Municipal Election 2022 Candidate Questionnaire: Lukas Fuina, Ward 6 councillor
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)
- Honest
- Responsible
- Passionate
- Caring
2. Explain why you are the best qualified candidate. (100-word limit):
I am Newmarket born & raised. I know the area like the back of my hand. I studied politics & gained experience in federal & municipal politics while studying. I have a deep passion for municipal politics and effecting change. My political views are those that benefit everyone. I believe in reducing the cost of government and reducing government interference in your life & affairs. I know how to collaborate with others and will do so to ensure that taxes can start to plateau and work towards tax reductions.
3. What are the two most important issues for your ward/constituents? (200-word limit):
The cost of living in Newmarket and the cost of utilities. Property taxes continuously rise year after year making Newmarket increasingly unaffordable for everyone, especially younger residents & pensioners. Residents I have spoken to do not feel they are getting a fair shake with the rising taxes and worsening municipal services. Utilities prices are also increasing. Newmarket Water is charging for sewage estimates which are burning a hole in families’ pocketbooks.
4. What will you do to ensure you are accountable to your constituents? (50-word limit):
I will have a 24/7 phone and email line. I will hold quarterly roundtables for residents to voice concerns. I will produce quarterly flyers for households. I will create a list of priorities for voters to hold me to.
5. What is the most important issue for council/school board to address in the next term? (100-word limit):
Parental choice in education. Parents are becoming increasingly worried with education curriculums not reflecting their values. Schools should be for teaching subjects, not introducing children to such topics as gender ideology. Parents should be given more control over what their children are exposed to and schools should focus on math, English, sciences and trades.
6. Describe your dream project that would result in a better quality of life in Newmarket. (100-word limit):
My dream project would be for the Town to reduce its overall tax burden on households and reduce its tax burden on families. Putting money back in families’ pockets would create a better quality of life and allow families to keep more of their hard-earned money. I am not eager to spend more of residents’ money and raise their taxes accordingly. My dream project is a fiscally responsible and sustainable Town Council that prioritizes lowering taxes.
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? Yes
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? Yes
Should there be fixed terms for councillors? Yes
Should Newmarket permit a legal cannabis store(s) in town? Yes
