Balazs Lajtha · Councillor-at-Large
Nobody should have to choose gas over groceries.
We should have other options than a car
Between payments, insurance, gas and repairs, a car eats more than a quarter of the paycheque. Many families can't afford a car and still need two.
Let the money go to farmers, not the grocery moguls
We grow enough potatoes to feed ten New Brunswicks. We lead Atlantic Canada in maple syrup. We grow 50 million pounds of blueberries a year and ship most of it away. The orchards and farms along the river still grow plenty of fruit and vegetables for the city. And yet, one in three children is food insecure. The city market that was a lively scene of commerce is now a glorified food court.
Community is our cheapest and most powerful resource
Covid and the lockdowns have torn into Saint John's social fabric. And when we expected relief, we were hit with the housing and affordability crisis. Life has returned to the pubs and patios. But fewer and fewer people can afford to go out. Dating and friendships have become a luxury.
I chose Saint John, because I saw that it is the kind of city where my kids can walk to school, to their friends. Where I can get around without a car. Where I will know my neighbours, and will have an easy time to integrate in the community. Some things ended up being harder than others. After fumbling through the obstacles, I want to make it easier for everyone.
I bring more than twenty years of software engineering experience. I have practiced discovering needs and pain points, using data to validate ideas, building and adjusting solutions to an evolving environment.