2024 Mississauga Mayoral Candidate Profile - Mike Matulewicz
/With the upcoming 2024 Mayoral By-election happening on June 10th, Modern Mississauga Media has reached out to all candidates inviting them to answer the same questions so voters can become more familiar with them.
Invitations went out to all candidates on Friday, May 3rd.
Click here to read all of the Mississauga Mayoral candidate profiles and check back often as responses will be posted within 72 hours of receipt.
Candidate answers are unedited and their contact information is at the bottom if you’d like to connect with them.
Click here to learn how to vote in the Mayoral election.
1. Why are you running for Mayor?
I am alarmed at the increased criminal activity in our community and its dramatic effect on my neighbours, whom all express deep concerns for their safety and inadequate police response.
I believe that my extensive corporate policing background gives me insights, that as Mayor and a member of the Peel Police Services Board, I can make a significant impact on this issue.
2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
Policing accounts for 43% of a home owners property tax. Peel Regional Police budget went from $446 million in 2000 to $666 million in 2024 with a projection of a Billion dollar budget within 4 or 5 years.
I am the only candidate with relative policing experience, that can ask the right questions to contain this 43% from becoming a Billion dollar annual expense while focusing on redirecting more officers into the community patrols.
3. What are your campaign priorities and what's your approach to tackling them?
“Protecting our families and homes at night.”
Pilot Project #1
Residential Camera Security Gate , uses existing ALPR Camera Systems, ( Automated Licence Plate Readers) discreetly installed on lamp standards at all main entrances to a residential community.
The purpose, to scan and read vehicle license plates coming into and exiting residential communities, checking for stolen or suspicious cars and through automated programs triggering a police response.
This adds an additional layer of night security, for our families, homes and communities.
Pilot Project #2
Digital Community Safety and Protection Program, is a plan to review existing digital enforcement , security and traffic flow systems operated by the City of Mississauga, to collect evidence on previously identified wanted vehicles, for the purpose of criminal case development and court presentation.
Example, a car has been stolen from a residence and an automated speed camera collected photographic evidence as the criminals sped past. This data would aid in the investigation and be used in court proceedings.
These initiatives would reduce the investigative workload of detectives by thousands of hours.
Implementation Plan.
Get council approval and assign appropriate staff to develop a comprehensive plan outlining goals and implantation time line for these projects.
Family Physician Recruitment Plan
For a 10 year commitment to serve Mississauga,
Paying student loans up to $100,000,
No property tax for 10 years,
Assistance with locating appropriate office space
And recruiting staff, etc.
Why
Projected 250,000 people will not have family doctor by 2026.
1200 to 1500 patients per doctor
to attract significant number of family doctors
for a healthy, more productive community.
Effect
reduced wait times in Hospital E.Rs,
reduced long term medical costs which will
pay back many times the original cash incentives
decrease burden on over worked family physicians.
Implementation Plan..
Get council approval and assign appropriate staff to develop and implement this strategy.
Addressing the affordable, priority policing on crime and traffic problems.
Implementation Plan.
Join the Peel Regional Police Service Board and forward motions for review of existing policies to prioritize front line service etc.
4. What budget item is the most important for Mississauga?
Policing 43% of homeowners property tax.
5. What are your three favourite aspects of Mississauga?
The multi-cultural world city feel, that our diverse population brings to our community.
Abundance of multi purpose green spaces to enjoy leisure and sports activities. Credit River Parks, Lake Ontario walkways etc.
The many festivals, activities and entertainment that have been a hallmark of our prosperous city.
6. How will you be actively supporting our local businesses if elected?
I view the position of Mayor as part of a team of 12 counsellors each with their own strengths. The Mayor should not be the focus of every major issue but the enabler of others, to champion issues on behalf of the city.
This is one such issue, where the local counsellor has the experience and understanding of each unique business community and should be supported fully by the Mayor, to help their relevant community business’s to grow.
7. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
There are many things that Mississauga excels at, such as a vibrant and flourishing arts community, attracting many small businesses, and world class health care centres to name just a few.
8. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards can voters expect?
Accountability starts with direct open dialogue and transparency with community and news media.
In addition to established channels, a regularly scheduled news media scrum where no limits are placed on questions to the Mayor should be a weekly or by-weekly event.
