Campaign Video

Https://youtu.be/zBxbnuPAazE

Thursday 25 April 2019

And we are off to a predictable start....

The climate change emergency has been declared. Now the emergency measures need to be declared.

Rideau Rockcliffe has been excluded from the influential finance committee. ..even on an exofficio ( non voting) basis.

The dynamic at council is continued.
Ward 13 is home to 2,293 OCH households + nearly 5K tenants.

Here is the city of Ottawa's idea of emergency measures. Officially declare a climate emergency for the purposes of naming, framing, and deepening our commitment to protecting our economy, our eco systems, and our community from climate change; Establish a Council Sponsors Group comprised of representatives from the Standing Committees on Environmental Protection, Water and Waste Management, Planning Committee, Transportation Committee, Transit Commission, the Ottawa Board of Health and the Councillor Liaison of the Environment Stewardship Advisory Committee; Direct City staff to include the following in the review and update of the AQCCMP: a) An analysis of how the AQCCMP’s long term target to reduce GHG emissions 80% below 2012 levels by 2050 compares to the IPCC’s targets for limiting global warming to 1.5 ºC b) Midterm (2030) corporate and community GHG emission reduction targets c) Climate Change mitigation and adaptation priorities for next five years (2019-2024) to embed climate change considerations across all elements of City business; Direct City staff to include the following in the Energy Evolution Final Report: a) Status update of Energy Evolution Phase 1 actions b) New concrete actions and resource implications (staff and financial) to achieve GHG emission reduction targets c) Use an equity and inclusion lens in the prioritization of actions d) Funding and savings options for the City when implementing emission reductions; Direct City staff to report back, within the 2019 calendar year, on a spending plan for the Hydro Ottawa Dividends Surplus that would help reduce community and corporate GHG emissions beyond the scope of the City’s current climate targets while also saving money; Direct City staff to complete a vulnerability assessment and develop a climate resiliency strategy to reduce the impacts of a changing climate; Recognize climate change as a strategic priority in the City’s strategic plan and accompanying budget directions for the remaining Term of Council; and Work with senior levels of government to accelerate ambition and action to meet the urgency of climate change and provide additional resources for municipalities and the public to reduce their GHG emissions and build resiliency to climate impacts.

Monday 15 April 2019

Results- thanks to voters and candidates

Here are the results

Rawlson won. It does not matter that the ward issues of better road maintenance, snow clearing and slower traffic were not in his planks, rather he zoomed in on poverty and housing. What do you think will happen over the next three years? Will voters notice that their voiced concerns are not actually priorities at city hall? It is democracy at work! And people truly deserve the government they get. 
https://youtu.be/uKEGdSmnzyc




The great priviledge is being able to go door to door, and meeting voters on the street.  The campaign was hard work but fun. 

Thanks again Rideau Rockcliffe, and fellow candidates, congratulations to Rawlson King our new councillor.

Monday 8 April 2019

If you have not decided yet... read this blog post.

You have to do your homework, there is no shortcut.

Everyone brings positive things to the table...

But I am your best choice because of my unique experience, skills and frank communication style.

Election Night Info: Stay tuned to this blog!
Election Night Location: TBD
Principal Contact: myself
Phone Number: 613 304 5844


ELECTION RESOURCES:

Statements from all candidate in English on Rogers TV: (I am on at 15:53 ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nq_W3oi89_c
Déclarations en français sur TV Rogers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpSMoV_zWxA 

Interviews of each candidate by the Presidents of Community Associations: http://www.lindenlea.ca/2019-by-election.html

The New Edinburgh News also has a bio and response from each candidate in its April edition:


Here's a fun site to have a look at.  You can even participate in a mock vote and see what mock results are after 16 rounds of ranked voting.  An interesting exercise.

Saturday 6 April 2019

Everybody talks about the environment....doing something about it is another thing.

The time frame for action is frightening. We will need to focus on the interventions upon which there is high agreement, and high confidence specifically in areas we can control, like modes of transportation, the buildings we inhabit and our dietary preferences.


Transportation: In future people must travel less, and shift to more sustainable choices like car sharing and hybrid and electric cars. using more efficient modes of travel, e.g. swapping cars, trucks and planes to buses and trains is required.
Buildings: using smart thermostats or more efficient air conditioners is only part of the solution.

Diets: We need toconsume about 30% less animal products.The livestock sector is estimated to account for 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions globally, more than direct emissions from the transport sector.


Sources: IPCC - summary for policy makers

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the main multilateral forum focused on addressing climate change.

Globally, economic and population growth are the most important drivers of increases in CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion. The contribution of population growth between 2000 and 2010 remained roughly identical to the previous three decades, while the contribution of economic growth has risen sharply.

Between 2000 and 2010, both drivers outpaced emission reductions from improvements in energy intensity. Increased use of coal runs counter to decarbonization of the world’s energy supply. [1.3, 5.3, 7.2, 14.3, TS.2.2]

Energy demand growth results from improvements in wealth, lifestyle change, access to modern energy services and adequate housing, and urbanisation.

I have studied the motion recently prepared to mobilize the city to address the gag crisis. I can summarize it as follows:

a climate emergency names, frames, and commits to protecting our economy, ecosystem, and community from climate change as a strategic priority in the City’s strategic plan and budget

the Chairs of the Standing Committee on Environmental Protection, Water and Waste Management, Planning Committee, Transportation Committee, Transit Commission and the Councilor Liaison of Environment Stewardship Advisory Committee act as the steering committee

Set the GHG targets for the Air Quality and Climate Change Management Plan necessary to limit warming to 1.5C;

Prepare a Climate Change Resilience Strategy and plan


We need to be clear in what we are trying to do.

Building codes and appliance standards, if well designed and implemented, have been among the most environmentally and cost-effective instruments for emission reductions (robust evidence, high agreement)


Friday 5 April 2019

You have one minute to answer the question...

The recent oca candidate forum helped demonstrate the difficulty of running a meaningful campaign.

There were such important questions as cake or pie? Or

 cats or dogs?

Seriously?

Please read the blogs and listen to the 1310 interviews instead.  Here is my segment, go to the end, the last 10 minutes.

Peter Karwacki on 1310 news


Monday 1 April 2019

You can't always get what you want...

 1. Consult with Tobi Nussbaum. He knows.

 2. Consult with community association presidents, establishing priorities. The ward is not amorphous. I also include each of the 16 other candidates who have made their own consultations and who are keen to make a difference. This would be a powerful group,after the campaign!

 3. Consult with the other 22 councillors to find consensus, and matters of joint interest. You need the votes.

 4.Consult with senior management to determine road blocks and opportunities. Staff get things done, or not.

 5. Engage in councillor activities with knowledge and forethought. You cannot charge in there and change the world. You will not be loved in the struggle for resources. I would consider hiring Chris Penton or Jamie as a staff resource so that by the next election cycle they would be groomed, they would be truly ready to run for Council.

And, with an actual plan,  if you try, sometimes you get what you need!

https://www.1310news.com/2019/04/04/ottawa-today-april-4-1100-1200-3/
1310 interview

Citizen Complaints...”a how to”

Substantive comments during scoping require you do one or more of the following:

 Raise issues the city has not considered; reinforce issues the city has already identified
 Present information that can be used when the city considers impacts of alternatives
 Raise concerns, with reasoning, regarding public land resources within the planning area
 Raise concerns, with reasoning, regarding uses of public lands within the planning area
 Recommend specific changes to management’s actions
 Question, with reasonable basis, the accuracy of information in any report already created
Comments that are NOT substantive include:

 Comments in favor of or against an action without any reasoning (such as “I don’t like” without providing any rationale)
 Comments that only agree or disagree with city policy
 Comments without justification or supporting data (such as “allow more cycle lanes”)
 Comments that don’t pertain to the decision (such as “the city should eliminate all towers throughout the ward”)
 Comments that take the form of vague, open-ended questions
Please provide substantive comments, which will be the most useful kind during this planning effort. the more specific you can be the better. Provide information that backs up your response.

Wednesday 20 March 2019

Tunnels and Bridges, Pas de problem!


That is where it’s going to go!

As it stands there are semi trucks making right hand turns at Rideau and King Edward.
Mayor Watson describes the Kettle Island bridge option as "an eviceration" of communities. The NCC calls it the best option (note Tobi Nussbaum is the new NCC CEO).  The leadership at Montfort has rightly identified that truck traffic may slow down emergency services.


But something is going to happen.

Mayor Watson has envisioned a tunnel under the Rideau River leading trucks to the 417.  Does anybody see a problem with this? I certainly do!




People are throwing around numbers like a billion dollars like it was chump change. ( if you tried to count to a billion you would die of old age first!)


The Kettle island option could also incorporate a tunnelling combination with a bridge  to avoid traffic tie ups.

Its time to get creative with the solutions, not a bridge alone not a tunnel alone, but bridges and tunnels in combination.



The NCC is focusing on three locations for a sixth bridge: one at Kettle Island near the Rockcliffe Airport and two farther east at Lower Duck Island and McLaurin Bay that connect with Ottawa in the Orleans area.

Cbc video on traffic at King Edward and the failed tunnel at Kettle island  http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2394546044/

The National Capital Commission recommended Ottawa's sixth interprovincial bridge cross over Kettle Island. The corridor at Kettle Island near the Rockcliffe Airport was one of three options the NCC considered for the proposed interprovincial bridge. 

Alain-Michel Sékula, Chair of the Montfort Hospital trustees, said the traffic that the new bridge created would tie-up ambulances in traffic. As envisioned he is right but he didn't really offer any alternatives either.

"the bridge is going to Kettle island, you can like that or lump it but that is where it is going to go" says Jim Patton:

https://twitter.com/Mike__Patton/status/1108381842317561856

Saturday 16 March 2019

And then there were 17

Get Informed, ask questions, vote responsibly




Cast your vote virtually in this unofficial poll.

Unofficial Poll :https://poll.fm/10232748



 https://bellscorners.wordpress.com/rideau-rockcliffe-by-election-apr-15-2019/

 Very good CBC Article on all candidates

✔8. Peter Jan Karwacki


2019/02/11 Yes 613-304-5844 peterkarwacki.overbrook@gmail.com(link sends e-mail) www.peterkarwacki.blogspot.com(link is external) 

 1. Kasia Adamiec


 2019/02/28 Yes 613-791-3575 info@votekasia.ca(link sends e-mail)

 2. Idris Ben-Tahir

 2019/03/01 No 613-234-0707 i.bentahir92@gmail.com(link sends e-mail)

 3. Marc Dorgeville

 2019/01/30 Yes 613-809-2937 marc.dorgeville@gmail.com(link sends e-mail) www.marcdorgeville.ca(link is external)

 4. Bruce A. Faulkner 2019/02/26 No brucefaulkner777@gmail.com(link sends e-mail)

 5. Johan Hamels

 2019/01/30 Yes 613-744-6009 johanhamels2019@gmail.com(link sends e-mail) www.johanhamels.ca(link is external)

 6. Peter Heyck 2019/02/15 Yes 613-853-4251 peterheyck@gmail.com(link sends e-mail)

 7. Miklos Horvath

 2019/02/13 Yes 613-293-0323 votehorvath@gmail.com(link sends e-mail) www.votehorvath.ca(link is external)



9. Rawlson King

 2019/02/05 Yes 613-868-1860 info@rawlsonking.ca(link sends e-mail) www.rawlsonking.ca(link is external)

 10. Jerry Kovacs

 2019/03/01 Yes 613-366-6796 jerry_kovacs@yahoo.ca(link sends e-mail)

 11. Jamie Kwong

 2019/01/30 Yes 613-252-8366 jamie@jamiekwong.ca(link sends e-mail) www.jamiekwong.ca(link is external)

 12. Maurice Lamirande

 2019/02/26 No 613-371-7827 mauricelamirande1945@gmail.com(link sends e-mail) www.mauricelamirande.com(link is external) 

13. Patrick Mayangi

 2019/02/06 Yes 613-262-8342 pat.mayangi@gmail.com(link sends e-mail) www.patrickmayangi.ca(link is external)

 14. Oriana Ngabirano

 2019/02/04 Yes 613-252-4364 info@voteoriana.ca(link sends e-mail) www.voteoriana.ca(link is external)

 15. Chris Penton

 2019/02/14 Yes 613-883-1012 votepenton@gmail.com(link sends e-mail) www.votepenton.ca(link is external)

 16. Sheila Perry

 2019/03/01 Yes 613-407-7434 votesheila@sheilaperry.ca(link sends e-mail)

 17. Penny Thompson


 2019/02/01 Yes 613-851-9623 pennythompson@rogers.com(link sends e-mail) www.votepennyt.ca(link is external) 

Thursday 14 March 2019

Ward Issues - The folly of promises made but unkept

I encourage people to ask for the change they want to see in the Ward.  What I have heard over the last month has not been unreasonable...better snow clearing, help with child care for new citizens, improved bike lane maintenance, vigilance at council to guard the public purse... this is all very reasonable.  You will find all candidates citing similar things...no surprise there, we collectively know what our issues are.

One man simply asked for a better dog park. As a dog owner I can relate. As I have said, I want to support families, their children and their pets. The animals are just innocent by standers and they trust that we will look after them.

Voter Resources:

Rogers TV finally published their candidates presentations. There are 15 of these three minute sessions. It is interesting to see many reading notes and reciting lists. I am sure this approach is not going to resonate with voters. Why? Because the issues are pretty much universal, instead the point is “who will best represent the ward?” You be the judge, here are ALL of the statements: Here is the link to the English show on our YouTube channel. (may thanks to Rogers TV for their support of this community ward election)




If you are impatient... I start at 15:53! ... but please listen to what everybody has to say.


https://overbrook.ca/2019/03/07/ward-13-community-associations-interview-by-election-candidates/  


Community Policing Anyone?

Community policing is a philosophy of full service personalized policing, where the same officer patrols and works in the same area on a permanent basis, from a decentralized place, working in a proactive partnership with citizens to identify and solve problems." — Bertus Ferreira.

Tuesday 12 March 2019

A history of political involvement

I have been encouraged to participate in politics by my friends and family, people who know me best.

Although I am no politician I believe in the power of politics to get things done. It is the art of the possible.

Here is a brief look at my family’s political archive. For the record, my father, possibly the least political of all politicians did become a town councillor.Note: my grand father was Winnipeg’s first Ukrainian speaking councillor.


Monday 11 March 2019

Essential Services and the role of councillor

What we often take for granted, transit services, hospital services, ambulance services, garbage pick up, sewer and water, police and fire services...the councillor has a leadership role, a spokesperson’s role to communicate the standards expected by the community.



Who do you want communicating your needs at city hall?



The city is geographically large and complex. There is a preponderance of highly educated people who all seem to have an opinion on about how things should run, often with opposing views.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa


Sunday 10 March 2019

Give the fake poll a try.

https://poll.fm/10232748





Keep in mind this just gives a indication of how people are thinking. Where they put their "x's" on April 15th is an entirely different matter.

Rogers TV prepared 15 segments, with each candidate speaking for three minutes.  Follow this link to access the Rogers presentations for all of the candidates, presented here for your convenience.


Neighborhood Challenges

A bit of friendly competition can be fun and helpful too.

In such a diverse ward cohesion is built by finding ways to pool efforts and build understanding though common purpose.

https://www.facebook.com/peter.karwacki/posts/10156330857533379?notif_id=1552161062710371&notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic




Saturday 9 March 2019

Reality Bites

From susansherring.ca...

"It’s pretty easy to criticize from the outside of council. And save for the mayor refusing to take your calls, there aren’t many ramifications for pointing out his flaws in a Sun column or on my blog. And frankly, the mayor has lots of flaws – so there’s plenty of material. 

But for a city councillor, especially a newbie, butting heads with the mayor – either publicly or behind closed doors – comes with its own set of risks. While city council theoretically has final approval for all spending, Watson has managed to get a majority of councillors to toe the line and push forward his agenda. And if you butt heads with the mayor, as a city councillor – you risk not getting projects of importance in your own ward pushed through. It’s a tricky situation and politicians can easily find themselves on the outside looking in."

"The all-important finance and economic development committee – essentially the council cabinet – is chock full of city councillors willing to do his bidding. And if you take a closer look at the makeup of that committee, no sign of those pesky, left-leaving downtown councillors who try to get in Watson’s way. In case you missed the dripping sarcasm – that means the downtown wards aren’t represented on the most important committee."

"Councillors – most of whom aren’t considered Watson allies – who ranked certain committees as their number one choice weren’t rewarded, while some – Watson’s ‘yes sir’ group – who had little interest on being on those same committees found themselves getting a spot; those the mayor has the least use for find themselves on relatively insignificant committees they have no interest in. Does this make sense? Of course not. The only person who benefits from this process is Watson himself, who is adverse to opposition – and simply used his power to ensure anyone who questions him get shut out. And he’s handed out enough goodies to almost guarantee the votes will go his way. That’s not democracy." 

So you want to be councillor?

There is no substitute for experience. This is particularly true for councillor where life experience is drawn upon in decision making.  Unfortunately ignorance is bliss as we enter with high confidence that we will change the world and find instead that we are running bake sales, silent auctions and raffles.

Good luck to all candidates and to the voters who must make a difficult choice.




Friday 8 March 2019

International Women’s Day - its all about awareness and fairness

My grand daughter will see a much different reality as she is introduced to the world.

I support the changes under way as they lead the world to a better place, one of balance and harmony

Happy International Women’ s Day.

Future Candidate Meet Up April 10th - Rideau Sports Centre - cancelled due to weather

This event has been cancelled due to illness and weather.

I will not be at the Rideau Sports Centre at Adawa and Donald Street at 7:00 PM on Wednesday April 10th.

The purpose is to meet the public in advance of the polls to answer questions and discuss issues.

There is no need to register.


Thursday 7 March 2019

Meet all the Candidates ...courtesy of the Manor Park Chronicle

Vote Responsibly, Get Involved, Ask Questions

The Overbrook Community Association has also provided questions and answers from those candidates that were last minutes registrants. You can see the entire slate here:  

The Lindenlea association also published the same set of questions. http://www.lindenlea.ca/2019-by-election.html

The purpose of the interviews was to help residents understand who the candidates are, what drives them to run and what skills they bring to the table.

The results can be found here: http://www.lindenlea.ca/2019-by-election.html

All Candidates Meetings

I will attend this debate, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 400 McArthur, from 7-9pm on the 8th of April.
So far 7 candidates have accepted their invitation


Peter Karwacki is unable to attend the following meetings:

1425 Clubs meeting on the 26th, 

OCA organized meeting on March 29th. 33 Quill St, at 1800 hours.



Questions concerning the 1425 meeting, Call Sylvia McConnell 613-291-1050.
         WhenTue Mar 26, 2019 7pm – 10pm Eastern Time - Toronto
         WhereLes Terrasses Francesca, 1425 Vanier Pkwy, Ottawa, ON K1K 3W6, Canada (map)

Due to a recent death in the family he will now be unable to attend the Lindenlea all candidates meeting on April 2nd at 7:00pm at Queen Juliana Hall.The community associations of Cardinal Glen, Lindenlea, Manor Park, New Edinburgh, Overbrook and Rockcliffe Park invite you to participate in a Candidates' Forum for all candidates on Tuesday evening April 2 from 7:00 - approx. 9:30 pm at the Queen Juliana Hall (gymnasium of Rockcliffe Park Public School), 350 Buena Vista Rd. Rockcliffe Park

He will attend the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 400 McArthur, from 7-9pm on the 8th of April.

Here as well are the Rogers TV recorded statements Here is the link to the English show on our YouTube channel. (if you are impatient, I start at 15:53)



















What is the role of councillor?


People often ask “what do you want to do as councillor”  Most asking the question are usually more interested in which issues I believe are most important.

The role of council has been prescribed by the Municipal act.

I have summarized them here:


Role of Ward Councillor


http://ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/csedc/2004/04-28/agendaitem2.htm



  1. represent the public and consider their well-being and interests by discussing issues facing the city and its residents - its day-to-day operational business; and to make decisions based on information presented by city staff and the councillor’s own values, knowledge and beliefs informed by the opinions expressed by constituents.
  2. develop and evaluate city policies ,services and programs
  3. determine which services and the standards of services the municipality will provide
  4. maintain the financial integrity of the municipality;
  5. ensure administrative policies and practices and procedures including controllership policies are in place to implement the decisions of council
  6. ensure the accountability and transparency of the operations of the municipality including the activities of the senior management
  7. participate as a member of council


ROLE - CITY OF OTTAWA COUNCILLOR


Representation of ward interests, citizens, issues


·           Meet with ward residents, gain familiarity with local issues/concerns about existing and proposed City services directions and changes.
·           Attend community association meetings and keep up-to-date with ward issues, needs and concerns.
·           Communicate Council decisions concerning services/programs/issues to ward residents, either through attendance at meetings, preparation of newsletters or other communication vehicles.
·           Provide assistance, direction and information to ward residents on access or use of City services.
·           Obtain the assistance of City staff in resolving and addressing unique or particular issues or concerns raised by ward residents.

Policy and City Program/services direction and approval


·           Chair/attend public consultation meetings to explain and obtain feedback on service proposals and directions affecting City of Ottawa citizens.
·           Review meeting agendas, staff studies and proposals on a wide range of programs and issues ranging from infrastructure development/maintenance, social assistance, emergency and protective services (police, fire, ambulance), recreation and city planning and development.
·           Develop positions and motions to influence the direction of policy/programs/services; determine level of support amongst citizens and colleagues, refine proposals and present and justify these at Committees of Council and Council meetings.
·           Assist in setting broad planning and service directions for the current and future needs of the City of Ottawa by reviewing and ultimately voting on the Official Plan, Visions and Directions and on the expenditure of funds for studies/assessments to evaluate the need for certain programs, projects and initiatives.
·           Participate in setting City budget and determining service fees and tax levels as well as service/program levels to balance the provision of services to City of Ottawa citizens with the maintenance of acceptable fee/taxation levels to pay for programs/services.

Representation on Committees of Council/Boards 


·           Chair/serve as member of City Committees of Council/Boards (e.g. Library Board, Police Services Board).
·           Review, evaluate staff proposals, studies and recommendations concerning City services/programs.
·           Integrate local/ward concerns/issues with overall City-wide service/program needs and influence the direction of services to meet the needs of the majority of citizens.

 

 

Management of office staff and budget


·           Hire, direct and evaluate the work of an Assistant
·           Manage office budget of $      , approve expenditures related to duties of office
·           Determine the need for acquisition of services to assist with duties of office


Role of Council and the Head of Council as per the Municipal Act, 2001

Role of council

224.   It is the role of council,
(a)   to represent the public and to consider the well-being and interests of the municipality;
(b)   to develop and evaluate the policies and programs of the municipality;
(c)   to determine which services the municipality provides;
(d)   to ensure that administrative practices and procedures are in place to implement the decisions of council;
(e)   to maintain the financial integrity of the municipality; and
(f)   to carry out the duties of council under this or any other Act.  2001, c. 25, s. 224.
Role of head of council
225.   It is the role of the head of council,
(a)   to act as chief executive officer of the municipality;
(b)   to preside over council meetings;
(c)   to provide leadership to the council;
(d)   to represent the municipality at official functions; and
(e)   to carry out the duties of the head of council under this or any other Act.  2001, c. 25, s. 225.