Manuel da Silva
Age: 61
Occupation: Customer Service Manager – Stainless Process Equipment Inc.
How long have you lived in Cambridge?
28 Years
Do you reside in the ward/city you are running in?
Yes, I reside in Ward 7.
Why are you running in this election?
Cambridge has been my longest living residence and I believe in being involved and taking part in decision making that involves one’s community and for the betterment of the community. Cambridge has had much growth in the 28 years which I have lived here and we have much to offer. This role will touch on issues impacting the residents on not only Ward 7 and Cambridge but the entire region. We as citizens have a responsibility to contribute and be involved.
What qualifies you to represent your ward?
I have lived in the area for 28 years and in Ward 7 for the past 15 years. Since moving to Cambridge, I have made it a priority to be involved and contribute. I have contributed to my community by;
- Serving on the board of Cambridge Youth Soccer for 10 years
- Volunteered as a director for the Portuguese Club of Cambridge for the past 10 years
- Previously served on elementary and secondary school council for schools which my children attended
- Represented Cambridge and North Dumfries, as a Trustee for the Waterloo Catholic School Board since 2003
Why should people vote for you?
After serving for 19 years as a trustee for WCDSB, I made the decision to run for Ward 7 because I strongly believe that at this stage in my life, my efforts and contributions will be better served at city council level.
I believe that Cambridge has much to offer and I recognize the importance of this role. I realize that there are and will be issues that will need to be addressed and decisions to be made that will not only impact the residents of Ward 7 but all of Cambridge and Waterloo Region. I look forward to fill the position to the best of my ability. I have always believed that we as citizens have a responsibility to contribute and be involved for the betterment of our communities.
I look forward to the opportunity to look for positive solutions and will work to build relationships and lobby for results that will benefit current and future residents of Cambridge.
What do you see as the main issues facing residents of the ward?
Cambridge is a fast growing community and Ward 7 is one of the communities currently experiencing growth and new development. We need to ensure that the appropriate/required infrastructure is being considered and put in place to allow for smooth transitions/flow. We also need to ensure that required resources are considered and made available to serve current and future residents.
What do you see as the main issues facing residents of Cambridge on a broader scale?
- Homelessness
- Proper facilities to assist/look after our most vulnerable residents
- Traffic flow
- Transportation
- Affordable housing
- Fast growing community and appropriate/required infrastructure
What is the most important thing you want to see changed in Cambridge?
I want to see us being better able to serve the most vulnerable in our community. We see far too many people on the streets. We need to ensure that there are programs and facilities that will help people to reintegrate into society and become contributing, self-sufficient members.
What services need to be improved in Cambridge?
Social services and programs to help look after the vulnerable in our communities. Our community has experienced a large increase of homelessness, in the past few years. This problem is not just in our community but is a problem that needs to be addressed. We need to come up with ideas and programs that help these individuals get out of our streets and into safe places.
Is Cambridge growing too fast, just the right amount, or not fast enough?
I have seen a great amount of growth in Cambridge over the past 28 years. We continue to grow and I would say that we are growing in the right amount. However; as we grow, we need to consider appropriate infrastructure, community facilities required to best serve current and future residents.
What can be done at the local level about the rising cost of housing?
I believe these kind of talks need to start at the local level and collaborate with surrounding communities. The local needs also need to be part of provincial and federal conversations.
What can be done locally about the homelessness issue?
This topic should be a part of every council and region meeting. We need to look at better ways to not only better serve the people living on our streets but come up with ideas to have them become contributing members.
How do we make Cambridge an even better city to live in?
Cambridge is my longest living residence and is where my wife and I raised our two children and where our adult children live and our grandsons. Helping to make decisions that will contribute to positive growth in Cambridge is one of the reasons why I’ve decided to run for Ward 7.
To learn more about Manuel, visit www.ManueldaSilva.ca.
