2024 Mississauga Mayoral Candidate Profile - George Tavares
/With the upcoming 2024 Mayoral By-election happening on June 10th, Modern Mississauga Media has reached out to all candidates inviting them to answer the same questions so voters can become more familiar with them.
Invitations went out to all candidates on Friday, May 3rd.
Click here to read all of the Mississauga Mayoral candidate profiles and check back often as responses will be posted within 72 hours of receipt.
Candidate answers are unedited and their contact information is at the bottom if you’d like to connect with them.
Click here to learn how to vote in the Mayoral election.
1. Why are you running for Mayor?
I am running for Mayor because I am passionate about improving Mississauga's communication, inclusivity, and accessibility for all residents. I believe that by fostering a culture of open communication, we can build a city that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of its diverse communities. My commitment to fostering dialogue and engagement will enable us to collectively shape a better future for Mississauga.
I recognize the challenges that our city faces in terms of housing affordability, crime, transportation, and infrastructure. By actively involving residents in the decision-making process, I aim to address these issues head-on and ensure that Mississauga continues to grow and prosper in an inclusive and sustainable way.
2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
I have a diverse background in political science, engineering, technology consulting, teaching, community volunteering, and advocacy. This unique combination of experiences gives me a well-rounded perspective on addressing the challenges facing Mississauga, setting me apart from other candidates, with a commitment to open communication and residents' participation in shaping the city's future.
3. What are your campaign priorities?
My campaign priorities are centered on putting residents at the heart of city decision-making. This means enhancing communication between the city and its residents, fostering a culture of diversity and inclusivity, improving the planning process, fighting crime and focusing on affordability.
The goal is to create a city that is not only livable but also inclusive, affordable, and accessible for all its residents.
To achieve this, I will actively engage with residents through various channels, making sure that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed. By ensuring that all residents have equal opportunities to thrive, we can build a more cohesive and resilient community.
As part of city planning, my top priority is to streamline processes for greater efficiency, accountability, and transparency. This will allow us to more effectively tackle key issues such as housing affordability, transportation, and infrastructure development. Any discussion on reducing bureaucratic hurdles at City Hall must involve Andrew W., Commissioner of Planning and Building, who has shared valuable insights with me in the past. His team has proposed innovative and impactful solutions that could be game-changing.
4. What budget item is the most important as Mayor?
Ensuring a responsible and effective allocation of resources is crucial to address the diverse needs of our city. While all budget items play an essential role in maintaining and improving our community, housing, transportation, and infrastructure stand out as critical areas that require focused attention.
Investing in affordable housing initiatives will provide much-needed support to residents who are struggling to find adequate, reasonably priced homes. This includes exploring innovative solutions, such as public-private partnerships and inclusive zoning policies, to increase the availability of affordable housing units.
Enhancing our transportation network is also vital to ensure that residents can move efficiently and sustainably throughout the city. This includes improving public transit options, investing in active transportation infrastructure, such as bike lanes and sidewalks, and exploring smart traffic management solutions to reduce congestion and emissions.
And allocating funds to maintain and upgrade our infrastructure will ensure that Mississauga remains a safe, accessible, and livable city for all. This includes investing in road repairs, public utility upgrades, and green infrastructure projects that promote environmental sustainability and resilience.
5. What are your favourite aspects of Mississauga?
Mississauga is a remarkable city with a diverse range of qualities that make it a truly special place to live and work. While it is challenging to narrow down my favorite aspects, a few stand out.
I like the vibrant festivals and events that celebrate our diversity to the numerous cultural institutions and community organizations that foster connection and understanding, this aspect of Mississauga is genuinely heartwarming.
I appreciate the city's commitment to environmental sustainability and green spaces. With its extensive network of parks, trails, and greenbelts, Mississauga offers many opportunities for residents to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities.
The city's efforts to promote sustainable development and climate resilience are inspiring and serve as an example for other communities.
I value the strong sense of community and civic pride in our city. From local events and volunteer initiatives to the passionate engagement of residents in shaping Mississauga's future, it is clear that the people who call this city home care deeply about its well-being and are dedicated to making it an even better place to live.
These are just a few of my favorite aspects of Mississauga. Each day, I find new reasons to appreciate and celebrate this remarkable city and its people.
6. How will you be supporting our local businesses if elected?
Local businesses are the backbone of Mississauga's economy, and their success is vital to the overall well-being of our city. If elected, I will implement a multi-pronged approach to support local businesses and foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
I will advocate for policies that reduce barriers to entry and create a business-friendly environment. This includes streamlining licensing and permit processes, providing resources and support for start-ups, and exploring tax incentives to encourage business growth and investment.
We will also enhance communication and collaboration between the city and local businesses. This involves establishing dedicated channels for businesses to share their concerns and ideas, as well as working closely with business associations and chambers of commerce to ensure that city initiatives align with the needs of the business community.
And, of course, we will invest in programs and initiatives that promote innovation, skills development, and workforce training. By equipping entrepreneurs and employees with the necessary tools and resources, we can foster a culture of innovation and resilience that enables local businesses to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.
7. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
Mississauga is a city with many strengths, but there are several areas where it truly excels:
Diversity and Inclusivity: Mississauga's diverse population is one of its greatest assets, fostering a rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds that make our community vibrant and resilient.
Accessible Education: With top-rated schools, universities, and vocational programs, Mississauga provides a wide range of educational opportunities for residents of all ages.
Parks and Green Spaces: Mississauga boasts an extensive network of parks, trails, and greenbelts, providing many opportunities for residents to enjoy outdoor activities and connect with nature.
Community Engagement: Mississauga's active and engaged citizenry ensures that local governance remains responsive and accountable, and that community needs and priorities are reflected in city initiatives.
These are just a few examples of the areas where Mississauga shines.
8. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards can voters expect?
Effective communication between residents and city officials is essential to building trust, fostering engagement, and ensuring that Mississauga remains a thriving, inclusive community. If elected, I will implement the following communication strategies and standards:
Here's an example of how I would leverage technology to maintain open lines of communication. Video https://youtu.be/R0-c8uPHoPk
But here are three more:
Openness and Transparency: I will strive to provide timely and accurate information to residents about city initiatives, projects, and decisions. This includes sharing updates through various channels, such as social media, newsletters, and public meetings.
Accessibility: I will ensure that communication channels are accessible to all residents, including those with disabilities or language barriers. This involves providing alternative formats, translation services, and closed captioning when necessary.
Engagement: I will create opportunities for residents to provide feedback, ask questions, and engage in dialogue with city officials. This includes holding regular town hall meetings, organizing public consultations, and hosting online forums.
Responsiveness: I will strive to respond to resident inquiries and concerns in a timely and courteous manner. This involves setting clear expectations for response times and providing a dedicated contact point for residents to reach out.
tavaresformayor.ca
