Crystal Whetham
Age: 37
Occupation: Property management
How long have you lived in the Cambridge/Waterloo Region?
I am ninth generation from Cambridge and Waterloo Region; I have lived here my entire life
Why are you running in this election?
I am running because I believe I can make a difference in Cambridge and the Region, since I have been young I've been sitting around the kitchen table talking politics with my family. I am a second generation politician, and I want to devote my time as a public servant to my community.
What qualifies you to represent the city at regional council?
I am currently WRDSB School Board Trustee for Cambridge and North Dumfries. I sit on both the audit and disciplinary committees.
Why should people vote for you?
I will be there for my constituents in Cambridge and the region at the board table. Cambridge needs a regional councilor who has the energy, youthfulness and vitality for our future growth in the region.
What do you see as the main issues facing residents of the Region of Waterloo?
Affordable housing for low income and the homeless. We need to be aware of climate change and working our part to lower the climate change. We need to make sure there are enough programs and add more programs for the youth and low income families.
What do you see as the main issues facing residents of Cambridge/the Region of Waterloo on a broader scale?
Our services need to match at par with our other cities and townships. This includes services like low rentals with more units and buildings to accommodate those in dire need.
What is the most important thing you want to see changed at the regional level to have a positive impact on Cambridge?
The townships have an equal vote as Cambridge with a far less population, this gives the effect of our neighbours not being aware of our own needs and wants as a city at the board table. I believe we need one more regional councillors as we are the second largest city in the region.
What services need to be improved at the region?
Our services in Cambridge should match those of the other cities at our board table, an example of this includes our provincial courts. Our police presence for pedestrians and our downtown/uptown business, possibly a 24/7 foot patrol.
Is Cambridge/the Region of Waterloo growing too fast, just the right amount, or not fast enough?
I think we need to focus on the growth of building up, instead of out. Each area of our Region is its own little hub of communities, and we need to start saving our farm land a little better than we have been. We need to be aware of moving people easier through our GRT and LRT. We have to make sure we have adequate water for the increasing population
What can be done about the rising cost of housing?
This is based on interest rates supply, development charges and permits and this demand is why pricing is increasing.
What can be done locally about the homelessness issue?
I think that the tiny houses or shipping containers turned into shelters would be a better support to that community, this would be a short term solution, then we need to go after the provincial and federal government for more funding for more long term homes.
How do we make the Region of Waterloo/Cambridge an even better place to live in?
We listen to what our community wants, finding ways for more input; by having more public forums to listen to the wants of specific communities. We need to promote more business locating in the region to give people employment.
To learn more about Crystal, visit the following links:
Twitter: CrystalWhetham
Email: [email protected]
Phome: 226-755-1616
