My name is Mohamed Roble and I am running for office as City Councillor for Gloucester-Southgate Ward in the upcoming October 27, 2014, municipal city election.
I am running for office because I believe City Council needs to be more reflective of the diversity of people in Ottawa South and its constituents. As the youngest candidate still vying for office in Gloucester-Southgate I am also running to represent the youth voice in hopes of inspiring greater political engagement.
I have proudly served in the Canadian Forces for seven years as well as being an active community member in Ottawa South. My priorities for our community will address community safety and security, public transit, urban infrastructure, environmental protection, and finally greater civic and youth engagement.
Gloucester-Southgate ward has one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the City. Often times, people do not know the role the municipal government plays in their everyday lives. Throughout my campaign trail I will be informing residents about the importance of civic engagement and why their voice matters.
Regards,
Mohamed Roble
Candidiate City Council
Ward 10 – Gloucester-Southgate
[email protected]
613-255-1496
Facebook Mohamed Roble: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007376957930
Twitter: @RobleWard10
Instagram: votemohamedroble
Website: http://www.mohamedroble.ca/
Youtube: Mohamed Roble
Biographical details
Mohamed Roble is 29 years old and resides in Herongate area of Gloucester-Southgate ward. He has lived in Ottawa for the past two decades with the majority of that time in Ottawa South. Mohamed graduated from the University of Ottawa in 2008 with an undergrad in International Development. Following his undergrad, Mohamed has proudly served with the Canadian Forces for 7 years as a reserve medic. Mohamed has recently completed his Master’s in Education and plans to continue his studies in the future.
Mohamed actively volunteers with various local organizations across Ottawa South. Mohamed is particularly interested in youth mentorship and political engagement. Mohamed’s hobbies include photography, fitness, and travel.
Age: 29
Family: Oldest of 7 children.
Marital Status: Single
Education: University of Ottawa
– Bachelor with Honours in Social Science, International Development and Globalization, 2008
– Master in Education, 2014
Employment:
– Proudly served with the Canadian Forces for 7 years as a Medic.
– 4 years of development work in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East
- · Why are they running?
Mohamed believes that City Council should be more representative and reflect of our local community. New insights and fresh ideas are required to tackle the growing challenges that affect our community and Ottawa as a whole. It’s time that City Council hears a new voice offering a different perspective.
Major Priorities:
Community Safety and Security –
According to the Ottawa Police Service crime trends report (2012-2013), only 43% of residents in Gloucester-Southgate feel safe to walk alone at night compare to a 60% average across all wards. Community safety and security can be better addressed in our community by increasing collaborations between the Police Service and community groups. I believe a neighborhood watch initiative alongside Police Services will decrease criminal activity and foster overall safety and security in our ward.
Environment:
Advocate for clean drinking water and surface water in our community. Constituents in Gloucester-Southgate have expressed to me their concern about the TransCanada’s proposed Energy East pipeline that wold run through South Ottawa. Their concern is that drinking water and surface water maybe contaminated. Being a resident of Gloucester-Southgate, I too share their concern over our drinking water and surface water.
Civic and Youth Engagement:
In the previous Municipal Election, Gloucester-Southgate ward had the second lowest voter turnout rate at 40%. I believe municipal politics needs to be made more relevant for younger people. By addressing the concerns of the youth, they are more likely to actively engage with the democratic process.
- Do they live in the ward they are running in?
Yes, I live in the Herongate area of Gloucester-Southgate ward. I live specifically in Fairlea Crescent.
- Detail their past political experience or activism (volunteering, campaigning, donations, employment) at any level of government or political party. Also, do they have any experience as a lobbyist or for a lobbying non-profit organization?
I’ve been a long term activist for youth political engagement. During my university career I was and still am a staunch supporter of reducing the increasing cost of tuition for university students. I volunteered with the John Fraser liberal campaign. I volunteer for various organizations both locally and across Ottawa supporting youth initiatives.
- How will you fundraise?
Fundraising is being done through my website: www.mohamedroble.ca Also, my campaign launch will hopefully garner some financial support from the community. My campaign launch will be held at the Albion-Hetherington Recreation Centre on Sunday, August 31, 2014 between 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.
- Do they have any potential pecuniary interests (declared conflict of interest) ie. ties (financial, family, otherwise) with builders, developers, construction companies, etc. Any boards or associations you will have to step down from?
No.
- What do they think was the biggest issue in the ward last term and how was it handled? What will be the biggest issue/s next term?
One of the biggest issues in the 2010 election was crime and safety in our community. In this election, I believe it is still is a major concern especially around the Herongate and Heatherington area. Crime and safety must be addressed and cannot be a reoccurring issue from one election to the next.