James Dean
THE CANDIDATE WITH A CAUSE
Knoxdale-Merivale
Latest News
June 2nd, 2010
James Dean Wants Lansdowne Decision Handed to Newly Elected City Council.
March 29th, 2010
James Dean Launches the Can You Hear Us Now? Campaign for Voter Turnout!
YOUR VOICE ~ MY COMMITMENT ~ OUR COMMUNITY
Bio of James Dean
My Commitment to Knoxdale-Merivale and the City of Ottawa
I grew up in the Knoxdale-Merivale neighbourhood. I went to St. Gregory’s, Frank Ryan and Merivale High School and I continue to live here. Currently, I am president of the housing cooperative where I live. I’ve been on the board of directors for the past 6 years.
When I first joined the board, there were 10 units empty, the homes were falling apart and we had very little community involvement. Now, we have a wait list of 6 months to get in, we have done major renovations on almost all town homes and the community is participating more than ever. As a point of interest, we did all our renovation without touching our capital reserve. It continues to remain at approximately 1 million dollars. How did we do this? We set our budget at the beginning of the year and did not stray from it. An example: it took 5 years to replace all our fences. We used the old Nepean motto of “Pay as you go” and did not spend our reserves or borrow from the bank. Another point of interest, in the 6 years that I have been on the Board of Directors, we have consistently kept member payment increases to 1 or 2 % per year. There is no need for unnecessary increases when there is proper management in place.
Another example of my commitment to the community, my family has been in the Kitchissippi ward for the past 200 years. We even have a street named after us. McEwen Avenue was named after my great grandparents. Last election Shawn Little was stepping down in the Kitchissippi ward. The ward was open and I would have had a much higher chance of winning in that ward rather than run against the “Great Gord Hunter”. Last election I was the only person to run against Gord Hunter.
I believe in my issues, I believe in my community and I believe in the democratic process. I grew up in Knoxdale-Merivale and still live here. This is where my heart belongs. I am not running for city council for a pay cheque. I currently have a pay cheque. I am resigning my position at the satellite telephone company. I will be letting the employee’s run my property management company.
I am running for city council to better our home, our community and our city. The same as I have been doing for the past 6 years where I live. I am 100% committed to the good people of Knoxdale-Merivale and bettering the city of Ottawa.