Alan Becirevic
Alan Becirevic did not submit a photo.
Who are you?
I was born and raised in Kitchener and have lived in Ward 1 all my life. I have attended Mackenzie King PS, Stanley Park PS and Grand River CI I have a passion for physical activity, sports and politics.
Why are you running?
I’m running to bring affordable housing to our neighborhood and city, rebuild and maintain our infrastructure, and bring fiscal responsibility to our city.
What do you think is the most pressing issue facing the City of Kitchener and how do you plan to address it?
Affordable housing is by far the biggest problem in our city. A recent survey revealed that 80% of respondents said it is important to build new housing. My plan to fix this is to cut red tape so developers can innovate faster and in doing so, get projects approved faster so we don’t continue to spend time that people don’t have to come in in affordable homes and rentals.
Scott Davey
Scott Davey has yet to respond to the CTV News Kitchener poll.
Prashant Deol
Prashant Deol has yet to respond to CTV News Kitchener’s poll.
Simon Guthrie
Simon Guthrie. (submitted)
Who are you?
My name is Simon Guthrie and I am running to be the next councilor for Ward 1 on the Kitchener City Council. I have been part of the Region of Waterloo since 1993 when I started my studies at the University of Waterloo. I live in Kitchener, where my family has grown for 16 years.
Why are you running?
I’m running because municipal leadership matters! We sometimes talk about the 4 P’s – Paving, Power, Pipes and Parks. When these fail, there is an immediate impact on people’s lives. All of this is the responsibility of the municipal administration.
Municipal leaders are our neighbours, our friends and those in front of us at the coffee shop. They are (or should be) easily accessible and visible to the community that elects them.
I have been part of Kitchener for over 16 years as an owner, volunteer, parent and neighbor. The future of this city matters to me, and I have the experience and ability to positively impact it. I will serve in this leadership role with compassion and integrity.
What do you think is the most pressing issue facing the City of Kitchener and how do you plan to address it?
Accommodation matters! We see it in the media, at council meetings and I hear it at the doors when I meet my neighbors in Ward 1. In fact, there are several housing problems.
Homelessness is a lack of housing, mental health care, addiction treatment, poverty support and marginalization. It will take all levels of government, as well as the private and not-for-profit sectors working together, to make progress. Kitchener can help through zoning and bylaw changes, financial investments, and building relationships with partners like Indwell and Mennohomes. A Housing First policy is evidence-based and effective.
There is a housing affordability crisis. Homeownership is beyond many in our community and rent is also rising beyond what many can afford. We need to ensure that we build sufficient and appropriate housing so that everyone who wants to live in Kitchener can find a safe and reliable place to live. Transit corridors, particularly Victoria east of King Street, should be targeted for medium density residential development. Organizations such as Union Co-Operative could be effective partners in addressing housing affordability.
The resolution of these crises will be linked to other conversations such as our response to the climate crisis, social inequalities.
