City Councillor

Take a look into Harold's job as a City Councillor


Harold Usher added politics to his portfolio in 2000 by entering the Municipal level of Government with his election that year to the City Council of London, Ontario, Canada, representing Ward 6 of that city. He was re-elected in 2003 to Ward 6 and again in 2006 to the newly formed Ward 12 (half of the previous Ward 6). With his election in 2000, and re-elections in 2003 and 2006, he became the first and only person of African/Caribbean ancestry or of the local African Diaspora, to be elected to London City Council.

Harold is an advocate for: quality lifestyle, lifelong learning, healthy living, safe communities, sustainable social and economic development, human rights, anti-racism, anti-hate, diversity  and equality in the work place and among the workforce, opportunities and employment for the disenfranchised, housing for the poor and homeless and caring for the financially less fortunate and for those living below the poverty line, particularly youths, seniors, jobless, disabled, immigrants and foreign trained professionals, whose trainings are not being recognized.  He believes that “faith in God gives meaning and purpose to Human Life,” and he works to “inspire and empower individuals to better their personal disposition.”  He is a role model, mentor and coach to many and encourages others to do the same.

Harold’s priority on City Council is to improve and sustain the quality of life, our residents experience and enjoy, by continuing to:

1. Develop a vibrant, resilient, economy that offers HOPE, creates JOBS and provide needed SERVICES.

2. Provide, uphold, improve and maintain standard services, including;
 

  • a safe, healthy and peaceful environment,
  • timely removal of waste and snow,
  • adequate, safe drinking water,
  • safe roads, bike paths and trails,
  • sufficient recreation, sports and play facilities,
  • social and affordable housing,
  • proper traffic control,
  • noise control,
  • smoke control,
  • value added green technologies and products.

    • 3. Develop a JOB CREATION environment and atmosphere with opportunities for many trades, by providing services to accommodate new business. 

    4. Provision adequate and efficient transportation, including state of the art modern affordable, reliable and efficient Transit System, moving toward a “Bus Rapid Transit” (BRT).

    5. Establish more affordable Housing and apartments for people with disabilities and the poor.

    6. Encourage and accommodate diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace and the workforce as well as harmony in the neighbourhoods and the community.

    7. Encourage and make way for a safe, healthy and active environment.

    8. Create liveable communities, incorporating SMART GROWTH principles devoted to fiscally, socially and environmentally responsible land use.

    The challenge in achieving all these will be TIME and MONEY and how innovative Council can be in working together and efficiently.
     
    Finally, we need to respect each other, the position we hold and the people we represent.