Platform

Thanks for visiting my platform page! As someone running for municipal politics, I think it's important to remember that I'm not a career politican. I'm just a nerd who loves his community and am incredibly passionate about community service. 

The number one reason I'm running for town council is because I believe it's the best way for me positively contribute to our community. 

The platform points below are areas which I'm passionate about advocating for positive change. At the end of the day, Bridgewater's town council works as a collective to make decisions. My purpose as councillor will be to be available to listen to your concerns and advocate for your needs.  

I believe that together, we can continue to build a bigger, better Bridgewater. Your support is essential in making these goals a reality. Elect a councillor who's young, passionate, and driven to make this town a place where everyone can thrive.

Fiscal Responsibility

Taxes are a critical concern and top issue for many families and businesses in Bridgewater as the costs of living continue to increase. I believe in maintaining a balance between providing essential services and keeping taxes affordable. My goal for council is to help optimize our town's budget, ensure funds are used effectively, and diversify revenue. By doing these things and more, we can reduce the individual burden on homeowners and expand services to residents. I plan to work towards making our town's revenue more equal and less burdensome for families.

Better Communication

I believe an area of significant opportunity for improvement is how the town and council communicate with residents. I've been shocked to hear some council members have not responded to residents' emails at all, let alone in a timely manner. I believe council members are here to listen to you. After all, we're your elected voices. When elected, I'm committed to responding to every resident within 72 hours with open ears to hear whatever is on their mind. I will work to encourage the town to expand the channels through which it communicates with residents, including expanding to more platforms, starting a newsletter, and being less reliant on Facebook. I'd also like to see the town's website be redesigned to be more accessible and user-friendly to make information easier to find. 

Greater Access

Prior to running for council, I was shocked to discover how difficult it was to attend a council meeting. There are no signs or maps. Often, the main hallway lights are off. There isn't even an opportunity for public input. Frankly, it's disappointing. Not only should council meetings be streamed beyond Facebook, like YouTube and other platforms, but we should also welcome residents to attend council meetings each and every week through social media and newsletter reminders and give them an opportunity to share their voices. I'm running to be an advocate for residents and a voice for our community. I want to make council meetings more accessible, easier to know about, and more welcoming to community input.  

Growing the Local Economy

Economic growth is essential for a prosperous future. Bridgewater is a growing town with a lot of opportunity. A vibrant retail sector is the backbone of our economic growth. Bridgewater has immense potential to grow its retail offerings, creating jobs and new opportunities. By attracting new businesses, supporting local entrepreneurs, and streamlining business regulations, we can make a thriving economy in Bridgewater by ensuring it remains a vibrant and desirable place to live.

Increasing Housing Affordability

Affordable housing is essential for the well-being of our community. The lack of affordable housing is an issue across Canada. As Bridgewater grows, we must ensure everyone can access safe, affordable housing. At the end of the day, the solution of housing is to build, build, build. I will advocate for policies encouraging the development of diverse housing options, from affordable rentals to entry-level homes, ensuring that all residents can find a place to call home. I hope to work closely with developers and my fellow councillors to ensure our town has the zoning laws, infrastructure, and permitting processes it needs to increase the availability of affordable housing. 

Better Healthcare Access

Healthcare may officially be a provincial issue, but that doesn't change the fact that our local hospital has some of the longest wait times in the province. Access to healthcare is a fundamental need, and Bridgewater deserves better. The shortage of doctors, walk-in clinics, and overall healthcare access in our community is a serious concern, and it’s time we take proactive steps to address it. By looking at successful strategies from other municipalities, we can implement effective measures to attract and retain healthcare professionals.

Improving and Expanding Infrastructure 

Infrastructure is the foundation of a functional and attractive town. Bridgewater’s roads, crosswalks, and public spaces need consistent maintenance and upgrades to ensure safety and accessibility for all residents. While walking my dogs, I've experienced firsthand how some of our crosswalks are unreliable. I hope to prioritize the repair and enhancement of our roadways, water systems, and other parts of the town's infrustrature. I am committed to increasing care for the town's infrastructure and improving access to all residents. 

Enhancing Public Spaces

Public parks and recreational areas are vital for our community’s quality of life. I'm a regular user of our local dog park. I believe in creating more parks and better maintaining those we already have so families, friends, and pets can gather and enjoy the outdoors. I will work to ensure that Bridgewater has beautiful, safe, well-maintained spaces for everyone to enjoy. I also plan to work to expand the availability of public garbage cans to reduce street litter.  

Promoting Environmental Sustainability

Bridgewater has been a municipal champion in pushing for a more sustainable future. I believe that as electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, increasing access to fast chargers will be an essential step in keeping our town's status as a hub on the South Shore. We see numerous commuters and travelers venture through our town daily. Supporting the development of EV fast chargers helps to continue to attract people to our town to visit our businesses and enjoy everything our community has to offer. Additionally, as EV ownership rises among our residents, they, too, can benefit from the convenience of this new infrastructure. 

Supporting Law & Safety

Bridgewater is an incredible community with a police department that can arrive at anyone's home within minutes rather than ~30 with the RCMP. As a member of the town council, I want to continue to support our officers with the resources they need to keep our streets safe from speeders and our community from crime. This commitment includes ensuring that police and community groups have the resources they need to make streets like King Street safe and walkable again. Community safety is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted solution. I'm committed to working with organizations, residents, and the Bridgewater Police Department to ensure businesses, organizations, and residents can thrive.