1. What is your prior political experience?
I ran as the Windsor-Tecumseh New Blue Candidate in the last provincial election. My participation is at the grassroots / volunteer level with New Blue, and includes the site I built at newbluewindsor.ca
2. Why are you running?
I have kept my eye on politics for some time, however, I became actively engaged in late 2020 following my mother’s healthcare experience. Although healthcare and education fall under provincial jurisdiction, Councillors and Mayors are in the position to have a greater impact on the “health” of our local community.
3. What do you do currently for a living?
My name my ring a bell for some in Windsor as I have been featured in the Windsor Star for my slipcover work. I am a fashion grad, but I primarily work with furniture now.
4. What is the biggest issue affecting the ward you are running for?
I would describe the biggest issue as a crisis. It is a lack of transparency and accountability to the community. (as below)
5. What is the biggest issue affecting the City of Windsor?
Although issues vary within wards, the common thread throughout is a lack of transparency and accountability. Many elected representatives no longer reply to emails, phone calls, nor serve constituents. First and foremost, our greatest issue is the absence of dialogue and co-operation. I am running to ensure that your voice is heard and that our shared goals and interests are preserved and honored. I am here to acknowledge and listen to your concerns, not rebuff them. Across Windsor, the consensus is clear and the concerns are shared. Taxes, water, electricity rates, crime, homelessness, and a lack of accountability are some of the most referenced issues which are routinely ignored, year after year.
6. Are you seeking any endorsements?
My endorsements are on my website, sophia7.ca, and are listed below.
7. Have you received any endorsements?
Yes.
- Ed Renaud (Past Mayor of Tecumseh)
- Susan Ellis (Retired, City of Windsor Past Executive Director of Social Services)
- Lynda (Material Systems Manager, ISO Auditor, Venture Capitalist)
- Neil Vaseleniuck (Proprietor, Sir Richards, Cheers to You)
8. Will you continue the “hold the line on taxes” policy?
Yes
9. Do you support the mega-hospital location?
No, I do not. That hospital has been used as a bargaining chip for more than 10 years. It is in phase 2 at the moment, allocating 9 million dollars for planning. A project must pass 4 stages before being built, even at the 4th stage a project can be canceled. As per my New Blue Platform, I do not support a new hospital with the same old problems. We need to address quality of care, medical errors and transparency. We need to commit to better healthcare.
10. Do you support strong mayor legislation?
No, I do not. The strong mayor / strong cities platform is designed to surrender independence / autonomy to organizations outside of Canada. Other such initiatives exist all over Canada, it is the reason why our elected representatives answer less, and less to the people of Canada.
11. Should the city use taxpayers dollars to bring jobs to the area?
This would require a great deal of debate, oversight and community involvement. At the local level, I know that investors have claimed Red Tape at City Hall was their greatest barrier to moving forward with their projects. I graduated the year NAFTA was enacted, which decimated the garment industry all over North America. Aside from local legislation, we also have to consider federal and provincial legislation. How favourable are the overall conditions to run a business in Windsor?
If we use tax payer money, we must ensure it is not being thrown to the wind. After all, this could simply translate as lobbying for jobs, to no effect.
In regard to private / public projects. If tax money is used for investment, why aren’t profits shared?
12. If you are running in a ward with an incumbent who is also running, why is change necessary, and why are you the person to deliver it?
I am a diligent, hard worker and I always follow through.
I will not only contribute to my community as a Councillor, I will also act as an advocate, ally and representative on your behalf.
13. How many hours per week do you plan to allocate towards council business if elected?
I am at your service and will work more than the minimum required! I will work with you to implement many creative solutions to help you and our community prosper.
14. Do you live in the ward you are running for?
Yes.
15. What agencies, boards, or committees do/have you served on, and in what capacity?
I have not served on any boards or committees.
However, I have served my community as a Gymnastics Program Coordinator and Coach with the City.
16. What person, animal or fictional character should be Windsor’s unofficial mascot?
When I think of Windsor, I think “City of Roses”, the US / Canadian border and the automotive industry. I am not sure how any of that would come together?
I would suggest a few different themes, call a contest and let Windsor vote on it.