Erick Takor
Age: 51
Occupation: accounting manager
How long have you lived in Cambridge?
5+ years
Do you reside in the ward/city you are running in?
Yes, I do
Why are you running in this election?
I chose to run in this election because I believe the time is right for the city of Cambridge to have a council that is diverse as our city. The demographics of the city of Cambridge have changed, we need a councillor can connect with our growing and diverse community to represent our unique perspectives or values at the decision-making table.
My career experiences as an accounting manager and agile process engineer, volunteer experience at the school council (2020 chair), and also at Community Based Leadership has given me a broad spectrum of ideas that can be used when decisions are made at the council table, which reflect and represent the
entire community.
I conduct myself with integrity and I am always thoughtful, transparent and honest in my decision-making processes. And I intend to be true to those values if I am elected. I want to be the voice of my community. Vote for me as your candidate for change, and I will not fail you.
What qualifies you to represent your ward?
First of all I am a Canadian citizen living in the city of Cambridge for over five years and I care about my community in Ward 1 in particular and the beautiful city of Cambridge in general. Secondly I have great communication abilities. As an individual with great verbal and written abilities in English, French and German, I will effectively communicate and present the needs of my constituency during meetings, and thus be their genuine voice of my community at the table.
Furthermore, my extraordinary interpersonal skills will enable me to work comfortably with diverse personalities and colleagues to ensure the needs of my ward and the city are satisfied. I have the experience of negotiating deals.
Lastly, my accounting and finance experience will be a great asset to the city council during the budget debates.
Why should people vote for you?
The people of Cambridge should vote for me because I am the most qualified and most skilled and tested candidate for this election. The city of Cambridge needs someone with energy and with an agile mindset to propose solutions to our multiple problems, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. We need smart solutions on job creation, good roads, property taxes, crime, opioid addiction, and homelessness.
The people should vote for me because I have experience working with diversity and will bring an inclusive platform to the community.
The people should vote for me because we will be having regular monthly meetings, where our issues will be debated upon and thus relayed to the council.
What do you see as the main issues facing residents of the ward?
The main issues facing the residents of Ward 1 are diverse and unique in nature; homelessness, drug control, high property taxes, neighbourhood safety concerns, environmental control, healthcare and inclusivity.
What do you see as the main issues facing residents of Cambridge on a broader scale?
Homelessness, drug and opioids control, high property taxes and housing affordability.
What is the most important thing you want to see changed in Cambridge?
Property tax stabilization and housing affordability.
What services need to be improved in Cambridge?
Infrastructure services
Healthcare services
New Immigrants advising centres
Social amenities
Is Cambridge growing too fast, just the right amount, or not fast enough?
I think it is growing too fast. According to statistics Canada, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge were the fastest growing cities in Canada in 2021. Waterloo region leads with a 2.8 per cent increase. This is as a result of the tech companies relocating to the region, and an influx of immigrants moving to the west because of the lower cost of living to the GTA.
What can be done at the local level about the rising cost of housing?
The city should tax greedy speculators, flippers and bad developers. Secondly, first time property owners should be given an incentive or an equity loan of up to 10 per cent of the value of their prospective home to assist with their down payment, absentee landlords should be taxed. etc.
What can be done locally about the homelessness issue?
- Lower the cost of housing affordability
- Provide jobs
- Citizens are expected to donate
How do we make Cambridge an even better city to live in?
- By building the LRT network and a proper GO service
- By Investing in children and youths programs
- By adding a university
- Environmental initiatives like planting trees, shrubs
- Building of more playgrounds
Visit the following links to learn more about Erick:
