james Montgomery

James Montgomery, has over 10 years in leadership positions. He is currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces as a cadet instructor. In his civilian career, James currently works as a Leader Tech at an auto manufacturer on the night shift. He received his education at Fanshawe College in London, ON in the fields of Law and Security, Corporate Communications and Public Relations, and finally Computer Programming. He has been married for 11 years. James has sat on many boards and committees including the official board at Parkview United, the health and safety committee at his place of employment, and the board for Camp Bimini.

My platform rests on four issues that I feel are very important to the people of Stratford. First is transparency: I think that we need to rebuild the trust between council and the citizens. I will work tirelessly to ensure that everyone feels that they are being heard and that they have answers to questions that they may have. Second is affordable housing: The pandemic and the ensuing inflationary cycle we have found ourselves in have created a real issue with people being able to find affordable housing. I commit to working to find opportunities to create more housing for these people. Third is drawing businesses to Stratford: I think that we need to look at drawing a wide array of businesses to Stratford to both complement what is existing and to venture into new markets. I propose lobbying the provincial government to include Stratford in the filming tax credits to expand interest from the film industry, looking to draw IT firms, as well as sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing jobs. Lastly is climate change: there are several things I would look to do in this regard. The installation of bike lanes, and an evaluation of our infrastructure to ensure we are ready for what the future brings is part of this.

As a candidate for city councilor, I believe my strengths in communication, leadership, and problem solving make me the perfect choice to represent the citizens of Stratford. I believe in hearing from all stakeholders before deciding on a matter. I will work with the entire council to come develop new ideas on how to solve issues that the city is facing and to evaluate revenue streams to ensure we are balancing being fiscally responsible and meeting our needs.

1. What will be your unique contribution to council?

My unique contribution will be my willingness to engage with public to ensure they feel that their voices are heard.

2. How will you tackle urban sprawl and protect prime agricultural land?

Encourage developers to renovate existing buildings into housing, building up instead of outward, rezone areas of existing neighborhoods to allow for greater population density.

3. How will you encourage businesses and individuals to respond to climate change?

I would seek to provide incentives to businesses and individuals to meet any goals that the city might want to achieve.

4. What is your idea(s) to attract new industry to Stratford?

We as a city have a vibrant arts industry however, I believe that we must reach out make this a four seasons destination. Industries that I would be interested in bringing to the city include more manufacturing, a greater emphasis on IT, and lobbying the provincial government to include Stratford in the tax credits for the movie industry.

5. How will you address wealth inequality, homelessness and poverty in Stratford?

I will develop housing trusts to assist people obtain affordable housing. As for homelessness I would engage with local and provincial resources as well as the public at large to come up with a satisfactory solution for everyone involved.

6. How will you engage and inform the public about current issues and legislation?

I would like to arrange time every week to meet with the public and address their concerns. The development of new systems to communicate the issues happening in the city is another approach. Finally, making sure that departments are communicating what is happening to the public.

7. Would you support term limits? Why/why not?

I would support a reasonable term limit as it would allow new voices on council and avoid the same group dominating elections.

8. What is your plan to better engage youth in Stratford?

Better define and communicate the reasons that youth should volunteer for activities. Give them a leadership role, provide feedback and recognition for good work.