Between now and Election Day, Oct 24, on my Blog here I would like to balance posts 'about me' with issues concerning Ward 1 and the City of Oshawa. This is an 'about me' post :)
Here is a link to the published copy of the Ward 1 City Councillor Candidates Profiles
www.thestar.com/local-oshawa/news/municipal-election/2022/09/28/oshawa-votes-oshawa-ward-1-candidates-for-city-council.html
I happen to like the well known idiom 'God is in the details' and as most who know me will attest, Brevity is not my Brand.
As the newspaper shortened a bit of my 'Top Three Issues' answer, I am taking this opportunity to post below the bullets that were edited out for length:
• implementing new 40km speed limit on all local roads in neighbourhood zones • City adopting the ASE camera program on local road Community Safety Zones
• new approval process to use public right-of-way or sidewalk for barrier-free ramps •the City, Region and Owners of New 10 Floor + apt buildings ensure that one unit on each floor is set aside for the Region of Durham to sublet for affordable, accessible social housing.
I highlight the above because there is more information that I intend to post later concerning
1) the 40KM Zone I recommend for Ward 1; and
2) the program I propose for ONE UNIT ON EACH FLOOR of new high rise apartment buildings being leased by the Region of Durham to increase its social housing dwelling inventory.
Three other points I wish to make here:
1. My campaign is self-funded. Like in my 2018 campaign, I am not taking contributions from anyone.
2. My real estate career is very much on the back burner and I remain committed to avoiding any conflicts or perceived conflicts of interest. I have refrained from doing any real estate business in Oshawa during my term as a City Councillor, with one exception - I listed a family owned single family residential rental property for a specific family reason. I terminated this listing after a few days and it continues under my family ownership.
I note that my experiences in real estate have stood me in good stead as a politician...both require a lot of energy, self-motivation and perseverance to navigate through many challenges that can arise. Not only do I know well the City streets, but also my long time real estate career has enabled me to become familiar with many Oshawa neighbourhood issues of concern.
3. A Pedestrian Crossover does not involve a bridge or elevated platform. It is a Crosswalk that has increased signage, lighting and the Provincial Traffic Act supporting increased fines for drivers not adhering to the regulations...they are best described here (and see pictures below):
https://www.durham.ca/en/living-here/pedestrian-crossovers.aspx?fbclid=IwAR1oapSGOHMFnhhDgeiwFvVCJsVuxpQ1P2Ldyx2FBjW6JYr7KZAM3KCjTII#:~:text=Pedestrian%20crossovers%20are%20a%20new,other%20side%20before%20driving%20ahead
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Rosemary McConkey
Oshawa City Councillor Ward 1, Local Business Owner, McConkey Realty Ltd.
Email: [email protected]; Website www.OshawaRosemary.com
Twitter @rosemcconkey Facebook Rosemary McConkey Instagram @oshawarose
Previous political experience: Oshawa City Councillor Ward 1 2018-2022
Why have you decided to run? My just completed 4 year term on Oshawa Council strengthened my desire to better Oshawa. My goal is to promote good decisions at the City that are more transparent and respectful of community concerns and give priority to balanced growth, continuous improvement, community building and civic engagement.
How will you embrace and champion diversity in this role? As Council rep on the accessibility advisory committee I committed to bringing awareness of the need to break down barriers that many Oshawa citizens face. Supporting inclusive opportunities for engagement in all steps of community planning is essential to ensure no one feels left behind. Ward 1 is home to many newcomers from diverse backgrounds. I will continue to work to represent and respond to their needs and help to make all feel welcome, respected and safe.
What are your top three issues?
Infrastructure Renewal with •improved road maintenance •more timely delivery of quality City parks, both new and redeveloped existing parks and • completed construction of connecting trails.
Increase Road Safety and Speed Enforcement with •new pedestrian crossovers at high traffic hot spots • implementing new 40km speed limit on all local roads in neighbourhood zones • City adopting the ASE camera program on local road Community Safety Zones
Improve Accessibility and Increase Availability of Affordable, Accessible Housing with •special Building Permit accessibility incentivization pilot project • new approval process to use public right-of-way or sidewalk for barrier-free ramps •the City, Region and Owners of New 10 Floor + apt buildings ensure that one unit on each floor is set aside for the Region of Durham to sublet for affordable, accessible social housing.
If elected, what do you plan to accomplish in your first 100 days? Approve a 2023 City Budget that • focuses on results and outcomes • promotes affordability to the taxpayer • balances provision of services, asset maintenance with needed new capital projects that will ensure Oshawa rebounds from the pandemic and will be well placed to celebrate its 100th anniversary in a fashion that will make Oshawans proud.
Here is a link to the published copy of the Ward 1 City Councillor Candidates Profiles
www.thestar.com/local-oshawa/news/municipal-election/2022/09/28/oshawa-votes-oshawa-ward-1-candidates-for-city-council.html
I happen to like the well known idiom 'God is in the details' and as most who know me will attest, Brevity is not my Brand.
As the newspaper shortened a bit of my 'Top Three Issues' answer, I am taking this opportunity to post below the bullets that were edited out for length:
• implementing new 40km speed limit on all local roads in neighbourhood zones • City adopting the ASE camera program on local road Community Safety Zones
• new approval process to use public right-of-way or sidewalk for barrier-free ramps •the City, Region and Owners of New 10 Floor + apt buildings ensure that one unit on each floor is set aside for the Region of Durham to sublet for affordable, accessible social housing.
I highlight the above because there is more information that I intend to post later concerning
1) the 40KM Zone I recommend for Ward 1; and
2) the program I propose for ONE UNIT ON EACH FLOOR of new high rise apartment buildings being leased by the Region of Durham to increase its social housing dwelling inventory.
Three other points I wish to make here:
1. My campaign is self-funded. Like in my 2018 campaign, I am not taking contributions from anyone.
2. My real estate career is very much on the back burner and I remain committed to avoiding any conflicts or perceived conflicts of interest. I have refrained from doing any real estate business in Oshawa during my term as a City Councillor, with one exception - I listed a family owned single family residential rental property for a specific family reason. I terminated this listing after a few days and it continues under my family ownership.
I note that my experiences in real estate have stood me in good stead as a politician...both require a lot of energy, self-motivation and perseverance to navigate through many challenges that can arise. Not only do I know well the City streets, but also my long time real estate career has enabled me to become familiar with many Oshawa neighbourhood issues of concern.
3. A Pedestrian Crossover does not involve a bridge or elevated platform. It is a Crosswalk that has increased signage, lighting and the Provincial Traffic Act supporting increased fines for drivers not adhering to the regulations...they are best described here (and see pictures below):
https://www.durham.ca/en/living-here/pedestrian-crossovers.aspx?fbclid=IwAR1oapSGOHMFnhhDgeiwFvVCJsVuxpQ1P2Ldyx2FBjW6JYr7KZAM3KCjTII#:~:text=Pedestrian%20crossovers%20are%20a%20new,other%20side%20before%20driving%20ahead
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rosemary McConkey
Oshawa City Councillor Ward 1, Local Business Owner, McConkey Realty Ltd.
Email: [email protected]; Website www.OshawaRosemary.com
Twitter @rosemcconkey Facebook Rosemary McConkey Instagram @oshawarose
Previous political experience: Oshawa City Councillor Ward 1 2018-2022
Why have you decided to run? My just completed 4 year term on Oshawa Council strengthened my desire to better Oshawa. My goal is to promote good decisions at the City that are more transparent and respectful of community concerns and give priority to balanced growth, continuous improvement, community building and civic engagement.
How will you embrace and champion diversity in this role? As Council rep on the accessibility advisory committee I committed to bringing awareness of the need to break down barriers that many Oshawa citizens face. Supporting inclusive opportunities for engagement in all steps of community planning is essential to ensure no one feels left behind. Ward 1 is home to many newcomers from diverse backgrounds. I will continue to work to represent and respond to their needs and help to make all feel welcome, respected and safe.
What are your top three issues?
Infrastructure Renewal with •improved road maintenance •more timely delivery of quality City parks, both new and redeveloped existing parks and • completed construction of connecting trails.
Increase Road Safety and Speed Enforcement with •new pedestrian crossovers at high traffic hot spots • implementing new 40km speed limit on all local roads in neighbourhood zones • City adopting the ASE camera program on local road Community Safety Zones
Improve Accessibility and Increase Availability of Affordable, Accessible Housing with •special Building Permit accessibility incentivization pilot project • new approval process to use public right-of-way or sidewalk for barrier-free ramps •the City, Region and Owners of New 10 Floor + apt buildings ensure that one unit on each floor is set aside for the Region of Durham to sublet for affordable, accessible social housing.
If elected, what do you plan to accomplish in your first 100 days? Approve a 2023 City Budget that • focuses on results and outcomes • promotes affordability to the taxpayer • balances provision of services, asset maintenance with needed new capital projects that will ensure Oshawa rebounds from the pandemic and will be well placed to celebrate its 100th anniversary in a fashion that will make Oshawans proud.