Welcome!
I have set up this Web site to provide the residents of Cataraqui District (Marker’s Acres, Rideau Heights, and Cataraqui North) with a sense of who I am as an active citizen and parent, my interest in being a strong advocate for our District, and basic information about the up-coming municipal election and how to vote. We all care about our neighbourhoods and want the best for our families and our community. I plan to speak with as many residents as possible, and look forward to meeting each of you to hear your thoughts and concerns.
If you have questions, comments, or ideas, please let me know!
Thank you for visiting,
Jeff Welsh
613-539-1301
candidate@jeffwelsh.org
COGECO ELECTION VIDEO
To view Jeff’s Cogeco Video, please go to:
JEFF IN KINGSTON THIS WEEK
http://www.kingstonthisweek.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2780367
Passionate about community
By KTW Staff
“Those who know me know that I am passionate about community service,” says Jeff Welsh, who is running to fill the City Council seat in Cataraqui District left vacant by Sara Meers. “That’s why so many encouraged me to run for council. Dave Meers’ endorsement certainly made me feel good about my decision.”
Welsh worked for a number of years in health care and bookkeeping before becoming a teaching assistant several years ago at Queen’s University.
A resident of Cataraqui District and a father of two, he has volunteered considerable amounts of time in the community in recent years. He believes his experience of city committee work, involvement in recent planning activities, and experience on the board of non-profit organizations is invaluable experience for a potential City Councillor.
“I’m familiar with budgeting processes and how the City works. That’s basic experience any Councillor should have,” he says.
Volunteering in community activities, such as the Harvest Market at the Wally Elmer Centre, has also allowed him to hear residents’ thoughts on local issues, he says.
“Friends and neighbours love this district, and it’s the people that make it so nice. They just don’t always feel that they are receiving their fare share of City services and infrastructure,” he says.
According to a recent survey, Kingston property tax levels are on the higher end among comparable cities, yet Kingstonians do not always receive the same level of municipal services as in other municipalities, such as low-cost services for seniors, explains Welsh. This sense of relative under-performance is particularly felt by many in Cataraqui District, he argues, where street and sidewalk maintenance is among the worst in the city, there was little east-west bus service until this September, and numerous neglected properties line portions of Montreal Street.
Until very recent commercial development on Division Street, the district lacked a supermarket, a post office, and a banking facility. There is still no library.
“Many of the residents with whom I’ve spoken have the sense that they have not received the same level of service as other districts, despite paying the same rates and despite the large tax base of the commercial and industrial areas of the district.”
Welsh says these sentiments are echoed by people in the business community.
“The city needs to ensure that they are not inadvertently choking off economic activity and job creation. The commercial and industrial zones that have generated new jobs and much-needed services for the District have further potential.”
Welsh stresses the need for thoughtful planning and careful budgeting. “There has been a rush in recent years to spend large amounts of tax-dollars on high-profile entertainment facilities. We need to ensure that our debt-service remains manageable.”
In the end, Welsh says, he wants to make sure the City works as well as it can for its residents. “Ultimately, city councillors are accountable to the voters. I am knocking on every door to speak with residents, and have answered and returned all phone calls. It is only by being accessible and communicative that I could hope to serve my district and the city in the best way possible.”
Article ID# 2780367
