GuelphToday asked those running for city council in the Oct. 22 municipal election to supply a brief biography and outline their platform and/or why they are running.
THE PERSON: Jonathan is an entrepreneur focused on building and helping businesses that bring benefit to people, prosperity, and the planet. He and his business partner own and operate Tradeforce Tech Inc. a 35 employee commercial-industrial energy efficiency company.
He started his career as a dispatcher when he was 18 years old and spent 10 years working for a large logistics and transportation company. He held eight positions of increasing responsibility ending up director of North American operations responsible for $480 million in annual revenue and 4,200 staff.
In recent years he has been deeply involved in our not-for-profit, social enterprise, and business community:
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Ensured delivery of 10 year Community Energy Plan 2018, Co-chair CEI Task Force
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Nine years serving on PIN board of directors (formerly Volunteer Center)
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Board of directors, HOPE House Downtown
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Advisory board to Social Enterprise, University of Guelph
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High school Career Education Council youth engagement speaker
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Ontario Chamber Commerce Private Business Growth Award (nominee)
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Advisory board Guelph Hydro/Alectra, Green Renewable Energy Technology Center
Jonathan comes from a very humble upbringing and believes in giving people the opportunity to rise up and make a better life for themselves with the support of their community. He and his wife Jackie, who is a community nurse, are raising their son and daughter in the east end of Guelph. They are so grateful to live in this wonderful city however see that there is still so much work to do!
THE PLATFORM: Why I'm Running.
During the work on the Community Energy Plan I attended several full city council meetings. For the first time I saw how some decisions were being made around the horseshoe. There are several strong councillors working for great outcomes however several others on council making decisions that are very poor use of city funds. My entire career has been based on my ability to fairly assess situations and make quality decisions. I was frustrated and felt I had to get involved to affect a better outcome moving forward.
As I've met with people at the door, for coffee, and in groups there has been an overwhelming support for several needs such as:
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Affordable housing mandates in development planning
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Better decisions making neighbourhoods people-friendly and car-convenient (ie. driveway bylaw)
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Strong advocacy for greater infrastructure investments in Ward 2 included but not limited to, separated cycling infrastructure, a splashpad at the Eastview Community Park, the complete reconstruction of Speedvale avenue and the resurfacing of Victoria Road North.
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Zoning and encouraged development for East End commercial opportunities and employment growth by engaging our business community
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Strong, independent fact-based decision-making
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Getting control of speeding in our neighborhoods (Victoria, Speedvale, Woodlawn)
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Supporting Guelph Police Service and increased public safety in our Downtown and surrounding neighbourhoods
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Locating the Brant Community Hub in a location that is supported by the Brant community.
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Online voting
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Advocating for lowest-total-cost of ownership city procurement policies versus lowest bid
I am committed to doing my very best to make our city an even better place to live, play, and work.
