region.

Wikinews contributor Nick Moreau contacted many of the candidates, including Curtis Grant, asking them to answer common questions sent in an email. This ward's incumbent is Paul Palleschi, also challenging Palleschi is Vicky Colbourne, David Esho, Chuck Jeffrey, and Tejinder Singh.

Interview
Q: List the three most important issues in your campaign.
 * A: Traffic congestion, community safety, and lack of funding for health and social services.

Q: What one election issue do you feel is most relevant to your ward in this election?
 * A: Traffic congestion.

Q: What qualities or experiences do you possess, that make you more desirable than the incumbent?
 * A: I am passionate and dedicated about building Brampton into a healthier, safer and more prosperous City. I like challenge and I have the ability to work cohesively with all management levels.

Q: Why do you want to represent your ward on council?
 * A: I love the citizens of Wards 2 & 6 and I believe in putting them front and center of government policies and programs and in a strong and united regional government.

Q: Of the decisions made by council since the last election, which one would you have changed, and why?
 * A: I would change the rate of development. This would minimize the negative impacts on our residents and give the city enough time to expand existing infrastructure.

Q: How are you currently involved in the community?
 * A: For the past fourteen years I have dedicated my time and skills to volunteering in different community organizations in the cities of Brampton and Toronto. I served in the role of Youth Leader, Mentor and Teacher and most recently Ministry Coordinator.

Q: Much of Brampton's existing council is quite seasoned in the civic political process. What could you bring to the table as a "rookie", above and beyond the current roster of councillors?
 * A: As Regional Councillor for Wards 2 & 6, I will put forth a proactive and sustainable plan to build A Stronger Brampton, Stronger Region. I am committed to improving access to government, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing our infrastructure to meet our current and growing demands. I will work to improve the delivery of public health services and I am dedicated to making our City safer. I will strengthen our parks, culture and recreation master plan, build a stronger economy, protect the environment and enhance our social services.

Q: The Rose Theatre recently launched. What are your thoughts on this facility? Have you had a chance to tour it yet?
 * A: The Rose Theatre is wonderful place to showcase local, national and international talent. It is an excellent way to boost Brampton's economy. I haven't had a chance to tour it yet.

Q: The province has strongly encouraged the development of high-density residences near the downtown. Do these buildings fit in with your vision of the downtown? How much say should other levels of government have in urban planning?
 * A: I believe in revitalizing the downtown core with high-density residences. I believe urban planning should be a collaborative effort between all levels of government.

Q: How do you feel about Brampton's rate of expansion? Council recently capped the annual amount of new development; do you agree completely with this decision, would you have slowed development even further, or not have imposed a cap at all?
 * A: I Support a cap to slow development in Brampton, but a cap alone is not enough. Council must continue to engage the Provincial government and other municipalities in developing a better population and employment distribution plan for GTA to relieve the development pressure on Brampton.

Q: Why should businesses be attracted to locating in Brampton?
 * A: There are several reasons why businesses would want to relocate to Brampton, some of them include: The caring, helpful and hard working people who live here; our skilled workforce; we have stable energy supply; we have a good supply of development land and a beautiful city.

Q: How could Brampton further itself in attracting corporate investment?
 * A: Some ways in which Brampton could further itself in attracting corporate investment could include: establishing more competitive municipal tax rate, improving our tourism industry and assisting with relocation costs.

Q: Why have you chosen to involve yourself in the political process?
 * A: I have a passion to represent the residents of Wards 2 & 6 and the vision to build a stronger Brampton, Stronger Region.

Q: What does Brampton mean to you?
 * A: Brampton is a wonderful city to call home, a wonderful city to raise my family, a wonderful city the get an education, a wonderful city to operate a business and I'm proud to invite family and friends to visit.