We deferred 1.5M$ in projects to ensure we have additional fiscal capacity going forward. We debated whether certain projects should remain on the list. My priority within this debate was to remove any projects I felt were lower priority at this time to add fiscal flexibility, https://twitter.com/StJohnsTelegram/status/1275955227200536584

and argue for those projects my constituents have really asked me to fight to make progress on, both prior to the current pandemic situation, and during it.

It was suggested that I was fighting for the bike trail and maintenance of more funds for traffic calming because they are "pet projects" of mine. The suggestion of 'pet projects' is a condescending remark on what constituents have told me are key priorities to improve their City

The other suggestion that I shouldn't even be questioning the list staff put forward, confounds me. It's my role, as a Councillor to question everything that staff bring forward - yes, to lean on their expert opinions - but a core of my role is to

filter all those decisions through my own judgement and expertise and the priorities and desires of the people of Ward 4. Ultimately, one of the key methods I have, on constituents behalf, to make progress, is how money is spent and the priorities that spending reflect.

It's frustrating that some colleagues suggested I was not being fiscally responsible by supporting an expenditure of $367,000 on a bike transportation project, when the average vehicle costs a household ~$700 per month - an expense we can help them not have.

I'm fighting for bike-pedestrian-transit projects so that families have a choice not to own a second (or first) vehicle, which could save them hundreds a month. These aren't "pet projects" - these are fundamental improvements to make our city more affordable and livable.

We've also seen an upsurge in the number of people biking - they want a safe place to bike - to work, school, or for leisure.

On traffic calming: I expressed frustration with what I have felt, and hear every single day from constituents that we need to make quicker progress. We've made progress on traffic calming, I don't contest that, but when vehicles go 50k/h on any street with houses, it's too fast

There was a lot to that debate, but I felt that we should have kept the additional $50,000 in the budget so that we can make progress more quickly. It's what my constituents are asking, so I argued for it.