Salvaging Steel City
Former Mayor of Hamilton, Councillor and MP, Bob Bratina, has called Hamilton "broken," and the cracks are unmistakable. Ward 8 has been without representation for several months and there is much to be accomplished. Vote Wicken to utilize the next 13 months and salvage outstanding issues in Ward 8.
Short term solutions
With her extensive experience in City Hall, strong relationships and her relentless solution orientation, here are Issues Wicken can resolve in the 13-month term.
Roads
There are streets in our neighbourhoods that haven't been touched in 40 years. This affects the safety of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Boddington neighbourhood was slated for road revitalization - it’s August, and it hasn’t happened. It was supposed to start in June.
Wicken, already possessing direct experience handling roadwork, knowing the people and departments involved, will ensure Ward 8's roads are not just repaired, but revitalized.
Accessibility Part 1
Hamilton is not accessible for everyone.
Darts is not reliable transport, causing too many people with disabilities to be late for precious appointments in a maxed-out healthcare system; late to and from their jobs, late for taking care of their loved ones.
Regardless of medical appointment, job/job interview or something personal, everyone with a disability deserves reliable access to transportation.
Wicken knows the system and will work with the system to ensure Darts becomes a reliable transportation system.
Accountability
Our Ward has been without representation for months, and Wicken has continued to relentlessly seek accountability of several Ward 8 matters brought by constituents who never heard back from their Ward 8 representatives.
Wicken will pursue accountability of Ward 8 resources, and will be steadfastly transparent with constituents.
Wicken will also visit door-to-door halfway through the term to check in.
Every call will be returned, and every email read and responded to help you find a solution to every problem.
Long-term solutions
Some issues take time and consistent effort to be resolved . Wicken can ensure the process is efficient and effective.
Homelessness
There are a myriad of reasons why someone experiences homelessness, and the number of people in Hamilton has reached crisis levels.
Wicken has volunteered with key organizations, and knows how the budget operates.
Working with councillors and key stakeholders supporting unhomed persons; with federal and provincial representatives, Wicken will ensure everyone unhomed can access housing and healing - setting the trend for neighbouring cities.
For those at the edge, who struggle with marginalization, Wicken will ensure supports are strengthened, and advocate for tax relief while effectively tackling the budget with council, provincial and federal representatives.
Accessibility Part 2
While the city has been implementing barrier-free guidelines for public spaces and recommends that building owners, architects, engineers and designers follow - it’s not mandatory.
As the City continues to infill and develop according to provincial mandates, Wicken will fiercely advocate to make barrier-free access mandatory for newly constructed and retrofitted facilities owned, leased or operated by the City of Hamilton; all other facilities, whether new or retrofitted.
Wicken will also work with fellow councillors, federal and provincial representatives to provide support for small business owners to retrofit their establishments.
Safety
Safety in our city has long been violated by daily reports of violence and theft; of clogged courts and frustrating custody releases only for the alleged offender to reoffend.
We know this must change, and change will take time.
Wicken will work with council, key organizations and Hamilton Police Service to not only increase police presence, but to deal with root causes.
This will extend to advocacy in Ottawa and Queens Park.