Interview with Olive Rose Steele, City Council candidate for Ward 6 in Mississauga, Canada

September 27, 2006 The upcoming, to be held November 13, features an array of candidates looking to represent their wards in city council.

Wikinews contributor Nicholas Moreau has contacted as many candidates as possible, including Olive Rose Steele, asking them to answer common questions sent in an email. There is no incumbent in the ward; also competing for the position are Matanat Khan, Sean Semper-Whyte, Terry Pierce, Jr., Ron Starr, and former MP Carolyn Parrish.

Interview
Q: List the three most important issues in your campaign, and briefly explain why these are important.


 * A: The three most important issues to my campaign are the reform of property tax, so that is fairer to all residents, addressing traffic gridlock, and addressing air/water quality.

Q: What one election issue do you feel is most relevant to your ward in this election?


 * A: The environment, for example issues such as air and water quality, rain forests, green spaces, trails.

Q: What vision do you have, for your ward?


 * A: That community centers extend their hours of operation to accommodate a diverse array of extra curricular activities for our youth.

Q: What qualities or experiences do you possess, that make you more desirable than the incumbent?


 * A: I live in Ward 6 for 15 years. I am inspired to run for Councillor because a strong woman with unique instincts such as myself will help our council to better reflect the people it represent.  My qualifications include 15 years as a public servant, twenty years as a volunteer community leader and 15 years as a successful businesswoman……a business I started from scratch.  I believe Ward 6 Residents like the fact that I am not a career politician and I will not be operating in a “business as usual” mode.

Q: Why do you want to represent your ward on council?


 * A: I believe I possess the skill and ability needed to sit on council; I bring to the table successful decision-making skills that I now use in the daily running of my own business; I bring people skills which make me an excellent team player and, I believe the municipal level puts me closer to the residents of Ward 6 in particular and the citizens of Mississauga in general; and gives me an opportunity to have the greatest impact on their lives.

Q: Of the decisions made by council since the last election, which one would you have changed, and why?


 * A: I do not have a answer to this question.

Q: How are you currently involved in the community?


 * A: I am on the City of Mississauga Traffic Safety Council, the Chair of Elders Connect, Director of the Canadian Ethno-cultural Council, Immediate Past President of the National Council of Jamaicans, and CEO of Blackwood Staffing Solutions.

Q: Many councillors are 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: “Seasoned” does not always translate into efficiency. I believe that municipal political offices should be governed by term limits. As a rookie Councillor, I will work hard to get the votes of the other members of council so that outstanding items from my election platform can be implemented.

Q: What service is most lacking in Mississauga?


 * A: I feel that school-based child-care and children and youth school nutrition programs are most lacking.

Q: How do you feel about Mississauga's rate of expansion?


 * A: Packing as many people as possible in our City may make initial economic sense however; the long-term consequences and costs to the environment (human and natural) are far too high.

Q: Why should businesses be attracted to locating in Mississauga?


 * A: Because it could be more economical to do business.

Q: How could Mississauga further itself in attracting corporate investment?


 * A: One way is to establish a rapid rail system that connects with regional systems.

Q: Why have you chosen to involve yourself in the political process?


 * A: Because I believe that more women are needed in municipal politics &mdash; not because our male colleagues are not capable &mdash; but because our community cannot afford to lose the intelligence, insights and experience those women such as myself bring to the table.

Q: What does Mississauga mean to you?


 * A: Mississauga is my home for 32 years, Mississauga means success to me.