Municipal Election 2022 Candidate Questionnaire: Bob Kwapis, Ward 5 councillor (acclaimed)
NewmarketToday sent this questionnaire to all candidates (including those acclaimed), requesting a completed response prior to the Oct. 24 election, which would be published in order when received. Maximum word limits have been strictly enforced, to be fair to all candidates. The responses have not been edited in any way, including for grammar, spelling and clarity.
1. What are the top four qualities required to be an effective municipal representative? (4-word limit)
- responsive
- accountable
- involved
- caring
2. Explain why you are the best qualified candidate. (100-word limit):
I will 1)continue to futureproof Newmarket, ensuring that Newmarket is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. 2)continue to focus on fiscal sustainability. 3)continue speed mitigation efforts on our residential roads 4)address our parking challenges in the downtown core 5)work with developers to focus on affordable housing 6)leverage my Director position at AMO to represent Newmarket and the other 443 Ontario Municipalities with policies that make sense for all of Ontario Municipalities including Newmarket
3. What are the two most important issues for your ward/constituents? (200-word limit):
- affordable housing options
- speed mitigation on residential streets especially near schools and park areas.
4. What will you do to ensure you are accountable to your constituents? (50-word limit):
I use my private sector leadership skills and Ivy School of leadership best practice training; listen and fully understand the issue, investigate possible solutions, comunicate options and set an action plan, follow up on the actions and monitor the progress, check on the outcome and communicate back to the stakeholders.
5. What is the most important issue for council/school board to address in the next term? (100-word limit):
To set priorities and action plan for - 1)Fiscally responsible budget 2)continue speed mitigation efforts on our residential roads 4) understand options to address our parking challenges in the downtown core 5)work with developers to focus on affordable housing options
6. Describe your dream project that would result in a better quality of life in Newmarket. (100-word limit):
Continue to revitalize and enhance our downtown core for greater share of tourism dollars.
Answer Yes or No (1-word limit):
Should salaries be reduced for the mayor and councillors? No
Are taxes too high for the services provided to residents? No
Do you support tax increases to pay for large budget items or purchases, such as Mulock Estates? No
Should opening a second branch of Newmarket Public Library be a top priority for the next term? No
Should the town continue to give incentives and loans to Main Street businesses as part of its revitalization strategy? Yes
Should the town provide more incentives to developers to encourage more affordable rental units? Yes
Should election candidates accept campaign donations from developers? No
Should councillors be required to provide more fully itemized and detailed expense reports, accessible online at no cost to the public? Yes
Should the mayor and councillors block followers on their town social media accounts? No
Should there be fixed terms for councillors? No
Should Newmarket permit a legal cannabis store(s) in town? (yes or no response not provided)
