With the 2022 Municipal Election coming up on October 24th, FM 92 spoke with Ward 5 Candidate Tony Phekoo.
What platform are you running on and how will it positively affect the community?
1) Keeping Taxes low. No to double tax increases. As gas, food and other commodities prices are increasing, the taxpayers are paying too much taxes on every level due to overspending by the government. They need a break from any form of increase. People knows best on how to spend their own money..
2) Road and Public Safety- Additional funds for speed bumps, traffic monitoring and community safety. This will in turn build a better and safer community for everyone. Residents will be able to enjoy their community without fear of their safety.
3) Greater activities for Kids and Families. By providing more funding for family activities i.e sports and recreational, a more welcoming, healthy, vibrant and tolerant community will result.
What do you believe are some things that need change in our community, and how do you plan on involving residents in the planning of those changes?
I am a big believer in the democratic process. True democracy requires the input of the people. I want to include the people of the ward in any and every major decision or issues which will affect the ward in any way. The democratic process depends on the voice of the people. I will bring the issues back to the people and get their opinions by way of a “referendum” and will get a consensus. Real change will occur from the bottom up, not the top down.
If you win, what will your first action be as an elected official?
I’m not sure what will be the first issues which will be brought to council. However, I will definitely say no to any double digit tax increase if it is brought to council. Also, I would like to respond to the current concerns for the residents regarding road safety in the ward. Lastly, I will bring to the attention of the council an unresolved recreational sporting concern from certain ward members which has been outstanding for over a year and a half.
