ANDREW SWIDZINSKI

MY BACKGROUND

PROFESSIONAL: I’m a Notary working as a Senior Analyst at Transport Canada after previous private practice in real estate, commercial and successions law. My experience can be an asset to you in dealing with property/zoning matters, legal issues and project management.

EDUCATION: I have degrees in Common and Civil Law (B.C.L./LL.B.) along with a B.A. and M.A. in History from McGill University, and a D.D.N. in Law from the Université de Montréal. I went to Félix-Leclerc high school in District 4.

COMMUNITY: I’m a lifelong resident of District 4. I serve as President of the Pointe-Claire Heritage Preservation Society (S.S.P.P.C.), involved in history education projects and heritage building protection, including successfully negotiating our 50-year lease to restore Pointe-Claire’s historic Windmill. I’m a board member of the Canadian Transverse Myelitis Association. I’ve also been a VP and co-founder of the Friends of the Pointe-Claire Library, as well as a volunteer with Knights of Columbus, Pointe-Claire Citizens for Demerger and many other causes and charities. I support and helped collect signatures for the Save the Fairview Forest Group.

AS YOUR COUNCILLOR

• I will be accessible, respond within 48 hours when contacted, and truly listen to and act on your concerns.
• I will consult you regularly on changes affecting your streets, flooding concerns, improvements to our services and facilities, and the distinct needs of apartment residents.
• I believe public office is about community service. I will reject perks, donate the $13,000 expense account councillors get to keep (tax free) as extra salary to community projects in the District, and attend charity fundraisers at my own expense, not the taxpayer’s.
• I believe in a Council that behaves professionally and without drama, keeping disagreements focused on important issues rather than personality conflicts.
• I support a flexible approach to bylaws and regulations such as those involving garbage pickup and water use.
• I live with a disability and will advocate for greater accessibility of city services.
• I believe politics is about issues and ideas, not just a popularity contest. I am providing a detailed platform explaining how I will vote on Council so that there will be no surprises after the election.

ISSUES AND PRIORITIES

FINANCES: Control spending, work to find savings, cut the use of expensive consultants, and limit cost overruns so that we can provide quality services and keep taxes low. Protect commercial zoning, reduce red tape and attract more businesses, particularly in manufacturing and technology, to our industrial park; a stronger commercial tax base will help keep residential taxes low.

TAXES: Work to freeze or at least limit residential tax increases to well below inflation. Seek to allow for property taxes to be paid in 4 installments instead of 2 in order to give residents a break.

FLOODING: Make increased drainage capacity to deal with flooding events the top priority for our infrastructure spending. Develop a grant program to help homeowners adapt.

DEVELOPMENT: Work to keep development to a responsible level and prioritize your concerns for traffic, quality of life, environment and infrastructure needs when evaluating new condo projects. Vote against new condo projects at Hymus West/St-Jean and Pointe-Claire Plaza as well as any project Council fast tracks without going through the democratic zoning referendum process. Push for new projects to include more trees, amenities and affordable units. Limit McMansion builds while encouraging medium density duplexes and row houses that will maintain Pointe-Claire as an affordable, middle-class neighbourhood.

HERITAGE: Provide city funding for the restoration of the Windmill, protect the convent and add stronger heritage protections to our bylaws.

ENVIRONMENT: Work to protect the entire Fairview Forest from development. Support environmental initiatives, community gardens, green flooding infrastructure and stronger measures to protect our tree canopy and greenspaces.

TRAFFIC: Seek to reduce speeding and traffic through raised crosswalks and temporary speed bumps on streets where residents want them, but oppose photo radar. Consult first on where to put bike paths.

GARBAGE: Support expanding weekly garbage pickup back into May and September, while continuing to enhance recycling efforts.

PARKS: Improve the facilities and repave the paths at Cedar Park and ensure the cleanliness and security of Seigniory and Proudfoot parks. Consult with residents on additions like splash pads and dog runs.

PERMITS: Work to simplify the process of obtaining permits for home renovations and support intergenerational housing options.

SERVICES: While budgeting responsibly, work to improve our services and cultural, sports and recreational programs, especially for seniors and young families.