Graham Bunting Stratford City Council

Every vote counts, including yours! Help shape our City's future. Vote by Monday, October 22 at 8:00pm: stratfordcanada.ca/en/insidecityhall/voting.asp

Q: If elected, what three steps would you take to put our city on a firmer financial footing? A: The City’s debt has been significantly reduced in recent years, and while still being mindful of the remaining debt, we need to strategically invest resources in projects that will provide lasting return on investment: 1. Annex land for in-demand industrial use, increasing Stratford’s tax base and creating jobs.... 2. Use innovative methods to extend the life of buried infrastructure, such as liners designed specifically for sewer and water lines. 3. Continue to lobby Provincial and Federal Governments for grants involving large infrastructure projects such as the Grand Trunk Community Hub.

Informative, and delivered with humour. Well done Dan Wettlaufer.

Q: What would you like to see achieved over the next four years? A: There are so many exciting and worthy achievements within sight for our City. Here are a few that are top of mind: The 1st phase of the Grand Trunk Community Hub at the Cooper site. The City is taking a considered and visionary approach. Input and dialogue is essential from all interested parties so it can be properly designed to accommodate the many use cases, both present and future. ... I’d also like to see both Affordable Housing projects at the former fairgrounds completed and a plan in place for other similar projects, in conjunction with developers. The Queen Street Storm Water project, which has been on the books for years finally completed, hopefully with accompanying funding from the Provincial Government. The annexation of additional land to attract more industry to the City resulting in an increased tax base. A transit committee formed comprised of users, drivers and City staff to explore alternate route options, in particular east-west and north-south routes, and any other progressive ideas to enhance the current service.

While some people feel that our council and election is about holding others to account, the real purpose of our council is to reach consensus on important issues that move Stratford forward. Doing this requires a commitment and willingness to listen, collaborate and work towards the best solutions for our City, even in difficult situations where not everyone agrees. The sum is greater than the parts.

Q: How will you encourage youth engagement, retention, re-attraction and skills development? A: Stratford provides a lot of opportunities for youth to engage, and does a decent job given the limited resources available for a City this size. As an example, the recent success of the UW Stratford Campus going from 16 students a few years ago to over 600 students now, and continuing to grow at a rate of 20%/year. In terms of youth retention, many communities face this issue, in addition to catering to a rapidly aging demographic. In both cases, investing in civic infrastructure that promotes quality of life, family friendly experiences, and technology will help make Stratford an even more attractive community to stay in, or come back to.

Q: Over the last five years, how have you contributed to the City of Stratford (volunteering, boards, etc.)? A: I’ve served on the Stratford Youth Soccer Board for over 40 years, currently in my second term as President, and have coached and refereed Stratford youth throughout that time. As Vice President of the Stratford Soccer Association Board, I’ve helped fundraise for the new artificial turf field at the Festival Hydro Community Park, and continue to fundraise for a fit...ness park with 1.8km of accessible trails and fitness stations. Over the last 4 years, I’ve fundraised for Shelterlink, coached Special Olympics and volunteered with Friends of the Festival. As a Councillor, I serve on the following sub committees/boards: Community Services, Infrastructure Transportation and Safety, Social Services, Police Services, Park Management, Stratford Tourism Alliance and Stratford Summer Music. See more

Q: What did you learn that would help new Councillors, since there will be at least two of them? A: The existing Council of 11 very diverse citizens all work hard to make the best decisions for the "greater good" of Stratford. Although we don't always agree, when the votes are in, and a decision is reached, we move on with no name calling or finger pointing. It is my hope that existing Councillors who have declared for the upcoming election, will be re-elected. With respect ...to other prospective Councillors, I would advise them that if elected, they’ll learn much more by listening than they will by talking. Also meeting with senior City staff is critically important to get a better handle on their departments and the roles and responsibilities involved. New Councillors need to be prepared to devote a significant amount of their time and energy to their responsibilities, which will include regular council duties, but also an abundance of additional ones such as subcommittees, board of directors, and public/special events. All councillors sit on 3 sub committees.... In 2014, I knew going forward that if I were successful, Council would be busy, but I must admit that I didn't fully appreciate exactly how busy. In my case, I served on 3 sub committees: Community Services, Infrastructure Transportation and Safety (ITS) and Social Services. In addition to that I served on the following 5 Boards and Committees: Stratford Tourism Alliance Board, Police Services Board, Board of Park Management, Stratford Summer Music Board, and Sesquicentennial Ad Hoc Committee. There is a steep learning curve with becoming a Councillor, and I hope to have the good fortune to put the learning and experience from the last 4 years into good use.... during the next four years.

Q: How would you describe your first term on council in 1 sentence? A: It was a substantial learning curve - interesting, challenging, and rewarding on many levels - and I'm proud of what our community has accomplished over the last 4 years.

"As it was the case four years ago, Bunting, who immigrated to Canada from Northern Ireland in 1973, said his love for this community he now calls home is one of the main reasons why he’s running." ... "Now with a term under his belt, Bunting said he feels even more prepared to represent residents’ interest."

Four years ago when I first put my name forward for election to Council, a friend took a photo of me holding my (at that time) youngest granddaughter Maeve. I liked the photo so much, I decided to put it on my Facebook page, where it has stayed for the past four years. When I decided to run for Council this year, I thought I'd update the photo featuring Fionn, Maeve's younger (by 4 years less 3 hours ) brother. A lot has happened over the last four years... but more about that in later posts.

Recently I had the opportunity to shadow volunteers delivering "meals on wheels" to residents in Stratford. It was a rewarding experience to see many citizens, from different walks of life, receiving not only a nourishing meal, but in addition the human contact that comes with the visit from the many volunteers that help deliver the service. Meals on Wheels is one of the many ways that One Care works with the community to enrich the lives of many. Join me in supporting The Grand Parade!! This fundraising walk is being held to celebrate our seniors on June 2 in Stratford. Hosted by ONE CARE Home & Community Support Services, this 2 and 5 km walk will raise money to support seniors in our community. To be a walker, a volunteer or to make a donation visit https://thegrandparade.org/location/stratford

Every time a new youth moves into the Living Options for Youth program at the shelter, they must complete seven lifeskills: Cooking on a Budget, Money Management, Budgeting Month to Month, Youth and the Law, Job Maintenance, Nature and Substance/Drug Use and Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Communication. Please help support this program by participating/donating to the Coldest Night of the Year on February 25th.

A worthy cause! On Saturday Feb 25th, 15 Teams with 45 registered walkers will take part in Stratford's "Coldest Night of the Year" walk, raising funds for Stratford/Perth Shelterlink: an organization which offers food, shelter and counselling to youth at risk, along with support and advocacy to help youth make positive lifestyle choices, stay in school and find employment. I would ask that if you haven't already donated that you consider doing so. You can donate online to any of the 15 teams or to an individual walker. Thank you for your time.