GuelphToday asked candidates running for council in the upcoming Oct. 22 municipal election to provide a brief biography and their platform and/or why they are running.
THE PERSON: Hi! I’m Indu Arora! I was born and raised in Guelph. I have been a resident of Ward 4 for over 30 years, where I live with my husband and two children.
As your Ward 4 councillor I will bring a committed and accountable voice to city hall. I am dedicated to fulfil my duties as your representative, by attending council meetings, collaborating, and listening - because you deserve better.
As a community builder and leader, I know that many families require support and want to be engaged in city affairs. I have run my own business for the past 14 years and understand when difficult decisions need to be made.
I make decisions on when to save and to reduce expenses and I understand when you need to review operations and make investments. These same skills need to be used at city hall and I look forward to using them as your councillor, with your vote on Oct 22nd!
I might be knocking on your door soon! However, if I don’t get a chance to connect in person, my contact information is as follows:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 519-221-9424
Website: induward4.ca
Twitter: @induarora
Facebook: /indu4ward4
Instagram: indu4ward4
I enjoy meeting for walks or coffees and I am available to help with any issues or concerns any residents may have.
THE PLATFORM: I will bring an accountable, balanced, collaborative and dependable voice to Ward 4.
Accountable
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Increasing transit routes and times to our industrial/employment areas - I was born and raised in Guelph and have lived in Ward 4 since I was seven years old! I have used Guelph Transit frequently. The current transit review, which is slotted to be completed by the end of 2018, will address the way Guelph Transit can be improved and can help promote new ideas to increase rider satisfaction. I would also like to see Transit work with employers to meet the transit needs of their employees, such as implementing dedicated routes to coincide with different shifts.
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Communications – I enjoy chatting and engaging with all my neighbours in Ward 4. I am accessible via email, social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), telephone, face-to-face chats, and through my website. As an elected councillor, I will continue to meet with residents, post updated information on my website and hold town halls to keep residents informed of council proceedings and issues affecting our city.
Balanced
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Keeping taxes low - Citizens contribute to the well-being of the municipality and ensure that our future generations will benefit with public investment. A councillor is a steward of our money and at budget time councillors need to make balanced decisions to spend our money wisely. As an elected councillor, I will do my due diligence to make sure budgets are aligned with your priorities.
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Sustainable Growth – We need to make sure we are prepared to meet provincial targets to add 20,000 new neighbours, but we must do this in a way that also preserves our wonderful natural heritage and meets Guelph’s affordable housing and Net Zero targets. I support increasing sustainability initiatives and green spaces in our city. We can look to other cities for inspiration and ideas, such as more community gardens, phasing-out single use plastics (bags, cutlery and straws) and promoting renewable energy sources. This will help preserve our unique local culture and the inclusive nature of our city.
Collaborative
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Creating safe neighbourhoods for all - Burglaries, drugs, speeding, and indecent acts are important issues facing Ward 4 and our city. Investment in the Guelph Police Service for more support, prevention programs, and technology is required to combat these problems and to improve the cleanliness of our public facilities (splash pads, parks, and other public spaces). Neighbourhood Traffic Management Reviews can promote traditional traffic control measures such as stop signs and physical (traffic calming) measures to slow down traffic on our residential roads. We deserve safe neighbourhoods and peace of mind for us and our families.
Dependable
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Reviewing services – Municipal services are important to residents and by completing reviews of services, we can better manage services and ensure tax dollars are being used efficiently.
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Providing support for new businesses and existing businesses – There are many new and established businesses in Ward 4. I will support new entrepreneurs and ensure existing business needs are addressed. Businesses provide jobs and lessen the residential tax burden.
