Ken WOod

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Ken Wood was raised in a working class family. My father did aircraft maintenance for Air Canada for pretty much all his life. My mother was a homemaker who taught me to bake and to have a sense of humour about life. As a youth, I was in Air Cadets and graduated to a top leadership role.

I graduated with a B.A. Degree from the University of Manitoba, in Political Science and Psychology. I also completed about 2 years in Social Work at York University, supplemented by psychotherapy training.

I've worked over 30 years in computers (I.T.) and I also worked for about 8 years in Human Resources. When I became disabled, I volunteered with several non-profits and was Board Director for organizations like Daily Bread Food Bank, Toronto Humane Society, and Mainstay Supportive Housing. I also worked with Free Geek Toronto as their Executive Director.

I've lived in many cities (Winnipeg, Montreal, Toronto, London, Guelph, Hockley Village) and have always taken an interest in my local community. I chose Stratford in November, 2014 because of its natural beauty.

Since coming here, I have helped with fostering cats for Feline Friends Network and advocated for animal welfare changes. I was also on Stratford's advisory committee for the comprehensive animal bylaw review. From the moment I arrived I took a keen interest in City Council and attended numerous meetings, engaging all incumbent councillors to learn about how council operates, to suggest ideas and improvements.

Top priorities: Affordable Housing, Homelessness, Roads, Transit, Transparency.

I hope to help keep all that is good about Stratford while helping to resolve issues brought up by citizens. I promise to be accessible and listen to your concerns. I stand up for what I believe.

Let me stand up for you.

1. What will be your unique contribution to council?

I can represent those with mobility issues (disability), those on low income, seniors and can offer insights gleaned from living in several other places, both large and small. I love researching ideas and what works well to solve issues. I stand up for what I believe.

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

Stratford needs to build UP not out. We've already taken too much prime farmland. What we need to do now is intensify density outside the city core. By that I mean up to 6 story apartments (rental) that are truly affordable.

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

Stick and carrot. Encourage businesses to adopt best practices for being environmentally friendly, perhaps through tax breaks or other means. Fine those who pollute.

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

We already have a lot of industry here now, and the real issue is the lack of a skilled labour pool. That lack is a direct result of local cost of living and unaffordable and unavailable housing. But for industry, we should look to green economy, I.T. technologies.

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

Although Stratford is exceptionally charitable (United Way), I believe shelter and food is a human right. Until we take steps to remedy the issue, we cannot succeed. I propose a men's shelter is a necessity, but could take the form of rooming house assignments. Buy or expropriate Shananigan's (old hotel near transit station) Inequality is harder, and we need to educate the public about our situation. Statistics Canada tells us 1/3 of our population takes in less than a living wage (ie is in poverty). The rich-poor gap needs to shrink.

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

Through social media and via a newsletter mailed to every household, as well as in traditional media. The biggest issue is to give advance notice of what is being considered by council well enough in advance. We need to survey citizens more and have an easy way to consult on the big issue for sure.

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

Yes. Although there is no legislation that can make that happen and is unlikely because it is the provincial Municipal Act (another jurisdiction). I believe in two terms maximum in any position and to take off one term before you could run again. It is unhealthy to have career politicians in local government.

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

Sadly there have been no takers on the committee we already have for youth. I am not sure why. But that doesn't prevent council from using survey tools (social media and in person) to find out what issues youth are experiencing.