Ottawa needs strong community leadership!
It is time to change the way Ottawa is run so that it better reflects the character, values and needs of its residents.
Let’s work together to build a city we can all take pride in!
Over the last four years Ottawa City Hall has become increasingly dysfunctional. It is at a point now where almost every decision made receives a 'thumbs down' from the media. It is time to put an end to the dysfunction at City Hall because the bad decisions that result are costing taxpayers money and preventing the City from moving forward in an intelligent way that best reflects the people who live here.
Instead, we need a city that:
- Engages and empowers its residents
- Runs efficiently and effectively
- Is accountable and transparent
- Responds to the needs of its communities, residents and tax payers
- Has a clear plan for the future
Ottawa needs good people with vision, passion and the ability to lead to step forward and take on the challenge of bringing about the change that is needed for our city to grow and prosper in the 21st Century.
James O’Grady is one of these people.
Our city. Our responsibility.
At the beginning of every century the responsibility of creating a plan for the next 20-50 years falls to the people who are living in the community at that time. The success of visionary planning in Montreal and Toronto at the beginning of the 20th century is still clearly evident in those cities today. Ottawa taxpayers need political leaders who have a vision that reflects our city’s character and aspirations. We need leaders who can work collaboratively, who are not afraid to speak up and who can be trusted to act in our best interests.
And, we need citizens who are valued contributors. Together, we are responsible for developing our city’s vision and for what it becomes.
A commitment to Ward 9
As Councillor for Ward 9: Knoxdale-Merivale, James is committed to the vision of a sustainable city with secure quality of life and financial stability. James will work with you to achieve that vision. As a trusted and independent voice, he will represent your best interests at Ottawa City Hall. Expect him to be proactive in engaging constituents on issues—before issues become problems. And, he will work to bring the City of Ottawa to you by opening a Ward 9 Office right here in Nepean.
As your councillor James will advocate for:
Engaging and empowering communities
• Early engagement of communities in City decision-making processes
• Community Associations in every community
• Establishing a Ward 9 office in Nepean
• A Ward Council (advisory board) made up of community associations and organizations
• Realigning Ward boundaries (Wards 8+9) to better reflect communities of common interest
Responsible fiscal management and good governance
• Keeping taxes in line with inflation or lower
• Better governance and management practices to eliminate ‘conflicts of interest’ and ‘sole sourcing’ on public property
Business development and innovation
• An effective business development strategy for the City and Ward 9
• Innovation in information and communications technology
• Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) for all commercial areas in Ward 9
A sustainable city
• Secure quality of life and financial stability
• More transportation options for Ward 9 residents
• A more seniors-friendly city
• Better access to City and social services
• Renewable energy solutions and energy security
• Healthy and safe living environments
• Preserving the Greenbelt and public green space for public use
Smart, community oriented urban planning
• Community design plans for all communities in Ward 9 that want one
• Borough Councils for each region of Ottawa (ex. Nepean) to decide on local planning issues
• Respecting the existing character of communities when it comes to intensification planning decisions
• Lighting community pathways (see blog post)
The result will be stronger communities and a great city!
