Ashok Bangia --Markham Ward 5 candidate

Yorkregion.com
September 18, 2018

It would be an honour for me to represent Ward 5 Markham as a councillor, where I have resided with my wife and twin daughters for 13+ years and witnessed the phenomenal growth of the city.

I am a seasoned public servant, with a career spanning 43 years in the federal and provincial governments in India and Canada, respectively. My professional background is in transportation planning and engineering with three graduate degrees from leading institutions (Indian Institute of Technology in India and Michigan State in the USA).

In my last position at the Ministry of Transportation (Ontario), I was accountable for an innovative outsourcing partnership to improve quality of transportation services to the public.

I have a keen interest in being the voice of the common man.

I have been a voluntary member of the Markham environment advisory committee, where I planned and participated in Earth Day and Earth Hour events. I reviewed and provided feedback on the Markham Municipal energy plan and was a member of the stakeholders group. I am actively involved in promoting the Markham Textile Recycling Program.

I believe that my extensive experience in the government, knowledge of government legislation, decision-making processes and development of government policies will help me as a councillor.

Here are my top eight priorities to voice for the Markham community with full-time focus and drive:

1. Fair and Reasonable Fees for City Services

2. Economic Development and Job opportunities --Job creation / foster ease of starting/growing businesses. 

3. Affordable Supply of Housing --Basic and affordable housing for expanding population.

4. Transportation and Transit: Affordable transit. Active and safe transportation.

5. Improve Services for Seniors --Snow clearance.

6. Infrastructure --Infrastructure decisions effect lives of residents-from bike paths to sewer systems.

7. Climate Change and Environment: Mitigation measures from high-tech subway systems to bicycling paths and walkways. Innovative policies for greater environmental and energy sustainability.

8. Public Safety --Alleviation of crime and keeping community safe.