Council candidates: Cody Sebben

Introduce yourself to readers. Who are you?

My name is Cody Sebben. After growing up in Stratford, I went to school for behavioural science, and moved back after four years. My wife and I have two young children, I am a current member of Stratford city council, and also work as a rehabilitation facilitator supporting people living with brain injuries. I have one main priority, and that is to represent you. I have worked as your city councillor for eight years by being responsive, hosting monthly meetings and running with each of your issues as if it were my own. That’s the role of a councillor.

What are the core issues you are focused on this election?

Representation and tax rates. I have worked hard to be accessible these past eight years by hosting monthly meetings, consistently responding to your emails and phone calls and by being receptive to feedback for the issues that matter to you. I am a firm believer that governments should spend money as if it were their own – and Stratford is no exception. As a member of Stratford city council, I have been vocal and consistent in advocating that council needs to set reasonable targets for rate increases and draw a hard line between needs and wants while maintaining existing services.

Next year’s budget, like last year’s, will be presented and guided by the mayor. As a councillor, what will you do to keep the tax levy low?

For eight years I have been vocal and consistent in advocating that council needs to set reasonable targets for rate increases and draw a hard line between needs and wants. In my opinion each of the four budgets passed this term of council (5.46 per cent, 7.73 per cent, 6.97 per cent and 3.19 per cent) were unacceptable. The very recent change by this and previous council to not set a budget target is one contributing factor and I strongly believe council needs to set a budget target. I refuse to put further financial pressures on residents for any items that are not absolutely needed to maintain services.

Housing and homelessness in Stratford continues to be a challenge. What, in your opinion, is the strategy the city should be taking in building more homes and/or improving affordability?

Though the city currently has several effective programs in place, there is much work to be done. The challenge is where to spend the limited resources our city has in this area, and we must be sure we are spending effectively. By working and investing with community partners on housing, while also implementing minimum requirements for affordable housing ratios with new developments, we can both make an impact within our community and leverage those relationships for more effective solutions.

Are you in favour of the current council’s direction on the GTR? If not, what strategy would you be in favour of?

This is an ongoing and complex development. I believe pieces of the current plan have value, though there is much room for improvement. I was frustrated with council’s decision to move police headquarters to the edge of the city, rather than be considered as a part of this plan. Maintaining much of the existing superstructure is important. I do remain apprehensive about the potential costs of this project, and this will very much guide my opinion of what the site should become and the timeline.