Brian Yeomans

Email: yeomansward3@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/YeomansWard3
Twitter: www.twitter.com/YeomansWard3
Instagram: www.instagram.com/yeomansward3

2022 Windsor Election Rose City Politics Candidate Questionnaire answers:

I have been the Chair of the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association for the past four years. I was previously Chair of the Ontario Restaurant Hotel Motel Association (ORHMA) for two terms.

As a resident and worker in Ward 3, I believe the city’s strength begins in the core. Over the last four years, I have seen so many positive steps forward for our Ward. I want to continue that positive momentum. I know Ward 3’s strengths and I am also familiar with our issues. With the right advocacy, I believe that we can make further steps towards being a safe, walkable community.

3. What do you do currently for a living?

I am Regional Director of Sales for three local hotel properties. I have worked in the Hospitality industry for twenty- eight years in the city.

4. What is the biggest issue affecting the ward you are running for?

We are facing several challenges in our Ward. One of the most significant are those facing homelessness, mental health and drug addiction. This is one of our most vulnerable populations and they deserve help and dignity. I support allocating city dollars to solving the baseline issues behind homelessness (Housing First model / substance support / mental health first responders). When someone with persistent long term mental illness comes in contact with the police, they can often end up in the hospital or in jail. Funding long-term supportive housing (like Iris House), is cheaper than both hospitalization and jails. More importantly, it provides a safe place where individuals are cared for by people who know them and their history/medication.

I would not claim to be the expert in handling this, but part of being a good representative is listening to the right people like those on the Windsor Homeless Coalition.

5. What is the biggest issue affecting the city of Windsor?

Windsor as a whole needs to focus on active transportation – whether that is taken as continuous bike lanes throughout the city or a reliable, streamlined transit system. We have had residents die from traffic violence. This is not a ‘nice to have’ issue, but rather a pressing issue that impacts us on an economic, ecological, and health level. It’s already too late for the Windsorites who have lost their lives being hit either walking or cycling. We need action now in improving how everyone moves through the city.

6. Are you seeking any endorsements?

See question 7

7. Have you received any endorsements?

I have received the endorsement from our outgoing councillor for Ward 3, Rino Bortolin, as well as the Windsor District Labour Council.

8. Will you continue the “hold the line on taxes” policy?

This policy of “holding the line on taxes” has not done Windsor’s infrastructure any favours. In order for us to see better roads, improved sewer infrastructure, better transit and a safer walkable community, we need to stay in line with other cities of our size. With minimal growth in our taxes, we can ensure these increases work responsibly for our citizens, not focusing on legacy projects.

9. Do you support the mega-hospital location?

I support ensuring Ward 3 maintains a hospital presence, as we have one of the lowest average income in the city, and closing our location leaves the city’s core population vulnerable.

If this is the location we will have in the future, plans need to be put in place so that Ward 3 residents without a vehicle can access urgent care easily, as well as the many services that the hospital provides. Happy about the location or not, we should be planning now for better transportation and bus services to that part of the city, as well as expanded services in the core so people aren’t traveling so far to access basic care.

10. Do you support strong mayor legislation?

I vehemently oppose the strong mayors legislation. This power is undemocratic and will negatively impact how the city is run. Giving sole power to one individual to hire and fire a municipality’s CEO, for example, will drastically affect how the CEO performs their duties, giving an unreasonable bias to the mayor, instead of the city and its council.

11. Should the city use taxpayers dollars to bring jobs to the area?

I believe that economic development is very important for our city. I have lived in Windsor for thirty years and I have seen the closure of several plants, the loss of countless jobs, and a change in the workforce. We should be focused on diversifying the types of work we have in the city; from research and development, I.T., being a hub for innovation, while still knowing what the city was built on. A strong, skilled labour force. There needs to be a balance of where the funds to bring jobs to Windsor come from. Yes, the city should have some involvement in bringing jobs to the area, but not necessarily using our city dollars to fund it.

12. If you are running in a ward with an incumbent who is also running, why is change necessary, and why are you the person to deliver it?

NA

13. How many hours per week do you plan to allocate towards council business if elected?

I believe that the role will require 30-40 hours per week, which I am happy to perform.

14. Do you live in the ward you are running for?

Yes, I am a proud resident of Ward 3

15. What agencies, boards, or committees do/have you served on, and in what capacity?

I have recently (since announcing my candidacy) taken a leave as the Chair of the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association.

16. What person, animal or fictional character should be Windsor’s unofficial mascot?

Being the southernmost city in Canada, and along the migratory path, I believe the Monarch Butterfly would be a great mascot.