***IMPORTANT MESSAGE: OCTOBER 13, 2022***
It has come to my attention that certain election campaign materials bearing my photo from 8 years ago have been circulated without my permission. Please be advised that I am NOT endorsing anyone for any position (local or regional councilor/Mayor/school trustee) in this upcoming municipal election. With Election Day fast approaching, I am and have only focused on my own campaign.
Sincerely,
Castro Liu
***
Dear Friends and Residents of Richmond Hill,
I am running to be re-elected as Ward 3 Councillor City of Richmond Hill.
It’s been an honour to represent you on council while working alongside (all levels of government/ leaders in the community, business and government) to ensure that Richmond Hill continues to be a safe and thriving community for all.
I pledge to focus on issues that matter most to residents of Ward 3, such as low property taxes, safety, efficient infrastructure, responsible residential developments, better transportation systems, and affordable housing.
Keeping property taxes low
Amid the rising cost of living, many residents are concerned about their finances and their ability to meet basic needs like food and shelter. Although inflationary pressures will also increase the operational costs to run the City, I am committed to keeping property taxes low and stable. I will find solutions to cap the City’s costs as well as work with other levels of government to pool funds together for important programs. I will also propose to freeze residential property taxes for four years.
Expanding Neighbourhood Watch Programs
I have been actively involved with assisting Ward 3 residents with forming their own Neighbourhood Watch programs, which have helped increase the safety in our neighbourhood. I am committed to continue participating and expanding Neighbourhood Watch programs, which is an effective way for residents to help York Regional Police maintain public safety and deter criminal activities. The collaboration provides increased opportunities to spread awareness and training, quickly identify problems, and implement effective strategies to reduce criminal and disorder.
Regulating Airbnb and short-term rental
Short-term, high income home-sharing businesses have grown significantly over the past few years, which brings about concerns such as housing affordability, low vacancy rates for long-term residents, and increased noise in residential neighbourhoods. I am committed to working with the By-law & Licensing Enforcement to bring about tighter regulation rules to the short-term rental market.
Implementing traffic calming measures
Speed control is a key factor in road safety. I am committed to continue evaluating and consulting with experts to ensure a proactive approach is taken to implement viable traffic calming measures such as the installation of speed humps, as well as education and awareness campaigns, to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
Renewing the focus on housing affordability
I welcome the province’s renewed focus on housing affordability and I am committed in exploring measures and recommendations for effective and positive ways to help address the complex issue of housing affordability. I will ensure that any discussions and proposals of affordable units and infrastructure projects will not overburden existing residents and that the building developments are compatible with the existing local character of our neighborhoods.
Improving efficiency and responsiveness
Our residents deserve the best City service. I am committed to finding simple solutions to effectively reduce the number of complaints made to local government staff. I will always welcome feedback and comments regarding how we can work together to promptly resolve disagreements, raise the community’s standards, increase awareness and enforcement of by-laws, assess and reassess what is working and not working, and do more to provide peace of mind for current and future generations of Richmond Hill Ward 3 residents.
I have been a Member of Council for 12 years with the proven leadership ability to build consensus and to successfully pull a community together. The residents of Ward 3 know that I have dedicated my time and energy into serving their best interests and will whole-heartedly continue to do so. The many years of living amongst and working for the Ward 3 residents of Richmond Hill have provided me with unique insights and experiences to understand how to effectively shape the future of our community. If I am re-elected, I will continue to use my influential skills and good working relationships to passionately fight for your needs to improve the quality of life in our community.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at voteliu2022@gmail.com.
Make your voice count. Vote on October 24, 2022!
Sincerely,
Castro Liu
