Jim Howden, Ward 4, Grimsby 2022

Jim Howden, Ward 4, Grimsby 2022

I am a professional accountant and retired senior executive of an international Bank. I have a strong history of community engagement as evidenced by being honoured with Rotary International’s Paul Harris Award and a recent Civic award by the Town of Grimsby. I have lived in Grimsby for 30 years and have strong bounds here.
I also understand that local government cannot operate like a business. In government, all services must be available to all residents equally and fairly. There can be no discrimination on any grounds. This is important to me.
Voters can fully trust me to have the qualities and competence to engage in conduct that reflects positively on Council, the Mayor and the Town. It has been expensive dealing with the ongoing complaints to the Integrity Commissioner filed by the current Council Members. A properly functioning council is important for the hiring and retention of staff. Employees have a choice where they can work. Good behaviour must start with the Council.
I see explosive growth occurring around the proposed Go Station. The population of Grimsby has doubled over the last thirty years since I moved here and there is no reason to believe the rate of growth will slow. I will encourage Council to think about the future and not be consumed by short-term day to day operating issues.
I will encourage Council to review existing zoning and building by-laws to ensure they are best in-class. Council must be prepared to oppose rezoning applications to the Ontario Lands Tribunal when the application is clearly outside the intent of current zoning, regardless of cost.
Grimsby enjoys a unique geographical location and has a rich history. It is a great place to live, but there are gaps. There are still many issues that need addressing including the trenching of overhead wires in older areas. Residents need to be encouraged to “leaf up” and to value and protect trees. By laws needed to be updated to include Climate Action Initiatives.
Council needs to ensure that our historical treasures such as Nelles Manor receive financial support as well as local cultural and art activities. There are still gaps in our public facilities such as adequate public washrooms in our larger parks. Bike lanes, trails and sidewalks are important for an active community. Many residents do not have access to an aquatic facility. Speed on our local roads as been a long outstanding issue. I will propose that speed limits on residential streets be reduced to 40km.
The larger tax base from new developments should be able to finance improvements and support local services that will make Grimsby an even better place to work and live. But growth must be managed wisely.
If elected I will represent Ward 4 residents with your best interests in mind. I need your vote
Sincerely,
Jim Howden, Ward 4 Candidate
Jimhowdenward4@gmail.com