Affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing citizens today. It must never be forgotten that, at the end of the day, there is only one taxpayer – YOU. Every dollar spent and tax increase must be carefully considered and justified. Government must be disciplined, focused, and measurable – every decision delivering real results.

How I will achieve this:

• Focus on value-for-money budgeting, requiring departments to justify spending from scratch – not just increasing last years budget
• Identify areas of duplicity between the City of Niagara Falls and the Region of Niagara, and work to mitigate areas that do not support these duplicate costs
• Identify programs that are under-utilized and investigate why, then take appropriate steps to ensure resources are being allocated appropriately
• Identify resources that are being allocated to a failing strategy, then identify the root causes of these issues and invest in targeted solutions

Tax restraint is not optional – it is necessary.

A safe city is a strong city. We need to be tough on crime while also being empathetic to those that need help. Mental health, homelessness, and drug addiction are real challenges that require government to be smart about prevention and support. Safe streets will result in a positive impact to the bottom line – and savings to the taxpayers of Niagara Falls.

How I will achieve this:

•  Safety must be proactive, not reactive. We must expand access to treatment, improve coordination between services, and focus on recovery and long-term outcomes
• Working with health care and homelessness professionals to identify alternatives to shelters and encampments to promote a safe, supportive environment for rehabilitation and entry to the workforce
• During my time on regional council I supported funding for the HART Hub in St. Catharines – connecting housing, healthcare, and recovery under one system. I endeavour to establish a similar highly supportive model where people have access to the proper supports they need to get back on their feet – whether that is medical, financial, or otherwise

 “We need to be the voice that takes care of those individuals and makes the decisions to help them get better and also protect our society,” – JM, St. Catharines Standard, Sep 18, 2025

Since 2017 I have worked diligently to bring attention and funding to anti-human trafficking organizations. In February 2018, during my third term as Niagara Falls City Councillor, I brought forward a motion requesting financial assistance for the development of an Anti Human Trafficking Program, which was passed unanimously. This motion assisted in the development of the Code of Conduct for Human Trafficking Prevention in the Niagara Region (found here), and I am proud to have served as Vice-Chair of the steering committee that created this document. Working with organizations such as TOES (Tools of Empowerment for Success) Niagara and Brock University this document outlines the responsibilities of key players to provide a safer Niagara for residents and visitors. This is a strong first step to eradicating human trafficking, but there is more to be done! I understand the critical need for this work, and will work towards a safer future for Niagara.

How I will achieve this:

• Continue to lobby various levels of government for funding to bring awareness and resources to fight human trafficking
• Continue working with people and organizations in Niagara to identify alternative measures that are as yet untried
• Liaise with organizations outside of Niagara and identify tactics and programs they have used with success, that have yet to be tried in Niagara

“It’s important to do everything we can to eradicate (trafficking)” – JM, St. Catharines Standard, Dec 13, 2019

As a member of the Regional Public Works Committee, I have worked to understand infrastructure needs and secure funding to address them. Planning growth must include mitigating strain on existing neighbourhoods, ensuring existing infrastructure can withstand proposed expansion. Likewise, as a member of the Niagara Transit Committee, I understand the importance of transit expansion being prioritized as demands rise.

How I will achieve this:

• Identify areas of concern regarding our water and wastewater facilities, then establish a plan of action to ensure we always have safe drinking water and are operating stormwater and wastewater collection systems according to provincially established regulations
• Identify areas of greatest need and devise a plan to mindfully support investment into roads, bridges, and core infrastructure
• Identify areas where transit reliance has changed and ensure that expansion to those areas is accomplished in a timely fashion

“We need to (…) move forward so that we can look at the future and start building a good transportation system for everybody and to actually really start moving people throughout the region,” – JM, St. Catharines Standard, Mar 1, 2017

Access to gainful employment is critical to the health of a community – allowing citizens to support their families, live an active and healthy lifestyle, and take part in the community in which they reside. Supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs, economic development, smart growth, and maintaining agricultural lands must be prioritized in order to ensure the health and vitality of Niagara Falls.

How I will achieve this:

• Liaise with current business owners to discuss challenges they face that can be addressed at a city level, to support the continuity and growth of their business
• Liaise with prospective business owners to discuss what resources they need in a community, and how Niagara Falls meets those needs
• Identify areas of potential collaboration with neighbouring municipalities, the province, or the federal government to support and promote Niagara

“For me, it’s about investing in our businesses and creating jobs. It’s about giving our youth a reason to stay here, raise their families, and build careers right here at home” – JM, St. Catharines Standard, Dec 16, 2013