Questionnaire:
Sandra Yeung Racco
 
Councillor (Ward 4, City of Vaughan)
 
Why are you running for re-election?
 
I would like to continue serving the residents of Ward 4 and the taxpayers of Vaughan. I take pride in making positive improvements to my community and to the lives of our residents. There are a number of projects that I have initiated over the past two terms as councillor and I would like to see them to fruition, including the construction of the Spadina Subway Extension and the development of the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre.
 
What do you think is your most appealing quality to voters?
 
I believe my dedication and commitment to my community is my strongest asset. My constituents know that I am someone who works hard and genuinely listens to them. They also know I try to find resolutions to whatever issues may arise, and share their vision for a thriving, vibrant and caring community.
 
If you're re-elected, what will be your main priorities?
 
Smart Growth & Environmental Responsibility
- Build sustainable, green communities.
- Repair old and develop new infrastructure.
 
Improved Transportation
- Ease traffic congestion and streamline transit.
- Accelerate subway expansion into Vaughan.
 
Economic Prosperity
- Bring new business and jobs to Vaughan.
- Attract local, national and international investment.
 
Youth & Seniors
- Provide more programs and facilities.
- Ensure their voices are heard on critical issues.
 
Arts & Culture
- Cultivate and showcase local talent.
- Expand the Creative Together Cultural Plan.
 
Transparency & Open Communication
- Improve dialogue between taxpayers, the City and other levels of government.
- Conduct clean, transparent and fair City business.
 
Will you be accepting corporate donations to your campaign, and if so, will accepting this money affect your candidacy?
 
No, I have no intention of soliciting or accepting corporate donations.
 
What should we do to increase voter turnout from 38%?
 
I intend to do a number of things to better engage voters, including:
 
- Reaching out to demographics that are not usually engaged in politics (e.g. youth, new Canadians, etc.)
 
- Encouraging residents to attend Meet and Greet events where they can interact with candidates to get a better feel of their platform, work ethic, experience, etc., and can make the candidates aware of their concerns (similar to the public consultation process on non-election matters)
 
- Utilizing new forms of social media such as Facebook to raise awareness about my campaign, the election, and important issues
 
I also believe we need to focus on substantive issues, like ensuring that infrastructure keeps up with growth, rather than name-calling and infighting - which I believe turns voters off.
 
Do you think the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre will play a positive role to the quality of life in this city?
 
As Chair of the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Advisory Committee, I have been actively involved in the planning of the future downtown core. The Metropolitan Centre will be the focal point of Vaughan, and a major stop on the Spadina subway extension. It can, and should, provide a tremendous boost to our community, as a gateway for York Region and Central Ontario. It will also create an appealing tourist destination in and of itself.
 
This new downtown core will transform the cityscape and create a central focus for area businesses and residents throughout Vaughan. Surrounded by incredible amenities and modern infrastructure, including well-thought-through pedestrian and bicycle pathways and green and open space, it will support a healthy and vibrant community.
 
With the subway opening in 2015, GTA customers, clients and employees will be just one train away from the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre and Toronto's Union Station. The new city centre promises to be a hub of activity, a collection of culture, social interaction, business, recreation, and civil service.
 
I intend to work to ensure that we plan and develop a well balanced, mixed sustainable downtown that will be attractive to residents and visitors.
 
   
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