In an effort to promote discussion on key issues during the current election period, we are giving candidates the opportunity to answer a number of questions that may be of interest to local voters.
Everyone receives the same questions, and their answers are presented with minimal editing for format purposes only.
Here is the candidate profile for Quinte West Council Candidate for Sidney (Ward 2) Kandis Hambly.
Election day is October 26th.
First and Last Name
Kandis Hambly
What position are you seeking in the upcoming municipal election on October 26?
Quinte West Sidney Ward 2 Councillor
Question 1 – Why are you running and what are your main priorities if elected/re-elected?
I’m running because I have always felt passionate about helping others, doing the right thing and changing what doesn’t work. My main priorities are to build better affordable homes for everyone to live in, bring better jobs to the area so people can afford the housing and help keep making Quinte West stronger.
Question 2 – How do you balance budgetary restraint with continuing increases in many areas of the municipal budget?
We need to involve the staff more in looking at their departments and seeing how things fit now, how they could reduce costs if there is a way and what it would look like for the future. Then we need to examine the budget and see how it works with the economy and then ask the public their perspective on things. We need to keep the taxes at a fair value for services without much movement and a low increase of under 5% if any raise is needed.
Question 3 – Infrastructure projects are a huge strain on local budgets, especially when it comes to water/wastewater. How can we address/reduce these costs moving forward and mitigate the impact for ratepayers/taxpayers?
We need to have a look at what other municipalities are doing as there is no need to reinvent the wheel.we should look at what works for them and what doesn’t then bring it back to our departments and see their thoughts, ideas and input. Working together will make things better. It takes a village.
Question 4 – What measures can the municipality take to address the issues of affordability and housing security?
We need to look at community supports, government support and grants or initiatives that’s other municipalities have used. I feel that if we can work with these avenues it will help keep costs down and give us greater housing security.
Question 5 – Homelessness has become a major issue for most local communities. What would you do to address this issue and what needs to happen to have a meaningful impact?
The community, government and services need to continue to work together and help find solutions to help out more. Other communities have things that work. We also need to help keep advocating for the government to stand up and help with funding and solutions.
Question 6 – What message do you want the voter to know about you and your campaign and your priorities for the next four years?
I will be here for you and bring your concerns, problems, enquires forward and help find solutions and answers that are fair. I want to keep our community moving in an upward direction.
