Get to Know the Candidates in Oakville’s Ward 2

[ad_1]Every ward in Oakville has two representatives on the council, including a town councillor and a combined town and regional councillor. Residents must vote for both positions unless a candidate is acclaimed.Race for Town Councillor in Ward 2Ray ChisholmTown of OakvilleOccupation: Current Ward 2 councillor. Do you live in the ward? I’ve lived in Ward 2 for 40 years. Previous political experience: I've served as a local councillor for a decade. If elected, what will your priorities be? A - Getting approval for the Lakeshore and Kerr Street streetscape design project and starting construction. B - Redeveloping Speers Road from Fourth Line to Kerr Street (including widening, adding left-turn lanes, upgrading stormwater systems, resurfacing, and improving street lighting). C - Keeping pressure on Metrolinx to resume work on the Kerr Street underpass project. D - Collaborating with the province, town officials, and Halton police to provide educational resources about e-scooters and e-bikes. We need legislation governing these modes of transport that is enforced locally. E - Continuing to back traffic calming measures in Ward 2 for our children's safety as well as parents'. F - Focusing on the budget for 2027 with an aim of maintaining a zero base increase.Ayesha KhawajaAyesha KhawajaAyesha Khawaja``Occupation: I’m currently involved in billing and customer relations within healthcare/pharmacy. I have an MBA in banking and finance along with professional experience across financial institutions, human resources, and customer service. I'm also pursuing certification as a payroll compliance professional.```I live here? Yes. I've been part of Ward 2 for around 13 years while raising my family here; Oakville feels like home to me.``I have prior political experience? Not specifically; however, I've been active at the grassroots level through community involvement such as serving on my housing community's board for four years and being involved with my children’s school council where I held leadership positions. These experiences have taught me how to listen to residents' needs effectively while advocating practical solutions collaboratively.``If elected what would be your priorities?``` ``I want every resident in Ward 2 to feel they have an accessible representative who truly listens.` `` `I’ll prioritize responsible growth alongside adequate infrastructure ensuring we protect Oakville’s green spaces.` `` `I will push towards safer neighborhoods by introducing traffic-calming measures along with improved park lighting while enhancing fire emergency services quality. ` `` `'Improving access towards affordable recreation programs catered towards children families & seniors,' alongside promoting improvements focused at local transit will hold weight within my agenda!` `` `'Fiscal responsibility matters deeply! Each expenditure proposal needs careful scrutiny balancing taxpayer affordability while retaining necessary resident services.'` `` `'Most importantly though - it's essential residents play an active role influencing decisions that impact their neighborhoods!' My approach centers around listening transparently collaborating developing pragmatic solutions preserving high standards throughout our community today & into future generations!`Sana WaqarSana WaqarSana WaqarOccupation:I'm an internationally trained doctor educated also within public auditing/law. I run both global mobility company& recruitment agency specializing assisting licensed physicians coming into Canada.Living situation?Yes! Lived here past eight years.Previous political affiliations:Prefer not discussing since they don’t affect municipal matters directly but remain actively engaged via local groups/nonprofits.If elected , what would your top goals involve ? Establish internal audit department conducting four-year value-for-money forensic examination regarding town expenditures permitting approvals hiring practices- freeze all tax hikes until after receiving findings report.Create public online registry tracking lobbying conversations gifts/hospitality received amongst politicians/senior staff members. / P > And lastly,I’d propose no significant development be voted upon without first holding open hearing providing costed infrastructure reports available noting those voting against its implementation. I'd advocate launching noise monitoring pilot program addressing concerns raised over street racing modified exhausts urging provincial government permit us enforce regulations already present within municipalities. Also according previous promises made revitalizing Kerr Village endorsed last September’s streetscape study funding allocated stretched across ten-year capital forecast; ensuring actual budgeting occurs isn’t just empty words!. Ward Two Town Regional Councillors Race Zena Al-Mudaris Zena Al-Mudaris Occupation Clinical researcher pharmacist Red Cross first aid instructor PIC committee member HDSB WOSS School Council Chair Principal Private High School. Do you reside within this area? Over ten years living arrangement thus far! While technically outside boundaries (not exactly wards two)-I’m still proud parent rep advocating schools nearby through HDSB PIC committee since ten years back!’ Previous Political History? For eight consecutive year membership affiliated particular party/political issues. Priorities if Elected? Economic development primarily focused boosting local businesses providing ample job opportunities everyone residing Oakvillians. Ensuring Safety paramount especially considering recent surge theft incidents burglaries occurring frequently near shops homes impacting citizens negatively. Enhancing healthcare quality hospital service efficiency calling out provincial authorities address long wait times experienced inadequate staffing situations pushing expand paramedicine linking various health sectors implementing continuous improvement plans uplifting care standards particularly vulnerable senior demographics needing support ! Transportation enhancement incorporating accessibility extending hours main routes covering entirety municipality! Improving roads availability parking facilities particularly central districts more affordable options too good measure so people aren’t discouraged using these amenities when visiting! All achievable only by embracing feedback gathered shared ideas fostering trust between residents stakeholders alike encouraging transparent communication practices! iggiesprite@digi. com