Political Action Committee

CUPE Local 905

165 Pony Drive,
Newmarket, ON
L3Y 7B5

August 13, 2014

Dear members of CUPE Local 905 Political Action Committee,
I want to thank you for your survey questions and letter dated July 23, 2014. Please find below a
response to each of the twenty questions. I trust you will find my responses engaging, innovative and
credible.
I would appreciate your formal endorsement and support for my mayoral bid in Whitchurch-Stouffville.
Please feel free to contact me with any further questions or concerns.
Sincerely,

Arnold Neufeldt-Fast, PhD
Candidate for the Office of Mayor, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
Address: 672 Millard St., Stouffville, ONL4A 0B2
Email: arnold@arnold4mayor.ca
Webpage: www.arnold4mayor.ca (with donation option)
Facebook: arnold4mayor
Twitter: @neufast
Instagram: @neufast
Mobile: 647-298-4524



Question 1: What kind of issues / campaigns have you participated in your local community?
Post-Secondary Satellite Campus: Over a number of years I have advocated to the Mayor and Council
for a post-secondary education strategy for our town within the context of our region. There have and
continue to be some opportunities for satellite campuses in Ontario. Our community has very specific
assets appropriate for a smaller satellite campus (like in Stratford); this would be an engine for attracting
other knowledge-based industries in our community as well. This spring Council rejected my proposal
for a task force, and passed up the opportunity to present a bid when asked by York University last
Spring (cf. my presentation to Council (link).
Library: For years I have been a strong advocate of more robust library funding. Currently we are the
worst-funded library in the province for our category (per capita funding $26; provincial average: $44).
The Towns recent Efficiency Review ensured that our staffing levels would, correspondingly, also be
the be worst in the province and in the local librarys longer history (cf. my collected correspondence
last January just prior to the cuts link).
Transit: I have communicated regularly with council and I have written letters of concern to the papers
about our YRT serviceespecially immediately before and after the 2012 YRT transit reductions.
Because of the cuts, ridership has decreased even as our population has mushroomed. Why? Frequency
during rush hours is sub-standard; routing of Rte. 9 is not convenient; we have far too few shelters at
key stops; the last bus north from hospital leaves just before 8 pm; we have no weekend service on Rte.
9. Of course ridership plummeted after this ill-conceived plan was implemented. This deficit is
particularly difficult for businesses and workers (cf. here a few letters written to the papers over past
years: 1, 2, 3, 4).
Heritage and Culture: I have been a strong advocate for heritage protection and recognition (Grain
Elevator, Mantle Site, etc). The Arts have been almost studiously neglected by our town. Unlike
Richmond Hill, we have no robust arts strategy, with short, medium and long-range goals (some sample
articles in which I have led: 1, 2, 3, 4).
Environment: I have been an advocate of more compact, urban development in town, while protecting
the moraine from sprawl and enhancing its integrity. We have not had a greening strategy for our town,
nor do we have an environmental advisory committee (e.g., a letter to the paper by me). I have also
helped to galvanize opposition to a Pickering Airport in Stouffvilles backyard over a number of years
(click here).
Walkability / Bikeability: I have advocated for that our town plan to become a pedestrian and bike
friendly; a car-centric vision has dominated Councils vision of our town.
These are some of the issues that I have been involved in. For more details on these and other issues,
see: cf. http://www.arnold4mayor.ca/media/ ).
Question 2: If successful, what would be your priorities after the elections?
Champion high-speed broadband connectivity for Community of Stouffville (see York
Regions new broadband strategy).
YRT Transit advocacy at Region level: convenient, frequent, evenings & weekends;
shelters (see links above).
Library /Leisure Centre Expansion as Canada Sesquicentennial Project
Develop compact urban, mixed use, walkable, bikeable development plan for Main
Street, between Ninth and Hwy. 48. Bike-lanes on Main Street / Ninth Line in 2015 (not
2017 to 2021; cf. FB page)
Increased Arts funding and a robust Cultural plan with short, medium and long range
goals; strike an Arts Advisory Committee (Richmond Hill has set the bar).
Plan for mixed housing options for all stages of life (incl. affordability) as a priority (my
presentation and slides to council).
Increase Library per capita funding to meet or exceeds prov. average within four years.
Develop a Greening of Whitchurch-Stouffville Strategy, with sustainable development
initiatives including GHG reduction targets (again, Richmond Hill sets the bar);
Plan for development of complete communities: from sprawl, strip malls & endless
parking to mixed-use, pedestrian friendly communities
Protect moraine: balance economic (agric) livelihood and ecological integrity
Pickering airport opposition: I will advocate actively on behalf of our town and for the
land against airport development in Pickering (e.g., letters: 1, 2, 3).
Economy: I will attract business using quality of life as recruitment tool for creative class
& knowledge-based industry; i.e., walkability, bikeability, transit, library, etc. I will
send the right signals (as I have in the past with library, satellite campus initiative, arts)
that we are not just a sports or commuter town, but open for the creative economy.
Question 3: What measures do you think that your municipality should be taking to ensure it is a leader
in climate change adaptation and environmental projects?

Amongst our neighbouring municipalities, Whitchurch-Stouffville stands alone as a community without
an Environmental Advisory Committee (dismantled in 2006). I will initiate a Greening of Whitchurch-
Stouffville initiative which emphasizes Green House Gas reduction targets (which connects with
walkability, bikeability, and transit supportable development), protection /enhancement of the moraine,
for example. See two letter: 1, 2 (links).

This has simply been off the radar of the current council. I am a strong supporter of the Greenbelt and
Oak Ridges Moraine Protection plans; our growth and building must be smart, sustainable and focused
in the urban area of the Community of Stouffville.

As mayor, I will ensure that we join the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Partners for
Climate Protection (PCP) program. The PCP framework helps a community to set priorities, create action
plans and establish milestones.
Question 4: How do you view the role of public services in your municipality? What value do you place
on the people who provide these public services?

I know that our town staff is, by-and-large, over-extended and over-worked. The Towns 2012 Efficiency
Review went far beyond cutting gravy; it cut out services, over-taxed staff, and has resulted in a
certain level of antagonism at the staff level (e.g., see my chart on staffing levels at our public library--
link). This is counter-productive.

A telling sign of the current climate on council: our most important civic building is now off of Main
Street in a business park. The signal it sends is clear (implicitly and explicitly): Town residents are simply
tax-payers and customers. The customer service culture can be appropriate at certain junctures, but
only temporarily because first and foremost we are citizens! Reducing residents to tax-payers who
negotiate for private services is to undermine our status as citizens, and it tears at the fabric of
community. The pendulum in Whitchurch-Stouffville needs to swing back to citizen-focused language
which can identify short-comings in areas critical for a vibrant, flourishing, inter-dependent community
(like library funding, the arts, the creation of civic space, affordable housing, decent public transit, and
24/7 fire safety in Ballantrae). I am concerned that our Towns customer service paradigm results in a
commoditization of services, rather than citizenship building and the strengthening of the fabric of the
community.

Question 5: Where do you stand on alternative financing, contracting out, or privatization of public
services? What services are currently being privatized in your municipality?

(see above and below).
Question 6: Please give us your views on taxes and the cost of delivering public services.
As noted above, I have philosophical concerns about the down-sizing and out-sourcing of the things we
need to do together as community in order to be a community. Taxes is not a four-letter word: they
help us to do things together as a community which we cant do on our owna form of mutual aid
and we discern together what that should be. Efficiencies at this point have already resulted in
reduced public service in Whitchurch-Stouffville.
On taxes: Our commercial and industrial tax revenues make up only 13% of the total (residential tax
revenues: 87%; prov. avg: 79.6%). This is a problem which will not be addressed by lowering already
very low commercial tax levels; this did not keep us from losing 60 businesses between 2009 and 2013.
We need to build quality of life (library, walkability, etc) together with a push for broadband connectivity
to attract and fill our employment lands with knowledge-based industry which can help our tax base.
Question 7: What is your view on the sale of public assets?
Municipalities should have a detailed asset management plan to optimize investment, manage risk, and
ensure the health and safety of the public. The public plays a critical role in the process. Selling public
assets that are no longer needed for the municipality to achieve its vision and goals is prudent (e.g.,
selling of redundant properties). However, selling quality assets for short-term goals can be misguided
and result (in some cases) in health and safety risks to the community.
Question 8: What is your view of transit expansion, privatization, and the role of Metrolinx?
I am a strong supporter of a more robust public transit service, and I have spoken and written against
the reduction of YRT service levels to Stouffville for a number of years. It is however a very expensive
service compared to other municipalities (see links above).
The GO system works very well for our community; my one concern with Metrolinx currently is its stated
plan to remove the Downtown Stouffville Grain Elevator in order to secure another 20 parking spots.
Question 9: What work have you done on equity and human rights? How would you promote the equity
agenda.
I am the co-founder / co-organizer of the Stouffville Peace Festival. Last year our Peace Panel included
three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish (Gaza Doctor) and Gerry Caplan, author of
the UN Report on Rwandan genocide. This year we have invited Dr. James Orbinski, who as President of
Doctors without Borders received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999 on behalf of the organization (see
flyer).
As a professor with graduate degrees in philosophy and theology, I have taught ethics for over many
years, and am sensitive and aware--and an advocate--of equity in all regards (as a grad student I was
even a TA/seminar leader for the one ethics course required of all business majorsand did they ever
need it!).
Question 10: If elected, what would you do to improve the lives of seniors in your municipality?
The percentage of seniors in York Region will double by the time I retire (I am the last of the baby-
boomers, born in 1964). A walkable community is especially important for seniors, who need to stay fit
and have meaningful, daily destinations to walk to (e.g., grocery store, bank, lawyer, etc). Stouffville
could become Ontarios most walkable, bikeable community, but weve recently made so many poor
decisions that still require the car for viable participation in society. I will change this. Seniors also need
good transitfor which I am an advocate. We will create significant dedicated space in the leisure
centre expansion for the 55+ seniors programming; I support this. The library expansion too will serve
the bulging seniors demographic. Generally, residential density along Main Street will be good for
seniors and the community as a whole.
Question 11: What are your thoughts on Long Term Care? Do you support the Time to Care campaign
of 4 hours of care, per resident, per day?

I agree that we have a Long Term Care crisiswhich will only get worse as the baby-boomers age. I am
50 years old, and my wife and I have seen first-hand how difficult it is to get quality care and support for
aging and needy parents. Four hours of care per day, per resident sounds rightand I am supportive of
the initiative.

Question 12: If elected, what would you do to improve the lives of individuals living below the poverty
line, and/or homelessness in your ward/municipality?

I have addressed Council on a number of occasions on this issue. A healthy or complete community
must promote an appropriate mix and range of acceptable housing to meet the needs of residents and
workers, according to the York Regional Plan. Local municipalities are to ensure a mix and range of
housing types with specific affordable housing targets. Why? Each of our families requires different
types of housing at different stages of life. Appropriate housing is key to promoting vibrant, whole
communities and a strong local economy.

In the past years, Stouffville has experienced a frenzy of building, yet the mix and range has excluded
many from the market. The percentage of apartments, for example, is far below the provincial average
(8.8% vs. 30%). When our largest employment in town is low-paying service sector jobs, it is easy to see
that our housing situation is unsustainable--socially and economically.

Were already feeling the economic costs: 36% of WhitchurchStouffville businesses said in 2012 that
the community was poorly positioned to attract new immigrant employees, and 45% said the same for
retaining and attracting employees under 30 years of age. Why? Because of the high-cost of housing in
Stouffville (and lack of good transit). (My presentations to Town Council: 1, 2, 3).

Affordable housing is a complex matter, needing the attention of all levels of government. I have
advocated for a planned mix of housing types appropriate to our community, enabling us to fulfill our
vision of becoming Ontarios most welcoming and vibrant small town.

I support the Federation of Canadian Municipalities affordable housing resolution and would adopt
FCMs Quality of Life Reporting System.

Question 13: What role do you think public libraries play in your community? Are you an advocate for
the public library system?

The Library needs a champion at this critical time. I am a professor and father, and I understand the
changing nature of libraries, and their role for offering space to gather, network, resource, and to
create. A well-resourced library contributes profoundly to a towns well-being and prosperity.

We are getting a long-overdue library expansion, but the current proposal is the minimum
recommended size for a 2021 populationand some want it smaller. Our per-person library operating
funding is the lowest in the province amongst comparable communitiesthis is what the past council
wanted. It has impacted the size of the collection (hard copies and e-copies), the archival and research
possibilities for students, the number of computer stations and, importantly, the staff to help curate,
access and create knowledge. Weve all become poorer as a result.

A commitment to build by 2017 does not change the attitude towards the library. In 2009, the Library
Boards SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) identified lack of shared
vision with Town Council as both a key weakness and threat the library faces (see also Board Chair
remarks http://www.yorkregion.com/opinion-story/1414708-library-funding-not-keeping-pace-with-
growing-town/#comments). This is a devastating judgement!

In 2011, I brought a petition with 400 signatures to Town Council askingmodestlythat our per capita
funding for the library meet the provincial average over the next four years. Yet the cleft between our
level of funding and the provincial average per person library funding has only grown wider. Here is a
letter reference I wrote for the Library Aware Community Award; here an early critique of council
funding, 2011; here collected correspondence in January 2013 in light of efficiency cuts).

Question 14: Do you think that all boards of the municipality should consist of elected officials and
members of the community? Or do you think they should all be appointed? Why?

The Library Board and the Advisory Committees consist of both elected officials and members of the
community. Some advisory committees (like Environmental) no longer exist because of the perception
that staff already provide the expertise. This is a misunderstanding of the role of advisory committees,
which represent and articulate the communitys values that are critical for good decision making in light
of information brought by specialists, for example. Appointments are necessary to ensure a right mix of
competency and representation. However appointments are political, and they can exclude important
voices (e.g., my application to the Library Board was turned down by the current Council).

Question 15: Do you feel the head of regional council should be an elected position? Why?

Popular election of the Regional Council Chair would not necessarily benefit the smaller municipalities in
York Region. A head appointed by regional councillors can insure equity between the lower-tier
municipalities. That being said, the Liberal provincial government will likely reintroduce the Election of
Chair of York Region (Bill 60, 2010); while I would not actively oppose the bill, I think a rotational chair
(like at the UN Security Council, or in the presidency in Switzerland where I lived for six years would be
better).

Question 16: Do you feel the system used in your municipality should be Strong Mayor or Powerful
Executive Committee? Why?

A strong mayor system is liable to corruption and--especially with development pressure on Whitchurch-
Stouffville. The public good can more easily be compromised in favour of the agenda of a specific private
lobby under a strong mayor system. In contrast, council-manager governments are cleaner and better
managed local governments (day-to-day management is insulated from political intrusion). I believe that
policy decision-making should lie with the council. The mayor in the current system should be a sage
and reasoned representative of the town municipal government. As a university professor and acting
Dean, I am a credible candidate for this role.

Question 17: What role do you see for the municipality and Municipal Councillors around economic
development and protecting or creating good jobs? How would you support pro-active measures to
assist workers to achieve unionization?

I have taken the current Mayor to task (click here) when he looked forward to 10,000 jobs in the hotel
and restaurant industry in response to the Pickering Airport announcement June 2013. I have criticized
Councils lack of imagination and vision when they rejected an opportunity to tell York University why
we would be an ideal location for their satellite campus (my presentation notes here); and more
recently, I helped galvanize opinion against the mayors vision of attracting a large Pacific-Mall-type
warehouse to our employment lands in Stouffville proper. We have lost 60 businesses since 2009in
part because we are sending all the wrong signals about being a welcoming place for knowledge-based,
creative class industries. For the first time, low-paying service sector jobs is our largest employment
sector, and these employees cannot even afford to live in our town. I have the vision and energy to help
develop the environment to attract and protect quality jobs in a variety of sectors.

Regarding unions: I know that unions have played a critical role in Canadas development and
prosperity, past and future. Today I am saddened by the reality of larger numbers of working poor
who cannot even live in the community in which they work (e.g., Stouffville). I am very conscious of the
ever-increasing gap between rich and poor and the disappearance of the middle class. Unions have and
can play an important role in turning this trend aroundwhich I support.

Question 18: What role do you think unions have in your community?

See above; they have proud history in our province and community.

Question 19: If you are endorsed how will you be accountable on key issues? Would you be willing to
meet on a regular basis?

I think that I am the candidate which CUPE Local 905 needs at this time in Whitchurch-Stouffville. Any
other choice will result in more of the same efficiencies. While I am accountable to constituents, I am
confident that my priorities resonate reasonably well with those of your union. I want to meet with all
interested parties along the way, to hear and to learn, and that would include meeting with your union
regularly. I welcome your endorsement and support in this important election.

Question 20: Municipal workers like our members often have feedback and innovative ways to improve
services but feel that their suggestions and innovations are not ever heard by their elected officials.
Would you support workers being involved in the planning and implementation of services and how
would you achieve this?

Municipal workers are on-the-ground experts in their fields. I am a collaborative leader who knows that
good decisions require brain-storming and the suggestions and innovative ideas of all involved. If the
tax-payer, resident as customer culture at town hall can change to a citizenship model, town staff
will be taken seriously in their work as collaborators in the building up of the community.


Arnold Neufeldt-Fast, PhD
Candidate for Mayor, Town Whitchurch-Stouffville
Email: arnold@arnold4mayor.ca
Webpage: www.arnold4mayor.ca (with donation option)
Facebook: arnold4mayor
Twitter: @neufast
Instagram: @neufast
Mobile: 647-298-4524