Questions and Answers
1. Does the City/Region need more regulations for new and future businesses to protect groundwater?
Ben Tucci: If not new regulations, we do need to ensure we continuously review existing regulations to ensure there are sufficient safeguards in place regardless of the type of industry and where, geographically, they are looking to locate to ensure we mitigate or eliminate the potential for impact on the environment.
David Reiss: Yes
2. Do you support a bylaw restricting the non-essential, cosmetic use of pesticides (for lawn and garden care)?
Ben Tucci: Yes!
David Reiss: Pesticides yes, herbicides no.
3. The issue of a new Highway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph is still simmering. What is your preferred solution? (ie leave existing road as is? widen existing highway? put in commuter train between K/W and Guelph? build new highway, etc.)
Ben Tucci: A preferred solution would have been a commuter train connection to Cambridge and to Kitchener. The rider ship is there today to support the expense.
David Reiss: That's up to Kitchener, Waterloo and Guelph residents to decide. Not a Cambridge issue.
4. What are your recommendations for alternate transportation (ie bike/hike trails, buses, LRT, GO train)
Ben Tucci: In my election brochure I make a commitment to working hard at trying to fast track the proposed GO Train extension to Cambridge and, to trying to kick start the Federal, Provincial and Municipal infrastructure program. In my view while most members of Council can see the benefit to the community and Region of fast tracking initiatives such as a Go Transit rail link and LRT etc…, there is little political will to taking on the required debt to make it happen sooner rather than later. I for one, support doing what it takes today to securing a Go Train rail link and LRT link to Cambridge. Others on Council will say we can't afford to do it any faster than we are. I say we can't afford the status quo. Putting off much needed infrastructure programs today, means we will be paying even more for it at a later date. The incremental industry and residential growth to our community as a result of these types of initiatives will mean that we can plan to retire the related debt quickly over an affordable number of years resulting in little or no impact to the taxpayer in the end.
David Reiss: I support the GRT plan for connecting Waterloo to Cambridge. I will support any plan the (sic) connects Cambridge through GO train and/or bus with Milton train.
5. What are your solutions for gridlock?
Ben Tucci: I refer to my answer to number 4 as a first step. At the same time, a review of the ring road around Cambridge should be undertaken. Much of the gridlock in the City is caused by traffic with no destination inside Cambridge but rather, truck and commuter traffic using Cambridge simply as a thoroughfare to another place within or outside our Region.
David Reiss: Complete Can-Amera Parkway. Bring mid-Peninsula Highway Proposal west of Cambridge connecting to Hiway 8 in Kitchener. Plan future road planning in grid pattern to insure efficient public transit usage.
6. Do you support defining an urban border that puts an end to urban sprawl to protect farmland and natural areas?
Ben Tucci: Yes, but at the same time I am mindful and respect the rights of existing property owners.
David Reiss: Only in a limited way. As long as we have a growing population, people are going to need homes and jobs. Until population growth reaches zero, we will continue to have urban sprawl.
7. Do you believe that our size should be limited to our carrying capacity (ie groundwater resources, geographical barriers, impact on natural environment)
Ben Tucci: Yes, please refer to my answer to question #1.
David Reiss: Yes
8. What measurable initiatives can you take to improve air quality locally?
Ben Tucci: Refer to answers to previous questions.
David Reiss: Discourage use of a gas powered tools such as mowers and trimmers.
9. How do you envision reaching zero waste?
Ben Tucci: I'm not sure we can ever achieve 0% waste but through early education and creative and inexpensive incentive programs, I can see the day where we will have reduced it significantly.
David Reiss: I don't. It is a an unreachable and unrealistic target.
10. How do you see the City/Region 20 years from now?
Ben Tucci: A vibrant, safe and caring Cambridge community as a strong partner in the Region that will be seen as the top technology centre in Canada, driving the lowest unemployment rate in the country and with it the lowest poverty rate in the province.
David Reiss: We could be a rich, prosperous community or a region in a state of decay suffering the vicious cycle of debt and lost tax assessment. The decisions we make today will decide our future.
11. Should Cambridge fit into the Region's future? If yes, how?
Ben Tucci: Yes, I am a firm believer that the 2 tier structure of Government works but can be improved upon. I will work tirelessly as I have in the past to ensure that while we remain strong and equal partners in Waterloo region, we retain the right to self-govern.
David Reiss: Yes. Either as status quo, amalgamated with North Dumphries or part of an amalgamated greater Kitchener. The ability of communities to pool and share resources benefit everyone. After all Cambridge benefited from amalgamation in 1973.
12. How do you propose to obtain the maximum level of forest coverage for this area?
Ben Tucci: Use the planning approval process and other legislation and policy to help protect the existing sensitive arrears and as part of development plan approvals, ensure re-forestation where required, in built up areas.
David Reiss: Encourage residential tree planting.
13. How can you best work with community groups and concerned citizens to achieve environmental sustainability?
Ben Tucci: Through support of existing standing committees of Council and through related policy decisions.
David Reiss: Listen to new ideas and sound, provable arguments. Avoid rigid fundamentalist thinking.
14. How would you support and develop lifelong environmental education in the City/Region?
Ben Tucci: I am a strong proponent of early education and that is where lifelong environmental education should begin. Municipalities can, and do, their part in sponsoring and supporting environmental initiatives, working committees etc… but the biggest more profound impact would come from adding environmental education to the school curriculum at all grade levels. I propose to work directly with the Boards of Education in Waterloo Region and with Gerard Kennedy, Minister Of Education to advance my views on this topic.
David Reiss: