Ward 10 — Meet Your Candidates!
Kevin May
Bio
My wife Lisa and I have lived in Westmount, with our 3 children for nearly 13 years. I work as a Customer Support and Operations manager for TriHQ. I am a regular transit user, cyclist and pedestrian when moving around the city. Over the last four years I have sat on many committees and boards including the Advisory committee on the Environment, Child Care Committee, Court of revision (chair) and was apart of the Community Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (barriers to employment). I believe in servant leadership and have a drive to help people grow and achieve their goals.
What inspired you to run for city council?
I see a city that is becoming increasingly unaffordable. Years of indecision and lack of investment has put London at crisis levels on housing, transit, the environment, social services and more. I believe that we must move forward today so our future generations have a resilient, sustainable and affordable place to lay their roots.
What do you think is the most pressing issue currently impacting the city? In your ward?
I think it is fair to sat that affordable housing is on top of people’s minds. With nearly 3000 people experiencing homelessness, record home sales and an average rent of $1700 for a one-bedroom apartment, finding a place to call home in London is becoming out of reach for many Londoners. Our next city council will need to be innovative and resourceful to build the near 40,000 homes needed to achieve affordability by 2030. Within Ward 10 specifically, I have heard at the doors and experienced myself the need for safer streets for all ages and abilities. Enforcement of highspeed vehicles and investments in infrastructure will allow our young people to enjoy our city autonomously and protected.
What are your feelings on the climate crisis and how it impacts London?
London continues to see an increase in extreme weather leading to a rise in flooding, property damage and health costs. The financial and personal costs of these events will continue to rise, unless we work together to build a resilient, sustainable and innovative city. Smart investments today will lead to better health and future cost savings. We all have a part to play in addressing climate change. For Londoners to buy in, council must ensure that systems and tools are in place that are easy to use, accessible and effective. With CEAP as a guide and CEET (Climate Emergency Evaluation Tool) already showing its value, the next council will have the opportunity to be bold by leveraging Federal and Provincial funding to make significant progress towards net zero before 2050.
What would you change about London’s response to the climate crisis?
Education and incentives. Investments is addressing climate change will only work with community buy in. Behaviours will only change if we can show Londoners that it can be easy and have impact.
How will you address racism in the community, considering the tragedy that happened to the Afzaal family in 2021? How can we make London more inclusive and safer for minority groups?
The tragic attack on the Afzaal family cut deep in the heart of Londoners. Overall, London is a welcoming community but events like this remind us all that we still have work to do before London can be truly safe and inclusive for everyone. A recent LFP survey suggests that systematic barriers and racism are overwhelming the biggest barrier to employment for newcomers and people of colour. The city of London has the opportunity to lead by example by ensuring that all city contractors and suppliers have harassment and anti discrimination policies in place.
Access to affordable public transit is a key way of fighting climate change. What mass rapid transit initiatives that will benefit London do you support?
As a regular transit user, I understand the barriers to choosing transit as a way to move around our city conveniently, safely and within a reasonable timeframe. The city contribution to funding must match or exceed the contribution from fares. As an example of missed opportunities, when once in a generational funding was available from other levels of government, we chose the lowest costing rapid transit plan in Canada… and then lost two major portions. In contrast, KWC was bold and now are seeing the benefits from the LTR. We need to strengthen what we have but also have the foresight to grow when opportunities arise.
Is there anything you want to tell Londoners and/or your ward constituents?
We talk a lot about vision and future of our city, but often overlooked in the role of city councillor is the constituency work. Everyday issues are important and can have great impact in our lives. As a full time, city councillor, I am committed to being active in the community, responsive to feedback and questions, and ready to put in the work to achieve results.
Have you had any previous party affiliations at the provincial or federal level?
Yes, I have worked with and supported many different parties over the last 22 years. Most recently I was the Policy Chair for the London West Liberal EDA.
Claire Grant, John Kuypers, Michael McMullen, & Paul Van Meerbergen
Unfortunately, we did not receive a response from these candidates. However, we encourage you to visit their websites or their profile in the London Free Press prior to voting.
LFPress Article: https://lfpress.com/uncategorized/london-city-council-election-whos-running-in-ward-10
John’s website: https://makeithappenlondon.ca/
Claire’s website: https://voteclairegrant.ca/
Michael’s website: https://mikemcmullen.ca/
Paul’s website: https://pvanmeerbergen.ca
