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Sara Iqbal
They may still in the future!
Top three issues
Biography
My name is Sara Iqbal and I am 19 years old. I am currently attending Toronto metropolitan university studying business management (law and business) with hopes of going to law school in the near future. I have been living in Mississauga since I was 4 and I have a vision I wish to achieve if elected as mayor. 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 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. There is a current housing crisis within the city and the prices of either renting or owning a home are out of reach for 80% of households in Mississauga. According to the recent census conducted, there are about 200,000 individuals under the age of 25 and I want to address concerns they face. Addressing these concerns will allow me to better represent the interests and perspectives of the young population here in Mississauga that may feel underrepresented in the local government. I want to engage with the youth of the city and my candidacy can energize young voters, leading to higher political engagement among the youth of Mississauga and beyond considering the historical low turnout for municipal elections. Having grown up in the city my entire life, I have firsthand knowledge of the communities, needs, and areas for growth and improvement. I wish to make a change in the city which I call my home along with making it a better place for the rest of the 800,000 individuals who also call Mississauga their home. While running for mayor is a significant responsibility, with thorough preparation, my clear platform, and community support, I could offer a necessary voice to Mississauga's political landscape that is much needed. Everyone’s voice matters in this city, and I will do my best to address areas of concern and make sure to implement policies that will make Mississauga a better place for everyone. As a mayoral candidate, my platform is centered on key areas: enhancing accessibility to mental health services for youth and seniors, tackling the housing crisis by expediting developer approvals, and invigorating small businesses through an increase in community events. Being aware of the challenges that our younger residents face today, I bring forward practical and impactful solutions to address these pressing issues.
Reason for running
I will address crucial issues Mississauga residents face. Compared to other candidates, I am much younger and offer a fresh perspective on issues I see first-hand our city faces. My platform focuses on increasing accessibility to mental health services for youth, which is a critical issue. Many young people face mental health challenges, and my commitment to addressing this can make a significant positive impact on their lives. I would ensure schools have proper staff to cater to the needs of students who need the help the most. Being a young candidate myself, I have a firsthand understanding of the challenges and aspirations of the younger generation. This makes me more relatable and capable of addressing their specific needs because I resonate better with them. My plan to address the housing crisis by speeding up developer approvals demonstrates a proactive approach to solving problems that affect many young adults, including affordability and accessibility of housing. By boosting small businesses through increased community events, I am fostering a vibrant local economy, which can provide more job opportunities and foster a sense of community engagement among young people. Young voters often seek change and fresh perspectives in leadership. My candidacy represents a break from the status quo and a chance to bring new ideas and energy to the city’s politics. My commitment to engaging with the community through events and initiatives shows that you value input and collaboration, which is appealing to young voters who want their voices heard and their ideas considered. By voting for mw, young people in Mississauga can elect a mayor who not only understands their concerns but is also dedicated to creating a supportive and thriving environment for their future.