This installment of my 'Ask Me Anything' series concerns my plan for the brownfields around the city, and, by extension, my plans for developing Kingston. My proposed solution offers a spread of perks on a variety of fronts, and benefits everyone and everything from the developers to the environment to the community as a whole. 

If you’ve ever seen me canvassing the neighbourhoods of Kingston, you may have also noticed a car following slowly behind. While it may look like a scene from some pulse-pounding political John Grisham thriller, the situation is far from dangerous – though for me, it is thrilling. 

This final pillar in my platform is probably the one I hear about most often in my door-to-door visits to Kingston residents - and it's easy to see why. Like all the pillars in my campaign, it affects everyone, but it stands alone in its ability to touch everyone very tangibly.

Even to someone who isn't from Kingston, it’s obvious that this cityscape is chalk full of beauty, diversity and also, incredible potential. From Rideau Heights to the waterfront to the east end, there’s so much room for development; we just need to commit the time and resources to pursuing these avenues. 

I wanted to take a moment to share a few of my favourite pictures from the press conference where I announced my candidacy for mayor. I think the energy captured in these photos embodies the enthusiasm, optimism and unity that is part and parcel of my platform. 

I’ve always been a vision based person. When I look at something, I easily see what isn't there yet, but could be. I love picking out the unrealized potential in people and things. This is precisely why seizing economic opportunities stands alone as one of my primary pillars of my platform. 

Kingston has long been praised as one of the most historically relevant cities in Canada due to its pivotal role in countless country-shaping events. Today, this tradition not only continues, but is gaining momentum as a living, breathing, force to be reckoned with – and it’s precisely this reckoning that demands attention. 

Ladies and gentlemen - good afternoon and thank you all for coming. It’s wonderful to see many leaders and representatives from across our community here today, as well as many current and former councillors and mayors – both past and present.