Q: List the three most important issues in your campaign.
A: Traffic congestion, community safety, and lack of funding for health and social services.
Q: What one election issue do you feel is most relevant to your ward in this election?
A: Traffic congestion.
Q: What qualities or experiences do you possess, that make you more desirable than the incumbent?
A: I am passionate and dedicated about building Brampton into a healthier, safer and more prosperous City. I like challenge and I have the ability to work cohesively with all management levels.
Q: Why do you want to represent your ward on council?
A: I love the citizens of Wards 2 & 6 and I believe in putting them front and center of government policies and programs and in a strong and united regional government.
Q: Of the decisions made by council since the last election, which one would you have changed, and why?
A: I would change the rate of development. This would minimize the negative impacts on our residents and give the city enough time to expand existing infrastructure.
Q: How are you currently involved in the community?
A: For the past fourteen years I have dedicated my time and skills to volunteering in different community organizations in the cities of Brampton and Toronto. I served in the role of Youth Leader, Mentor and Teacher and most recently Ministry Coordinator.
Q: Much of Brampton's existing council is quite seasoned in the civic political process. What could you bring to the table as a "rookie", above and beyond the current roster of councillors?
A: As Regional Councillor for Wards 2 & 6, I will put forth a proactive and sustainable plan to build A Stronger Brampton, Stronger Region. I am committed to improving access to government, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing our infrastructure to meet our current and growing demands. I will work to improve the delivery of public health services and I am dedicated to making our City safer. I will strengthen our parks, culture and recreation master plan, build a stronger economy, protect the environment and enhance our social services.
Q: The Rose Theatre recently launched. What are your thoughts on this facility? Have you had a chance to tour it yet?
A: The Rose Theatre is wonderful place to showcase local, national and international talent. It is an excellent way to boost Brampton's economy. I haven't had a chance to tour it yet.
Q: The province has strongly encouraged the development of high-density residences near the downtown. Do these buildings fit in with your vision of the downtown? How much say should other levels of government have in urban planning?
A: I believe in revitalizing the downtown core with high-density residences. I believe urban planning should be a collaborative effort between all levels of government.
Q: How do you feel about Brampton's rate of expansion? Council recently capped the annual amount of new development; do you agree completely with this decision, would you have slowed development even further, or not have imposed a cap at all?
A: I Support a cap to slow development in Brampton, but a cap alone is not enough. Council must continue to engage the Provincial government and other municipalities in developing a better population and employment distribution plan for GTA to relieve the development pressure on Brampton.
Q: Why should businesses be attracted to locating in Brampton?
A: There are several reasons why businesses would want to relocate to Brampton, some of them include: The caring, helpful and hard working people who live here; our skilled workforce; we have stable energy supply; we have a good supply of development land and a beautiful city.
Q: How could Brampton further itself in attracting corporate investment?
A: Some ways in which Brampton could further itself in attracting corporate investment could include: establishing more competitive municipal tax rate, improving our tourism industry and assisting with relocation costs.
Q: Why have you chosen to involve yourself in the political process?
A: I have a passion to represent the residents of Wards 2 & 6 and the vision to build a stronger Brampton, Stronger Region.
Q: What does Brampton mean to you?
A: Brampton is a wonderful city to call home, a wonderful city to raise my family, a wonderful city the get an education, a wonderful city to operate a business and I'm proud to invite family and friends to visit.
For more information on Curtis Grant, visit his official website.
Submitted by: Nicholas Moreau
Nicholas Moreau is a local graphic designer, and member of Visual Arts Brampton. Moreau was once a sports writer for the Brampton Bulletin, which currently runs his "100 Words on Brampton", a history column. He is an administrator and press contact for Wikipedia, and has appeared on CP24 and G4TechTV, and in articles across North America, representing the site.