Inside Halton has reached out to every Milton council and regional council candidate and asked them to fill out the questionnaire below.
This is how mayoral candidate Zeeshan Hamid responded.
NAME: Zeesha Hamid
OCCUPATION: Regional councillor. Senior engineering manager, DoorDash.
ADDRESS/WARD: Ward 4
CONTACT INFORMATION: info@votezee.ca, @zeeformayor (all social platforms)
POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR: Mayor of Milton
PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Eight years as a town councillor, four as a regional councillor. Various boards and committees.
WHY HAVE YOU DECIDED TO RUN?:
I love Milton and all that it offers. However, we need stronger political leadership to manage our growth better so we don't lose the charm and uniqueness Milton provides. Unfortunately, we are turning into a community of houses and warehouses at the expense of our local, independent small businesses.
HOW WILL YOU EMBRACE AND CHAMPION DIVERSITY IN THIS ROLE?:
The first step in dealing with diversity, equity and inclusion is to bring back citizen advisory committees. These committees don't just involve citizens at a much earlier stage in the planning process, but they also provide a useful training ground for people with different lived experiences and backgrounds.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE ISSUES?:
Grow without building highrises in already established neighbourhoods.
Protect and grow our local small businesses.
Invest in infrastructure, fire services, transit, recreation and parks.
IF ELECTED, WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH IN YOUR FIRST 100 DAYS?:
Immediately get the ball rolling on the new official plan. Milton is still functioning under the official plan envisioned in the ’90s. It no longer reflects modern realities. Through that official plan, we will protect established neighbourhoods, invest in services, support small businesses, calm the traffic and protect our green spaces.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE/BOOK?
me know it's a cliché but “The Shawshank Redemption.” My favourite book is Dr. Seuss' “Oh, the Places You'll Go!”