Jobyna powath

My name is Jobyna Powath and I am running for a position on the Stratford City Council. A little background information about myself. I’ve lived in Stratford for my whole life. My mom moved to Parry Sound from India in 1967, and my dad followed her in 1973. They moved to Stratford in 1973, because they had gotten jobs at the hospital and FAG Bearings. I went to grade school and high school here. My parents instilled my work ethic in me, if I want something, I have to work for it. And that’s what I’ve been doing.

Presently, I work as a Senior Advanced Quality Inspector at Schaeffler Aerospace and have been part of the company since 1996. I’ve been married for 13yrs. Most people on social media know my husband. We currently have 2 puppies, Dexter and Lana. We live in Stratford and have no real desire to live anywhere else. I have several different hobbies, mainly crafting, but I also love to throw axes. I’m pretty much an opened book. If you have any questions, please just ask.

One of the main reasons why I’m running for council, is that I would like to be a voice for the people of Stratford. To help bring transparency and accountability for the decisions that will be made in the future affecting everyone in our city. Working in the manufacturing sector, I believe that we need representation of regular everyday people. The ones that live here year round and support the city year round. The infrastructure of our city is one of my main focuses. The state of the residential roads in our city is quite embarrassing, and something that really shouldn't be constantly band aided. I think that we should look at alternative methods, rather than using the same ineffective ones of the past.

Our current homelessness/housing situation is an area which I would like to focus on. I believe that everyone should have access to live somewhere that they feel safe. Where they have access to food, Healthcare, and basic sanitary living conditions. Our city desperately needs some kind of development such as a men’s shelter, and one where families can stay together. We also need intermediate housing, which will then give people an address, so they can look for employment within our city, We also need to have actual affordable housing, not the insanely priced houses, condos...[]

1. What will be your unique contribution to council?

My unique contribution – I’m new. Fresh eyes mean a fresh perspective. I’m also from the manufacturing sector, which hasn’t had much representation on previous councils.

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

We should be building up, not out. Perth is well known for its agriculture. We should keep it that way. Building up gives us greater density within the city, without affecting our farmland.

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

Reduce, reuse, recycle. An oldie, but it works. I would love to see our recycling program moved from every other week to every week. The use of electric buses (which the city will be implementing).

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

Increase our downtown core housing situation. The Grand Trunk Community Hub would be an excellent place to start. Build affordable housing by building up, not out. Add a grocery store, a walk in clinic, a daycare, a park where people can relax and enjoy the beauty of our city.

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

Our current homelessness/housing situation is an area which I would like to focus on. I believe that everyone should have access to live somewhere that they feel safe. Where they have access to food, Healthcare, and basic sanitary living conditions. Our city desperately needs some kind of development such as a men’s shelter, and one where families can stay together. We also need intermediate housing, which will then give people an address, so they can look for employment within our city, We also need to have actual affordable housing, not the insanely priced houses, condos and apartments that we have now.

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

My ideal would be to have townhall meetings, where the public can actually mee with me and ask questions, discuss issues and also inform them of the current status of projects that are on the go. I would also update via social media by using a designated page that people can visit in their own time.

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

Yes. I believe that when people do the same thing for a long period of time, hey become complacent. The phrase “That’s how we’ve always done it” becomes prevalent. I think that there should be term limits so that fresh ideas and different perspectives can be seen and used.

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

Classroom visits, with the approval of the school board and the schools. Round table discussions with our youth is one of the many ways that we can find out what’s important to them for their future.