2024 Mississauga Mayoral Candidate Profile - Sara Iqbal
/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 running for mayor because I believe that it is time for change and progress within our city. There have been countless years where candidates would make empty promises and I decided to make promises I will actually keep which will benefit our city. I see that the population is aging and it is time for the youth to be heard. Ever since I was young, I was interested in politics and would find myself interested in the Monday evening news, learning about key issues within the country and what politicians do to address them. A step in pursuing my interest in politics was to run for mayor of Mississauga. My dad was the one who inspired me to try running for mayor since he is always an advocate for me to try new things. While it might seem unconventional for a 19-year-old to run for mayor, there are several reasons why my candidacy could be both feasible and impactful. I offer a fresh perspective as a young person, I offer a unique viewpoint that differs from that of more seasoned candidates who are older. My experiences and concerns resonate better with younger voters and those seeking change in the city because I am aware of issues facing youngsters currently and have plausible solutions to address them. I understand there are major issues the city of Mississauga faces.
2. What makes you stand out over other candidates?
Well, to begin with I am 19 years old so many find that quite interesting. I also do not have a large platform of big promises I know I will not keep, I have a few key issues Mississauga residents find the most important, and I built my platform around addressing those issues such as the housing crisis, construction along Hurontario, and accessibility towards mental health services for seniors and teens. Another thing that makes me stand out is my ability to connect with the greater population of younger individuals because I am able to understand their concerns and struggles.
3. What are your campaign priorities and what's your approach to tackling them?
I have a few key issues Mississauga residents find the most important which I made my campaign priorities. I built my platform around addressing those issues such as the housing crisis, construction along major roads, and accessibility towards mental health services for seniors and teens. In order to tackle these issues, I have outlined what has currently been done through the 2024 Mississauga Budget and what has not been addressed. In order to tackle the housing crisis, I will support more affordable housing unit projects targeted towards the middle class and develop a solution to protect rental housing and developing affordable housing initiatives. To target the issue of conduction along major roads, I will impose district deadlines on construction workers to meet deadlines for projects. Lastly, in order to address the accessibility towards mental health services, Many individuals are finding it difficult to get help when their mental health is declining. Wait times for Develop comprehensive mental health programs that are accessible to all citizens, particularly focusing on young people. This could include the establishment of community-based mental health centers offering counseling and crisis services, and the integration of mental health education and resources into schools and universities.
4. What budget item is the most important for Mississauga?
The property tax item I believe is the most important for Mississauga. Property taxes play a vital role in providing a stable and predictable flow of income for the city. They are a primary source of revenue that supports a variety of essential services. The revenue generated from property taxes is used to fund critical services such as public safety (police, fire, emergency services), public schools, libraries, parks, and recreational facilities. It also supports public transit and road maintenance, which are essential for the smooth functioning of the city. Furthermore, property taxes help finance the maintenance and development of local infrastructure like roads, bridges, and public buildings. This maintenance is crucial for ensuring safety and enhancing the quality of life for residents. By funding essential services and infrastructure, property taxes help maintain and improve the overall economic stability of the city. This, in turn, attracts and retains businesses, which supports the local economy.
5. What are your three favourite aspects of Mississauga?
I love the multiculturalism within our city, Celebration Square, and the food spots.
6. How will you be actively supporting our local businesses if elected?
In order to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), I would initiate the creation and expansion of grant programs and low-interest loans. This would involve collaborating with local banks and credit unions to provide accessible financing options for businesses seeking to establish or expand their operations.
Additionally, I would foster partnerships with local colleges, universities, and business development centers to offer workshops, training, and mentorship programs. These resources would be instrumental in equipping business owners with essential skills, such as digital marketing, financial management, and sustainable business practices. To facilitate the establishment of new businesses or the transformation of existing ones, I would streamline the permitting and licensing processes. This could be achieved through the creation of a "one-stop-shop" for business regulatory issues or the appointment of a business liaison role within the city government.
In order to promote local commerce, I would launch a campaign to encourage residents and visitors to shop locally. This would include organizing events such as "shop local" days, supporting farmers' markets, and offering incentives to businesses that participate in local loyalty programs. Networking events would also be organized to enable business owners to connect with one another and larger corporations, thus fostering partnership opportunities. Business improvement areas would be encouraged, where business owners could collaborate to improve their local commercial districts. To support innovation and entrepreneurship, I would establish innovation hubs or incubators that would provide access to tools, resources, and expert advice. This would help businesses stay competitive in a rapidly changing global marketplace. Lastly, I would work towards ensuring that local government policies are aligned with the objective of fostering business growth. This could involve advocating for tax incentives, subsidies for sustainable practices, or improved infrastructure that benefits businesses, such as better broadband access.
7. What does Mississauga currently excel at?
Mississauga is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Canada, with a significant portion of its population born outside the country. The city celebrates this diversity through a range of cultural events and festivals, which serve to strengthen its social fabric and city-wide connections.
8. How would you communicate with residents and what communication standards can voters expect?
I will ensure to keep you updated through various channels such as newsletters, social media posts, and press releases regarding ongoing projects, policy changes, and local events. Additionally, I will hold regular open office hours where you can come in and discuss any of your concerns directly with me. This provides an opportunity for face-to-face interaction and personal engagement. Furthermore, I will organize town hall meetings both in-person and online to accommodate different schedules and preferences. These meetings would serve as forums for discussing major initiatives and receiving feedback from the community.
