Platform release: O’Grady identifies priorities in vision for a sustainable Ottawa
PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, Oct 19—James O’Grady, candidate for City Councillor in Ward 9: Knoxdale-Merivale, released his platform today describing his vision for Ottawa in the 21st century. Developed in consultation with residents across the City, O’Grady’s platform lays out his strategy to put an end to the dysfunction at City Hall and to get the City moving in the right direction.
“We have an opportunity, now that we are at the beginning of a new century, to create a plan for the next 30-50 years to guide Ottawa’s growth well into the 21st century" O'Grady says. "But, we cannot do it until we first put an end to the dysfunction at City Hall that has our city going in circles, and not until we get our fiscal house in order by doing a better job of controlling spending. Once the proper foundation has been set, we can begin to build a great city — a sustainable city.”
A big part of O’Grady’s platform is getting residents, community and business associations engaged in shaping the future direction of the City. “I know people are busy and don’t have time to engage in the process the way it works now, but after 10 years it is clear that amalgamation isn’t working. If we want our City to be truly accountable to its residents then we, the residents of Ottawa, must be included in the decision making process, especially on local matters. I have a plan and the know-how to make public engagement easier, more effective and rewarding.”
O’Grady is advocating for borough councils to help ensure that residents are engaged in local decisions from the beginning so they can be a part of the solution.
“I believe there is a direct link between poor decision-making and high taxes”, O'Grady says. Borough councils will provide formal forums where residents can engage and discuss local matters of concern. “Better decision making equals lower taxes because things like the cancellation of the North-South rail project keep ending up on our tax bill.”.
“If we can put an end to these mistakes and make a few changes to improve the efficiency of City operations, we should have the money to keep tax increases in line with inflation. I believe this is a necessary first step toward creating a fiscally sustainable city”, he says.
As a school teacher and former IT/Communications professional, O’Grady believes he is uniquely qualified to empower residents to re-engage in municipal government and to make a difference.
“For 18 years I have been bringing people together to work collaboratively to identify issues and solve problems, often using interactive, community building tools to do it. As a media producer/project manager in the private and political sectors, it was my job to move projects forward, to meet client objectives and expectations, on time and on budget. I believe Ottawa City Council is missing someone with my skill set, someone who has the energy, know-how and strength of character to bring people together and get them focused and working toward a common goal,” O’Grady says.
James O’Grady was born and raised in Nepean. As a community leader O'Grady helped organize the ‘Stop Shoppers’ campaign in the spring of 2009 that garnered strong support from residents in the communities of Craig Henry and Trend-Arlington. He is currently serving as Vice President and Membership Coordinator for the Trend-Arlington Community Association.
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