Details matter. Residents deserve results.

My career has always been built around attention to detail because details matter. They are what separate poor from average and good from great.

When I drive around Ajax, I see things we can and should be doing better: garbage, graffiti, damaged curbs, dead flowers, overgrown weeds, neglected tree rings and traffic islands.

These issues may seem small on their own, but when they are repeatedly ignored across our community, they add up.
 
Get Ahead of the Neglect
I believe we need to address visible maintenance problems before they become bigger and more expensive issues.
When garbage sits, graffiti remains, landscaping is neglected or damaged infrastructure goes unrepaired, it can create the impression that nobody is paying attention.

Let's get ahead of the neglect, improve maintenance standards and deal with small problems before they become bigger ones.
Take newly planted trees as one example. Some are surrounded by significant weed growth. This isn't only about appearance. Weeds can compete with young trees for water and nutrients while they are becoming established.

If taxpayers are paying to plant a tree, let's protect that investment and maintain it properly.
Planting it is only half the job.

I've Seen What a Higher Standard Can Do
I led a community beautification initiative that received a City of Toronto beautification award.
I've seen firsthand what can happen when you set a standard, stay on top of the details and follow through.

I want to bring that same attention to detail to Ward 3.

The How
As your Local Councillor, I will regularly be out in our neighbourhoods seeing these issues for myself.

I'm not going to wait for every problem to come across my desk.

We already have HeyJAX. Let's use it.

I will report issues, encourage residents to do the same and follow up on repeat problem areas.

Reporting something is not the finish line. Getting it fixed is.

We should be asking:
Was it addressed? How long did it take? Why does the same issue keep coming back? Are residents receiving the level of service they are paying for?

When problems continue, we need to understand why, improve the way they are being addressed and make sure there is accountability for the results.

Residents deserve to know that the work they are paying for is being completed properly.

Community Cleanups
I will also organize community cleanups throughout the spring and summer, bringing neighbours together to tackle problem areas, take pride in our neighbourhoods and build a stronger community.

These cleanups will not replace the municipal services residents already pay for.

They're about neighbours coming together, leading by example and showing pride in the place we call home.

Raise the Standard
This is about setting a higher standard, following through and making sure residents receive the services they are already paying for.
Let's get ahead of the neglect and make sure we're getting what we pay for.

Details matter. Residents deserve results.